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Here's to Your Health:  Important info about Arthritis drugs...!!!  |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
 Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 1:48:30 PM
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I have inflammatory arthritis and fibro. I know many of us on the forum do. Well, last spring after my regular check up w/my rheumatologist, my liver enzymes were still high, and my sed rate had climbed again. I was worried about my liver and just decided on a "drug holiday" I quit everything! I had been slowly "missing" my humira shots anyway, forgetting to get my script or missing my shot day. Regardless, at my next chkup my bloodwork was a mess DESPITE being off all the drugs! Over the summer, I've tried a ton of stuff and recently I've been having trouble walking again and my right elbow just doesn't want to participate in any kinds of positive activities!!! (including chores, knitting, typing.....) It's making me very cranky!!! So, to try to cut my story shorter...I've been thinking of going back on my meds, despite the risks, so I can function. Then I found this little article in my newspaper....
FDA orders stronger warnings for four major arthritis drugs
by Ricardo Alonso-Zaldivar
In short, Thursday last, the FDA decided to flag the four major arthritis drugs with it's strongest warning information the "black box"! Enbrel, Remicade, Humira and Cimzia. Apparently, due to the nature of these drugs, we can become sick with a very deadly fungal infection called histoplasmosis. It acts very much like the flu and by the time your dr. figures out that it's not, the infection can spread to other organs in the body. So far, of the cases they've looked at of people taking these drugs AND getting the infection, (240) at least 21 of them had a late diagnosis in which over half (12) died.
I knew going in to my drug regime what a lot of the risks of this kind of medication. I got a few things from my resistance being lowered (mostly rashes) but I wouldn't necessarily consider going to the dr over a stuffy nose or even an upper respiratory infection until it got too bad...I'm just not that way.
So, anyway. I'm really re-thinking my humira. Although I don't think there are a lot of options but the ongoing pain... Still, I thought I would bring it up here, since there seems to be a lot of discussion about this subject. I don't mean to panic but I think it's certainly a conversation to have with your dr. I will at my upcoming appointment. |
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Homespun Livin
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Brenda
Louisiana
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 2:41:23 PM
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Hey T,
I just posted right under this one about Arthritis and Organice Apple Cider Vinegar. I found this great info at earthclinic.com Since I have a family history of arthritis and in the last year or so have begun to have pain in my hands, elbows, knees and feet. My hands are especially painful and swollen. I am gonna try it. Can't hurt. I surely don't want to go the drug route. Thank you for posting the information, that is scary!! I am going to pass it along to my dad.
"Love one another." |
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StarMeadow
True Blue Farmgirl
940 Posts
T
MI
940 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 3:03:54 PM
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| Yeah Brenda...I saw your post about vinegar. Funny, my hubby and I were just having a conversation about ACV before I got on to check the forum! I'm going to try it too. I have used caplets in the past but I don't seem to think it's all that effective that way. I certainly never noticed any lessening of my pain anyway. (Nor any of that promised weight loss cure either LOL) My stuff all started in the worst way about 44 too. I'm 48 now. I kinda had a cascade of issues after being hospitalized with a bout of diverticulitis. |
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Homespun Livin
True Blue Farmgirl
409 Posts
Brenda
Louisiana
USA
409 Posts |
Posted - Sep 06 2008 : 7:12:47 PM
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I think it may have something to do making sure the ACV is organic and unprocessed. I'm not sure though. Anything is worth a try to stay off those awful meds for sure. Isn't it odd how when a person reaches that 40 mark, that things start falling apart? I tried a daily walk and it is unbearable for my feet. A bicycle ride is easier on them but then my lower back pays the price. I can't win for losing. :(
"Love one another." |
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lilwing
True Blue Farmgirl
1403 Posts
Brooke
Fulshear
Texas
USA
1403 Posts |
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Here's to Your Health: Important info about Arthritis drugs...!!! |
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Important info about Arthritis drugs...!!!
