I have been diagnosed with fibromyalsia..my ana is positive, dr. started me on 30mg. prednisone and methatrexate....I need to know the side effects of both..
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Holy Cow!  These are NOT appropriate drugs for a diagnosis of Fibromyalgia!  Find a new doctor ASAP! These are very, very, very dangerous drugs!\n\nBest wishes and good luck.\n\nP.S. I just did a Medline search of the scientific medical literature and there were NO research studies listed for the treatment of Fibromyalgia by either of these dangerous drugs!
63406
Almost sounds like fibromyalgia but I could be wrong. In either case. Inflamation and pain can be combated by taking grape seed extract 1mg per pound of body weight. Also a great multivitamin. Use Melaluca brand for both it can only be bought directly from them. They have scientifically patened products that you cannot get elsewear. You need to be refered by someone so look me up on messenger if you want to get rid of the pain. They offer a moneyback guarantee on everything.
190592
Can you let up on the Wellbutrin for a week to find out?\nAre you taking any other drugs that my cause this?\n\nCan you look up the side effects and see if facial redness is one of them? I know those types of drugs have about a hundred side effects. I took Wellbutrin for a month and then it stopped working. You are lucky to find something that works for you without stopping.\nI finally found out I have an underactive thyroid gland and when I started taking pill for that my depression slowly went away.\nSo now I tell everyone with depression to have their thyroid gland checked with a simple blood test called the TSH test.\n\nYou can even order it yourself from this place:\nhttp://www.healthcheckusa.com\n\nI would also say use a sunblock whenever you go outside if you think the redness may be a hypersensitivity reaction to getting sun. I had that one time form some drug and I had been out like about 2 minutes. In the winter.\nI use Olay Complete for sensitive skin and it has SPF 15 in it and it is light and nice and my skin looks better from it.\nI feel bad for you having to take a drug for depression. I took about 12 of them and they either did not work or made me manic. The Wellbutrin worked the best but like I said it only worked for about a month or two and stopped and also made my hands shake bad.\n\nI sent you an email with my email address.
614609
Too many possibilities ... but given your gender age and just a blind hunch, ask your doctor about RA and SLE. He might want to do some blood work and check your ANA values.\n\nDo your joints feel warm to the touch?\nDo you have any unexplained rashes?\n\nYou can send an email to me if you wish to give me more info.
410195
Please don't stop your medication. You are feeling better because of the medication. It is easy to believe that you don't need it anymore, but that isn't true. I once stopped my methotrexate injections and could barely walk after 2 weeks. I realized that I felt better because of my medication. Stopping the medication ended up hurting me. Take your medication so that you and those around you do not have to suffer. I have faith that you will and am glad you found a medication that has truly helped you.
501181
I've been diagnosed with fibro. for about 10 years. My primary dr. was pretty sure I had it, but he made sure to rule out other conditions via blood tests. He then sent me to a rheumatologist who used criteria to diagnose me.  When I participated in clinical trials, the rheumis. there confirmed my diagnosis as well.\n\nMy fibro. started after a car accident. My pain started in my limbs, then it quickly showed up in muscles throughout my body. Besides the pain, I mostly have memory problems, occassional muscle spasms, and fatigue. The pain is worse in muscles around certain points in my body. I've talked to many people on the 'net, and the symptoms and severity of fibro. varies depending on who you talk to. \n\nI would suggest seeing a rheumatologist familiar with fibromyalgia, post-traumatic, and arthritis conditions. If you have trouble finding a good doctor, try asking in fibrohugs.com for recommendations or looking at a local bone & joint hospital.
