Hi all. Hope you are coping well in this heat!
Had my 4 week visit with the Rheumy Nurse yesterday which helped me a lot.
I've been on mtx now for 15 weeks and my symptoms are getting worse rather than better. Not sure if this is due to coming off steroids 5 weeks ago which I had been taking since January.
Due to the nausea, headaches and extreme hair loss, she thinks it would be better to come off the mtx and try Leflunomide instead. Have also been on sulphasalazine which did wonders in six weeks but unfortunately I reacted very badly to with the sun in 7° weather!
Part of me would like to keep trying the mtx but as the nurse says, it isn't having the effect is should on my PsA. My DAS score had gone from 3 to 14 in 4 weeks with a very sore swollen elbow and other joints.
I'm desperate to return to work as I have been off now for 6 months and I have a meeting with my Headteacher and HR on the 14th for a written warning about my absence. I know that my Head understands and sympathises about what I am going through and that this is protocol but it doesn't stop the anxiety about desperately trying to get better.
I have an OH app with a doctor within the next two weeks so will see what that brings.
When diagnosed in January I never dreamt that this far down the line I would still be struggling and not at work.
I have always remained positive with the expectation that I would be as near normal as I was with the help of the medications. I'm still hopeful that this will be the case, I'm not bloody ready to give in to this crappy disease for a long time!
Is anyone else taking lefluno mode and how do they find this please? ?
Have a lovely day