Are you taking it for Lupus?

My mother wasn't happy with it, renounced it after 6 months. She would get a bad rash (which, in the case of Lupus, I believe it kind of defeats the purpose), diarrhea, sometimes nausea, and she would itch badly all over. Oh, and she was dizzy all the time. Also lost some weight, which was good, in her case .

All the side effects weren't worth the therapeutic effect, she was miserable. I've heard of other people on Arava that felt lousy during the treatment. In fact, come to think of it, never heard of anybody on Arava that was spared the side effects, and horrific side effects.

Are you taking it yet?

....Well let me explain. I was taking Arava and I know that when I was last on it (about a month ago when I stopped) I felt wonderful. I dont know if it was just a coincidence or not. I was up and able to do alot more than I can now. I felt a bit more energetic rather than so fatigued most of the time.

I was on methotrexate but that only lasted a full 3 months before I ended up in the E.R. because it was over dosing my liver.

I have been curious what others take. I trust my doctor, he is a wonderful rhuematologist, I just know that the experience of others can be a good guide for trying out new medications.

I want to try to go back to work next week. I havea job interview as an office manager tomorrow in a small office. Actually its so small I think I am the only one in the actual office. I communicate via the phone with everyone else out in the field. I just want to make sure I dont end up over stressing myself out. I havent been to work for over 5 years.

What is your mother on now?

I have found that Kaiser Perm. insurance does NOT like to diagnose each and every auto-immune disease one has. I wasnt the only one I knew that had this issue but it was 7 years of me constantly having symptoms and positive tests when I finally had to switch to another HMO. Well my new doctor was appalled to learn that after reviewing my records that Kaiser wouldnt give me a proper diagnoses.

What you said, that you've only been diagnosed after switching insurances, after you've suffered for years just gives me goose bumps. Please elaborate. I've been struggling with the same kind of issues with my mother, who suffered from Lyme for years, and every story I hear helps - makes me feel I'm not the only one, and teaches me something. Even though it's always painful to read through it, or hear it over.