Hi Everyone.

[linbin]

I hope you are all doing as well as you can. Forgive my absence, there has been much going on for me this last couple of months.

After my initial Rheumy clinic appointment, we decided (with a little prompting from me), that my dental issues pre-empted starting my C.O.B.R.A. regime. My teeth/gums have always been a problem no matter how careful my dental hygiene.

I told the rheumy nurse I wanted to get them sorted out before starting the meds, and felt that was the best thing to do. Seemed to me that with no less than 6 extractions on the cards, it would be foolish to begin the medications since they would compromise my healing ability and possibly open me up to infection.

So off to the dentist I went. She was pretty good, but needed to go away and do her homework re RA. At first she didn't feel I would need antibiotic cover, which made me rather nervous. I sorted that out by going to my GP who obliged with a five day course.

There was some difference in what the dentist was saying and rheumy clinic about how long after extractions I should begin my medications as well. Dentist said not for three weeks at least. Rheumy clinic said start all but two before extractions.

In the end, again, I made the decision to hold off all the meds until after extractions. Started them just over a week after.

Currently all seems to be well and other than a red and slightly fatter face than before, (prednisone no doubt) am so far suffering no side effects. Remarkable considering the amount of meds I am taking.

I opted for self injection of Methotrexate, and in anticipation of stomach problems from Sulphasalazine asked my GP to prescribe me Omeprazole. Seems to be working really well, but I am lucky in that my GPs specialist area is in RA.

It's early days yet, however, and we shall see how things go as my doses of Prednisone decrease, and the rest increase.

Got a bone density scan this next week, a cardiology appointment, Occupational Therapy appointment, and am awaiting Physiotherapy and Podiatry appts. Plus of course all the bloods being taken every couple of weeks currently. Keeps me busy!!

I have to say, that though not evident, I have been here, reading, gathering as much information as I could, learning about this disease, and it is thanks to all of you, that as I have read and learned, that my confidence in my ability to play a very active part in my treatment, and not just sit back, or not question things. Thank you for that NRAS and everyone.

I will blog more from now on and keep everyone up to date with whats going on.

Take care everyone and stay as well as you can.

Lin X

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This all sounds very positive Lin. While I feel very sorry for you for your oral problems I do also envy you your ability to tolerate the drugs - injectable MTX plus Sulphasalazine should hopefully get on top of your RA really well. Tilda

[linbin]

Hey there Tilda. Yes, so far so good.....lets hope it continues that way. Not to worry about the teeth.....I get brand new nashers in August. At least they won't give me any trouble....unless they develop a tendency to fall out!!! Heehee. I hope all is as well as can be with you.

Take care now.

Lin x