[mysharonna]

Hi everyone,

I am finally down to 5 mg of pred every other day now...but the chostrochondritis is raging back the lower my dose gets. I cant seem to get rid of it. My pulmonologist prescribed arthrotec.


Just curious if anyone has taken it and if so, how long it takes to take effect on pain and inflammation.

I havent called my rheumy yet, since I am just fed up with going to the doctor every few days with all of the problems I have had this winter, and honestly, not sure what anyone can do for this condition. My facial rash and lesions are returning, but my bloodwork looks good- I am kind of suffering in silence. I dont want to take any more pred, the 60mg dose for the past 3 months had put on 26 pounds of fat, and my arms and legs look like giant water filled sausages.

Thanks for your input,
Sharon

 

[Maia]

I took it briefly, and found it only minimally helpful. Sorry! But others here had great relief from it and it will also help to protect the tummy so it has a couple of good things going for it. If you tend towards constipation it can also help with that (my rheumy said her elderly arthritis patients love it because it helps their pain and their constipation!).

Generally speaking you should notice some relief within a day or two, but don't expect maximum relief until you've taken it daily for 2-3 weeks. This is true for any NSAID really.

Good luck!

 

[mysharonna]

Ha Maia,

Funny how you mention the cure for constipation....these things had me in the bathroom constantly!! So much so that I had to stop taking them - I've been taking plain aspirin since which has finally put the problem under control.

I hope others have better luck than I did!
Sharon