14548
Find answers to these issues and you will live with less pain \n\nMore effective, guilt-free communications with family and friends about symptoms \nAvoiding frustrations at the doctor's office, which may range from discussing symptoms to requesting specific therapies \nHandling demands on limited time \nKeeping up with job duties or household tasks without causing a flare-up \nStriving for and maintaining a better quality of life—one that makes you both happier and healthier \nHow to respond to hurtful comments from others \n\nTreatment\nIn general, treatment for fibromyalgia is with a combination of medication and self-care. The emphasis is on minimizing symptoms and improving general health.\n\nMedications\nMedications can help reduce the pain of fibromyalgia and improve sleep. The ones most commonly recommended by doctors include:\n\nAnalgesics. Over-the-counter acetaminophen (Tylenol, others) may ease the pain and stiffness caused by fibromyalgia. However, its effectiveness varies with individuals. Tramadol (Ultram) is a prescription pain reliever that may be taken with or without acetaminophen. Your doctor may have you take nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) — such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin, others) or naproxen sodium (Anaprox, Aleve) — in conjunction with other medications, but NSAIDs haven't proven to be effective in managing the pain in fibromyalgia when taken by themselves. \nAntidepressants. Your doctor may prescribe antidepressant medications, such as amitriptyline, nortriptyline (Aventyl, Pamelor) or doxepin (Sinequan) to help promote sleep. Fluoxetine (Prozac) in combination with amitriptyline has also been found effective. Sertraline (Zoloft) and paroxetine (Paxil) also are effective if you're suffering from depression. These medications may be beneficial by affecting serotonin levels in the brain. \nMuscle relaxants. Taking the medication cyclobenzaprine (Flexeril) at bedtime may help treat muscle pain and spasms. \nBenzodiazepines. These drugs may help relax muscles and promote sleep. Usually, doctors avoid benzodiazepines in treating fibromyalgia because they haven't been shown to have long-term benefit and have the potential for drug dependence. \nPrescription sleeping pills, such as zolpidem (Ambien), may provide short-term benefits for some people with fibromyalgia, but doctors usually advise against long-term use of these drugs. These medications tend to work for only a short time, after which your body becomes resistant to their effects. Ultimately, using sleeping pills tends to create even more sleeping problems in many people.\n\nDoctors don't usually recommend narcotics for treating fibromyalgia because of the potential for dependence and addiction. Corticosteroids, such as prednisone, haven't been shown to be effective in treating fibromyalgia.\n\nCognitive-behavioral therapy\nCognitive-behavioral therapy seeks to increase your belief in your own abilities and teaches you methods for dealing with stressful situations. Therapy can be provided via individual counseling, audiotapes or classes, and may help you manage your fibromyalgia.\n\nTreatment programs\nInterdisciplinary treatment programs may be effective in improving your symptoms, including relieving pain. These programs can combine a variety of treatments, such as relaxation techniques, biofeedback and receiving information about chronic pain. There isn't one combination that works best for everybody. Your doctor can create a program based on what works best for you.\n\n  \nSelf-care\nSelf-care is critical in the management of fibromyalgia. Important aspects of self-care include taking these actions:\n\nReduce stress. Develop a plan to avoid or limit overexertion and emotional stress. Allow yourself time each day to relax. That may mean learning how to say no without guilt. But don't change your routine totally. People who quit work or drop all activity tend to do worse than those who
630793
unfortunately the best pain medication for these types of pain was taken off the market, and nonnarcotic mobic try buying a book from mayo clinic or a holistic health book for rheumatoid atrhitis it should have info about diet also I picked one up for my exboyfriend a couple years ago and it helped him tremendously a little lifestyle change goes a long way
133754
Yes--as they are both auto-immune diseases. Your immune system is out of whack and basically turns on you.\n\nInflamation is one of the main pain sources for both conditions and steroids are used for both to reduce this.\n\nHowever, while both have common meds used in treatment the rest is done on an idividual basis upon evalution of symptoms and severity.
