sulfasalazine help

[Sms94]

I started sulfasalazine a while ago and when I was taking 1000mg (x2 tabs) my hand swelling reduced and pain levels lowered… As advised I have increased the dose slowly and I now take 2000mg (x4 tabs) and my hand pain is worse than it was before…

I have read posts before saying that people actually did better on a lower dose and that like me increasing the dose made their pain worse.

My rheumatology team are really hard to get hold of and I feel really quite unsupported, not sure wether to lower the dose myself and see if it makes a difference or keep on with the higher dose and hopefully it’ll ease off as I get used to it.

seriously struggling, physically and mentally

[tyncwmmarchhywel]

Hi there, you must really keep on trying to get hold of either a help line nurse or rhumy iff that fails can you send an E.mail. It is important to take the right dose age.Good luck with it all.

[LinaM]

I’m sorry to hear this … it’s awful dealing with this illness and the hap hazard try this try that med regime. No one online is going to advise you to change your dose because we’re “ not doctors etc” but I would do what felt right for me. Good luck xx

[Mmrr in reply to LinaM]

I always try to contact rheumatology first, if I can't get a reply I alway do what is best for me too.

[Haz58]

do you have an email address for your consultants secretary? I email if my nurse cannot make a decision. You should be able to find the email address on the hospital web site. Good luck. X

[Luludean]

I sympathise Sinead !! It seems thst rheumatology departments are difficult to penetrate!! It us a battle !! Can your GP advise you ? Try phoning consultant’s secretary and weep , no point in stiff upper lip . Most secretaries are humane! Good luck .