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Treatment choice-Arthritis
Former Member
Posts: 1,876,323 The Mix Honorary Guru
Hey,I'm just wanting a bit of advice on treatment choice. I have rheumatoid arthritis, and am 20 years old. For the past year I've been taking a drug called methotrexate, but recently I've had doubts about it. I've wanted to drink alcohol, which I can't on methotrexate, and also it's made me feel a bit sick this last few weeks.
Anyway, yesterday I saw my consultant, and after a horrible appointment, which I spent most of in tears trying to make him understand how I was feeling, he's taken me off the drug. However, he hasn't put me on any other drug, apart from continuing with the ibuprofen. I was led to believe from talking to the nurses and my g.p that there were other treatment options, but he seemed very reluctant. He briefly mentioned another drug, I think Sulphalazine, but he didn't say much about it.
I don't think I'll be too bad without the medication, my consultant said he doesn't envisage 'a massive flare up', but it's worrying, and long term it's unlikely I'll manage without more hardcore treatment.
I was just wondering really what options I have, and how much say I have. He's said that we'll see how things go, and if I need to go back on the drugs, which is likely, then if 'I'm really against the methotrexate', we'll think about it then. But he just didn't seem at all willing to consider other options, and I guess I'm feeling a bit trapped. I know he thinks that drinking alcohol isn't that big a deal, but for a uni student it's a big part of life!
Any advice appreciated x
Anyway, yesterday I saw my consultant, and after a horrible appointment, which I spent most of in tears trying to make him understand how I was feeling, he's taken me off the drug. However, he hasn't put me on any other drug, apart from continuing with the ibuprofen. I was led to believe from talking to the nurses and my g.p that there were other treatment options, but he seemed very reluctant. He briefly mentioned another drug, I think Sulphalazine, but he didn't say much about it.
I don't think I'll be too bad without the medication, my consultant said he doesn't envisage 'a massive flare up', but it's worrying, and long term it's unlikely I'll manage without more hardcore treatment.
I was just wondering really what options I have, and how much say I have. He's said that we'll see how things go, and if I need to go back on the drugs, which is likely, then if 'I'm really against the methotrexate', we'll think about it then. But he just didn't seem at all willing to consider other options, and I guess I'm feeling a bit trapped. I know he thinks that drinking alcohol isn't that big a deal, but for a uni student it's a big part of life!
Any advice appreciated x
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Comments
In terms of the drugs, the ibuprofen is an NSAID which is a reasonable choice for pain relief in RA. The methotexate is a DMARD (Disease modifying antirheumatic drug). There are other DMARDs including sulfasalazine.
Obviously the choice of drug is up to you and the consultant to agree between you depending on how well they work and what side effects you get. But it is important to get regular follow up with RA, as I'm sure you know.
As for alcohol, it's for you to decide which is your priority.
Take care.