Hi Everyone,
I am new to all this and am changing rhuemtologist in the middle of a med change but I know I got support. I was so overwhelmed at my last visit that I didn't get to ask many questions.
They took me off Imuran after my last vist due to an infection in my chest and sinus that kept recurring and anti botics clear then it came back. They told me that sometimes this happens with imuran is this true?
They are giving my body a two week break then will see where the infection at and start me on methotrax which I have major concerns about. From what I understand it can be harder on the system but also due to my lungs which is why I was on Imuran to start with.
What are the differences between the two ? Which works better or is it different case by case ?
Has anyone else had constant infections on imuran ?
I was on imuran at one point and the same thing happened to me, once I stopped the imuran the constant infections and pneumonia stopped happening. both of these are immunosupresants and work differently on each person. Good luck hope this helps.
hopeful did you have issues with the methotreaxte ? I am worried about the fibord tumors my friend who has RA was on it nad he passed away due to the tumors in his lungs
I refused any further treatment with biologics after the imuran, I have several nodules in my lungs as well that are monitored yearly, I suspect they're a result of the meds but don't know for sure. If you're concerned talk to your doctor he can best advise you, as everyone reacts differently to meds and everyone's lupus is different.
Hopeful thats what scares me more hten anything else is the nodules !! I have shrinking lung diease already which is responding to the biologics but as soon as they remove me off them I start to get sick again I would hate to fibrods or nodles n my lungs on top of that because I know what it likes not being able to breathe :-( I am going talk to new doc on thursday because I had to change docs due to mine leaving. I am new to all this so I have so many questions.
Those nodules are common occurence with RA. About 30% of all RA patients develop them. They are not a result of the MTX. There is a very rare pneumitis associated with MTX. By rare I mean you are more likley to be struck by lightening walking down the street. It reverses pretty quicly in any event.
There are some things that happen early on with MTX that can be pretty unpleasent. Generally they pass or can be controlled. Changing from pills to injections for example. These are powerful meds, but keep in mind, while individual response may vary, the fact is that unless the benefit far outweighs the risk, they wouldn't be used. Its pretty easy to lose site of why we are using these meds in the first place. Where will you end up with uncontrolled disease?
TJ what you said makes alot of sense. The damage being done without it is alot worse I just worry alot but thats because I am startin with a new rehumy after leaving one I really turst due to her leaving. I had a really bad one before her :-( The damage is much worse the diease can do. I am sure the side effects will be similar to imuran when i first started that.