Lupus Support Group

Hello everyone-

I am a 45 year old female. When I was about 21 was diagnosed with degenerative arthritis and asceptic necrosis. In my mid 30's had both ny hips replaced. About 2 yrs ago diagnosed with RA. Then about a year ago Lupus. My ANA blood level is in the 800-900 range so now I am on Methotrexate and Plaquenil. Today I am to take my 2nd oral dose of the chemo and I am dreading it. Has anyone had experience with this type of treatment and if so what are the benifits of this treatment? Thanks for any and all help. This is so scary and stressful!

hi and welcome to the group. The people here are very caring. I haven't had to do the whole chemo thing, but several people here have. I am sure someone will answer soon. I hope you post often.

Alison

Post edited by: redhairali, at: 02/03/2010 02:09 PM

Im take metho and it makes me a little sick. Ive been on it for about 2 months but im not really sure if its doing what its suppose to be doing. haha Its suppose to kill rapidly growing cells or something like that. as you can tell, im not expert lol. But i will say that the bellyaches arent fun. Maybe someone else will have a better answer. there are a few people on here that take MTX or have taken it before.

-Kris

Welcome to the group, it is very supportive here and you will make lots of great friends. I am sorry you are suffering, I also suffer from multiple diseases/illnesses so I can relate. Its very difficult but I find staying positive, focused and strong helps get me through day by day. I have not been given MTX get myself so I have nothing to add there. Your ANA levels are very high, I have never heard of such high levels before. I will have to ask what mine were last time they were checked but I dont think they were anywhere past the 200's. I hope you enjoy the group as much as we all do. Anything you need we are here for you! Keep posting. Hugs, Stacey

hi and welcome to the group! wendy

Hi Kathy. Your ANA level is high, but not too high (mine used to be 2000-3000), and may be reduced by lupus meds. I think a rheumatologist is the best person to treat lupus/RA or any autoimmune combinations.

Hope that you will improve, and look forward to seeing your posts.

Marie

Yes I agree about the RA specialists. I have a good one. My GP told me that my ANA levels were the highest he had ever seen but his only suggestion was to meditate and not stress out! I realize that could help but wasn't the whole solution!

Thanks so much for the response. I look forward to actually talking to people who understand what I am going thru.

Bless all of you!

I can't believe all the people who have sent a msg of encouragement since I joined a couple of hours ago! You all are great and I really look forward to chatting with all of you. Feeling a little exhausted right now though so gonna head to bed! Thanks everyone, really!!

Have a wonderful night and sleep well, talk to you soon. Gentle Hugs!

Hi,

Welcome to the group! I was on the methotrexate for 6 months slowly increasing the dosage. I just came off of it 2 months ago though to try and have a baby...But for me the nausea wasn't too bad as long as I took it with dinner and didn't snack that night. It did give me a headache that night and I was more fatigued the day after. I think the worst effect of it, for me anyways, is the hair loss. I have been off it for 2 months now and I'm still losing my hair! I ended up having to cut it to give it more fullness about a month ago. So yeah...Thats the joy of methotrexate in a nut shell. But everyone seems to react in different ways. I do recommend the dinner thing though...That was my drs. advice and it worked for me...

Good Luck!

Kelly