497335
Yes, it is possible for a 20 year old to have fibro. I was 17 when my fibro. started. If you think you have it, see a rheumatologist for a diagnosis. Interview them first to make sure they have had fibro. patients. As a rheumi. they should be familiar with the American College of Rheumatology diagnosis criteria for fibro. \n\nTo respond to the lady above, who seems to have encountered ignorant doctors: I wish fibromyalgia were a joke. I've had it for about 10 years, since I was a senior in high school. My doctor ruled out other conditions, like nutritional deficiencies, and sent me to a rheumatologist who did research for the Mayo Clinic to confirm my diagnosis. \n\nIf it were a joke, then why would peer reviewed medical journal searches bring back all sorts articles on it, including articles finding more evidence it is real. Like: "An increasing number of scientific studies now show multiple physiological abnormalities in the FM patient, including: increased levels of substance P in the spinal cord, low levels of blood flow to the thalamus region of the brain, HPA axis hypofunction, low levels of serotonin and tryptophan and abnormalities in cytokine function." \n\nPlus, (I looked the following up) The American College of Rheumatology, American Medical Association, The World Health Organization, and the National Institutes of Health have all accepted FMS as legitimate.\n\nI wasn't overweight when my fibro. became active. The people I have known with fibro. are not overweight either. I had a car accident that I walked away from with no injuries. Over the next month growing pains started and then became wide spread pain. I know other people who's fibro. has activated from periods of stress, pregnancy, or other events. \n\nHere's another quote from fmaware: "Recent studies show that genetic factors may predispose individuals to a genetic susceptibility to FM. For some, the onset of FM is slow; however, in a large percentage of patients the onset is triggered by an illness or injury that causes trauma to the body. These events may act to incite an undetected physiological problem already present."\n\nI don't put much stock in the nutritional healing or cure books for fibro. So far, none of that stuff has worked for me yet.
654285
Do check out all the websites listed and keep looking, as it's not very common so it's hard to find information on it.\n\nDespite what you might read, it is it's own autoimmune disease, and it should not be confused for UCTD (Undifferentiated Connective Tissue Disease).  MCTD is diagnosed when there is a positive and high value for one specific blood test - the anti-RNP.  This should also be accompanied by a high positive ANA result as well - generally speckled pattern.  While some people with lupus have a positive anti-RNP, it is a diagnosing criteria for MCTD.\n\nMCTD can have symptoms of 3 other autoimmune diseases making it a good impersonator of the others and difficult to diagnose - Lupus, Scleroderma, and Polymiositis.  It is HIGHLY common (estimates I've read say about 95%) for MCTD diagnosed patients to develop Raynaud's Syndrome.  I developed it about 6 mo. after my initial diagnosis.  Also arthralgia or arthritis are very common, as with Lupus.\n\nAlso common with MCTD is esophogial issues (related to polymiositis) as well as pleuresy related to the lungs and fluid build up around the heart as well.\n\nIn general the life expectancy and overall symptoms of MCTD are similar to Lupus, but tend to be slightly better outcomes overall.\n\nFeel free to contact me if you have any more questions, as I have had to find all of this out on my own and have been educating my family and friends about this, Lupus, and other autoimmune disorders.  It was good because about a year ago, my aunt was diagnosed with RA and I was able to help out some in explaining a few things and being supportive.\n\nIf you or someone you know has been diagnosed with this, or the doctors believe you/they might have this, it's important to know that it's not worth being scared over.  It's manageable and treatable with medications and general observance.  Also I have found out that just knowing is far better than wondering.  While I still have some symptoms daily, my medications have made them unnoticeable to most people and I'm able to continue to do most of the things I've been doing.  And sometimes I honestly don't notice anything or much at all - you just get used to some of the little things and realize it's life as normal.  :)
438724
Sweetheart, yours is falling but mine is gone!  I have rheumatoid arthritis too and my hair is in bald patches and spots and I wear wigs now. I have Systemic Lupus and hair loss is a symptom of the illness. Have you been screened for the anti body? If not you should be. There is no cure for the disease and it is terminal but not deadly, necessarily. Discuss this with your rhuematologist as it is a strong possibility that it's what's going on with you. There is no baldness in my family either, not even the males.
