Test Results

[Paulin46]

I received my test results yesterday. The doctor was testing to see if my live enzymes were normal. We are experimenting with the use of Diclofenac. I used to take a higher dose and then they found my liver enzymes were elevated. We weren't sure if it was the diclofenac so she took me off it. I came back to normal, but the pain worsened. So she is trying to find the safest suitable dose for me. I will be tested every month as we slowly increase the dose.

The other test results that came back were my bone Xrays. She was checking to see if I had rhuematiod arthritis or osteo. Turns out I have osteoarthritis in my hips. I also have bone spurs in my ankles. So lots of the aches and pain in the rest of my body are due to Lupus. We will be trying to control the pain with pain meds before we resort to Pred.

Thanks for listening.

[LoopyLoo]

Hi Pauline,

Haven't seen you around for a while so I hope you're doing ok. I also tried Diclofenac but it did absolutely nothing for me.

My doc then tried Indomethacin, as they were quite strong he prescibed tablets to help my stomach. Again they were no good.

Recently I've been taking over the counter Ibuprofen then 2 hours later soluble co-codamol which has helped me alot. My doc is ok with this. I think some people feel they have to keep increasing the dose of a med to feel better when it may just be finding the right combination.

I hope you find the right med to work for you, it's no fun being in pain.

Hugs,

Pam xxx

[pauline1946]

i have been on diclofenac for a while, and my liver enzymes are
up. thanks for your post i'll stop taking it to see what happens.

[alobreto]

Hi, Paula! ;)
I haven't been around much of late and it was good to see your post.

I've been on diclofenac, too, with great results... except for the liver enzymes. The pain doc has cut me way back on my dosage and the enzymes are better. I hasten to add that I have liver involvement with the lupus so that is also a factor.

My pain meds have been changed around with the decrease in the NSAID and that has been key to staying out of too much misery. I agree that sometimes a combination can work better than a single drug in a high dosage. I think you can actually get away with taking less medicine by taking 2 drugs instead of 1.

I hope you get this sorted out soon. Pain just drags you down in every way.

Hugs!
Angela :)