Sulfasalazine

Hi Magenta
I have no personal experience of RA, thank heavens, but you might like to have a look here:

xxx

Hi there:)
I took it for years and gradually came off it about 6 months ago after quite a while without a flare up. Basically, my GP thought perhaps I wouldn't have had a flare up even if I hadn't been on it, but it was like my safety blanket as I really enjoyed being 'well'. I didn't have any problems with taking it, although I used to have lovely coloured wee!!:eek:

That wasn't to say I never had a flare up while I was taking it, but perhaps they weren't as bad as they may have been - who knows?

Touch wood, and Reiki and holistic therapies assisted, I seem to be staying well.

Hope that helps.

Lesley

Hi,
There is lots on this drug and others on the forums of "Arthritus Care " from people that have experienced them. Its a great site with lots of help and support
Hope it works for you

Love Orchid x

Thanks everyone for your replies.

Sunanda - good to hear from you again. Had a look at the site you recommended. Really don't know what to do, as I am prone to upset stomaches, headaches, sickness and skin rashes, so I feel 99% sure I'm liable to get bad side affects.

I refused Methotrexate about 10 years ago because of the bad side effects and this drug doesn't sound a lot different.

Out of about seven anti-inflammatory drugs I reacted badly to, except one which worked but then I started getting stomach pains and I had to come off!

I have been on high dose steroids for about five years, which are now causing me a lot of problems. I'm trying to slowly come off them but even the consultant is a bit concerned as to if my body will allow me.

So, in all feeling somewhat pessimistic at the moment:(

Still seem to keep finding life's big black holes:002:

So, in all feeling somewhat pessimistic at the moment:(

Still seem to keep finding life's big black holes:002:

Aw, Magenta, it's not good to hear you being despondent. After all the stuff you've been through, it must feel like a betrayal that your body is contributing to your woes.

I have a real 'thing' about steroids: I was offered them five years ago when I was diagnosed with a lung disease but I refused them. I'm so glad I did now, as I haven't got any worse which is the best that could have happened had I taken them.

I think that if you can somehow achieve more positivity in your life and general being, then your body will respond and you will slowly improve. Even something as seemingly silly as smiling and laughing (whether you feel like it or not) will improve the chemical balance in your body. Try watching as much comedy as you can. Greet every day with a smile. Pretend that you're happy and one day you'll realise that you are happy. Good luck.

xxx

Hi Sunanda,

Thanks for your lovely reply - will pm you.

Will pm you.

Hi Magenta,
Just wanted to say I have been taking Sulfasalazine for 3 years with no side effects. I am now taking 1500mg am and pm and I feel better than I have been for a while. I have also just been started on Duloxetine as an anti-inflammatory.

I am not sure whether you are seeing your GP or a Rheumatologist. If you are not being seen by a Specialist perhaps you could be referred and this will give you more options.

I have recntly learned EFT and this along with reiki, has also made a huge difference to my state of health.

I hope you manage to find some way to control your RA.

Best wishes, Elspeth:o