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this is what i found on webmd.. for the medication.  I am not sure if this is what your looking for.\n\nConstipation, drowsiness, dizziness, headache, stomach pain/upset, tiredness, weight gain, or dry mouth may occur. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor.\n\nRemember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.\n\nTell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: fainting, unusually fast/irregular heartbeat, signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), mental/mood changes (e.g., increased anxiety, depression, suicidal thoughts), difficulty swallowing, weakness.\n\nTell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: seizures, vision changes.\n\nQuetiapine may rarely cause a condition known as tardive dyskinesia. In some cases, this condition may be permanent. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any unusual/uncontrolled movements (especially of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, arms or legs).\n\nFor males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection (lasting more than 4 hours), stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.\n\nThis drug may infrequently cause a serious (rarely fatal) nervous system disorder (neuroleptic malignant syndrome). Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any of the following rare but very serious side effects: muscle stiffness, high fever, increased sweating, fast heartbeat, mental/mood changes, change in the amount of urine.\n\nA very serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction may include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.\n\nIf you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.\nSeroquel Oral\nBack to Drug Overview\nFda Alert from WebMD Medical News\n\nWarning on Drugs for Elderly Behavioral Issues\nDoes this medication have side effects?\n\nThe following side effects are associated with Seroquel Oral:\n\nCommon side effects:\nBlood Pressure Drop Upon Standing Less Severe \nDry Mouth Less Severe \nIndigestion Less Severe \nIncomplete or Infrequent Bowel Movements Less Severe \nDrowsiness Less Severe \nDizzy Less Severe \nWeight Gain Less Severe \n\n\nInfrequent side effects:\nParkinson Symptoms Severe \nMuscle Pain Severe \nFever Severe \nChills Severe \nRash Severe \nFluid Retention in the Legs, Feet, Arms or Hands Severe \nDifficulty Speaking Severe \nTrouble Breathing Severe \nDecreased White Blood Cells Severe \nProblems with Eyesight Less Severe \nThroat Irritation Less Severe \nInflammation of the Nose Less Severe \nAbnormal Increase in Muscle Tone Less Severe \nExcessive Sweating Less Severe \nLoss of Appetite Less Severe \nHead Pain Less Severe \nFast Heartbeat Less Severe \nHeart Throbbing or Pounding Less Severe \nStomach Cramps Less Severe \nFeeling Weak Less Severe \n\n\nRare side effects:\nNeuroleptic Malignant Syndrome Severe \nCataracts Severe \nProlonged Q-T Interval on EKG Severe \nAbnormally Low Blood Pressure Severe \nDischarge of Milk in Men or Women when Not Breastfeeding Severe \nProblem with Periods Severe \nSeizures Severe \nHigh Blood Sugar Severe \nUnderactive Thyroid Severe \nDiabetic Ketoacidosis Severe \nDiabetes
342380
The article on NHS Direct is good and informative about anaemia. The one on dotpharmacy gives lots of info too.
