Since September, I have seen 3 different Rheumatologists. Each one agreeing with my Lupus diagnosis, but with different things to say about it. The first doctor doesn't say much. She asks how I'm feeling, bends my joints some, gives me more medicine, then tells me to come back within X amount of weeks. Doctor number 2 was concerned about my kidneys and decided she wanted to treat my Lupus "aggressively" which resulted in IV steroid treatments that my body hated. However, she also prescribed my Methotrexate, which I have yet to take, but I am aware it is a common drug in the autoimmune and cancer world. Doctor number 3 says my kidneys are fine and wants to put me on CellCept. HELP!! I may have overwhelmed myself by going to see 3 different doctors. With all these meds flying at me, how do I know which is more beneficial in the long run? Is it either/or with Methotrexate and CellCept, or both? If you've taken either or both, what are some of the side effects you have experienced? My hair is already thinning as it is...eeek! Which may be more beneficial? I realize I need to ask my doctor(s) these questions, however, it is nice to hear from REAL people, rather than those who get paid off of me. How many of you have seen multiple doctors, and how was your experience? Let me know! Thanks ahead, and I hope you all had a wonderful Holiday!
There's quite a few misconceptions between 3 rheumo's there and when your getting that it will throw you mind all over the place, yes you have lupus but it's not telling you one thing or another.
I can't help with cellcept never been on it nore methotrexate but it's more or less identical to Dapsone which i took...you have to have regular bloods and checks to make sure it's no affecting your organs.
This is what throwed me when reading your discussion the 2nd rheumo said there was concern about your kidneys...well i suffer with organ trouble and tried for methotrexate totaly refused because of my organs.
I really do hope members reply and put a better aspect your way on these issues.
I take methotrexate and have been for several years. It does help me I take a very very high dose 12 pills a week because my lupus is extremely active. I do find my hair falls out, I have thin hair also so it is extremely frustrating when your in the shower and you have a clump of hair in your hand. My solution snap hair extension!!! Methotrexate has different effects on different people my kidneys are ok not great but ok. But
(Sorry hot the reply button before I was done) I have discoid lupus and my skin is terribly affected and methotrexate is at this point the medication that keeps it at bay somewhat. I do get sick if I take it on an empty stomach because of the high dosage. But again everyone responds differently to medications.
Going to 3 different doctors with 3 different opinions is rough maybe go to the one where you felt the most comfortable and you feel you will get the best care possible for yourself. I find that you never get the same the information from different doctors. My daughter is actually going to medical school because she sees what I go through with doctors.
Hang in there and (((((HUGS)))) to you!
I have tried both cellcept and methotrexate and neither worked for me. On the cellcept i got optic nueritis and lost my vision, and on methotrexate i got lupus dermatitis all over. Now i am on cytoxan every 6 months for 6months. Both meds did not have a side affect that stands out though.
For the 3 doctors thing, go with who you have an open relationship with. You have to be comfortable enough to talk about private issues. It took me several hospitals to find the dr. I feel most comfortable with. Good luck and keep your head up! We will fight this disease together.
I'm new to this forum, but I've had lupus for 4 years. I wouldn't take anything until I clarified whether I have kidney issues or not... I don't understand why there would be confusion between all 3 docs.
I've never taken Cellcept, but I've been on injectable Methotrexate for 6 months. I have very few side effects and have seen a lot of benefit. Prior to Mtx, I was on Plaquenil and Quinacrine (another antimalarial) and had to go off when I developed an allergy to both of them. I feel much more stable on the Mtx than I did on the antimalarials.
We are all different - you may have a completely different experience than mine. I just wanted to share my experience with it. I do see my doctor every 2 months, and I have blood work done at every visit. So far, everything has been fine.