44536
I have had fibro since late 80s.  FINALLY officially diagnosed in 2001.  Dr had me on pain pills, which caused memory problems.  More pills for memory, which caused other problems.  More pills for those problems, which caused more problems, which led to more pills. . .\n\nI finally left a job which was VERY stressful.  Got off the meds.  Now I only take over the counter meds, usually Pamprin or Midol (helps a lot) or ibuprofen.\n\nMassage therapy helps.  I went to Massage Therapy school so I could become my own boss, and I found that it helped me with my symptoms SO MUCH.  \n\nAvoid high temps or humidity.\n\nI find a hot shower in the morning helps ease the stiffness you have when you wake up.  Somedays it takes all the energy I have to take that shower, but I do it.\n\nI also do simple yoga before I go to bed.  That has helped my sleeping a lot, which helps the fibro.\n\nIf you don't have a supportive family, join a support group.  You need someone who will believe you.  This is a stress factor for most of us - people telling you that you are making this up for attention, or because you're laze and don't want to work.\n\nBlessed be,\n\nGypsy
644
Holy christmas (literally!)... the last poster, be careful.\n\nI was diagnosed in 1999.  I didn't start taking medications until 2004 (had a bit of denial there)...\nI got a flare-up that forced me to think harder about my future (and a great fiance to boot!).\n\nA lot of people go on the interferons, and Glatiramer acetate, which is what I'm on.  When I decided what to go on, I thought about what I'd have to do for it.  I was a bit worried about giving myself a shot, and I figured that I would need to have the least intrusive method of medication delivery... so I decided subcutaneous (just under the skin).  That cut down the list of interferons... \n\nThen I thought about side effects, a lot of the interferons have flu like symptoms.  When I started the meds, I was feeling weak, pins and needly, and limpy.  I said, do I want to have a cold on top of that.  No siree.\n\nI mean, you really have to talk to your NEURO, and what (s)he recommends.  It just so happened that the first NEURO in 1999, recommended Avonex as he was drinking out of an Avonex branded mug (no foolin!).  That is what turned me off from the med idea in the first place.  My SECOND neuro, he asked me my concerns, and we decided on Copaxone.  Yes, it's daily, but it's under the skin, and it just has local reactions for me as a side effect.\n\nI WAS PETRIFIED of giving myself these shots.  Many of the companies (my drugs, included) have autojectors, so you don't even have to see the needle.  Copaxone (or my doctor, I can't remember, it was so long ago!)... required me to have a home care nurse there the first time to show me how to administer the drugs.  I gave it to myself without hesitation the first time!  I am a little wary of someone else doing it (though she had recommended that my fiance learn how, too).\n\nResult?  Well, there's not much to say!  (that's a good thing)... my original symptoms had faded, and I don't know if that was the copaxone or what.  I've been on it since 2/2004 (wow!  going on 2 years soon!), and I have NO NEW LESIONS!  boy, that's more exciting than I thought it was going to be.\n\nNow, your milage WILL vary, and unlike my first time experience, you will LIKELY have to go through a few drugs to find one you like.\n\nGood luck to you!
146623
I too have RA. Going on 12 years now. I can tell you from experience that going to the doctor on a regular basis is the best thing to keep the RA in check.\n\nFlare-ups can be a nightmare especially when you have more than one going on at a time. I am in pain as I type this now.\n\nWhat makes it worse is having small children, a job, & a bunch of chores sitting there waiting on you! Stress is the worst thing for it!\n\nHere are some things that help to get me thru the hard times...\n*long hot baths\n*800mg of Ibuprofen (as mentioned above for inflamation & pain)\n*for wrists/fingers-braces help to keep from bending the fingers & wrists to much (ouch!)\n*plenty of rest\n*meditation/relaxation/deep breathing\n*a good TNF inhibitor medication prescribed by your doctor (best for prevention of flare-ups)\n\nBTW...Methotrexate & Prednisone are not good for you. Prednisone should only be used in case of severe flare-ups for short periods of time.\n\nThe TNF inhibitors block the tumor necrosis factor that causes symptoms of RA. It is also used for other autoimmune diseases. They are given either intravenously by a doctor or through a shot that you take yourself. I take a shot subcutaneously (just under the skin). If you have health insurance TNF inhibitors are the way to go. They are wonderful. The only reason I am in pain right now is b/c I haven't been back to the rheumatologist in a while & don't have anymore. That is why I stressed GO to the doctor! Don't be dumb like me & let your joints deteriorate anymore than they already have! :)\n\nThe particular drug I was prescribed is Enbrel. Others include Kineret, Remicade, etc. Check it out! You will be glad that you did!\n\nBless you & hope you feel better soon!\n\n:)