GP appointment tomorrow - any idea what they might suggest?

[kezza]

I am having a terrible flare for the first time in 10 years since going on 20mg MTX, folic acid and Meloxicam which I've managed on really well - till now - so frustrating. I'm seeing GP tomorrow and I wonder what they might suggest? Any ideas of what I can expect? Thanks for any thoughts.

[Hidden]

Hi Kezza. According to the criteria of my RA dept in North Devon you will have to have "failed" on 2 DMARDS before being offering an Anit-TFN. I bet you are gutted that after all this time you are now having probs. But from what i know (which is a bit limited in actual experience for myself) There are plenty of other drugs and combinations you can be offered. I get the feeling that there is a definite movement towards looking at the patient as an individual and looking at past histories and other problems you might have in order to give you a "tailor made" drug. But I know that is is a fairly new thing and might not be the practice all over the country.

Whatever happens if I was you and having the experience I have I would made sure you ask lots of questions about what they suggest and the reason behind it?

Good luck

Julie xxx

[Babs321]

Hi Kezza , don't have any practical advice this is all new to me, just wanted to offer my support and wish you luck. Let us know how you get on. Babs xx

[kezza in reply to Babs321]

Thanks Babs - appreciate it x

[Hidden]

gp should suggest steroids to get through flare. and review pain killers you need asap a consultant appoint which gp should fast track

Alison x

[kezza in reply to Hidden]

Let's hope so on all counts - thanks summer x

[Hidden]

Hi

Probably a bit late now but one flare doesn't necessarily mean your meds are no longer working! Perhaps you have an infection or overdone things. I would think the initial response would be to check for possible infection and give you a steroid injection to settle things down. If there's no improvement and things aren't settling early referral to rheumatology would be the best way forward for a review of meds.

As your meds have worked so well for so long I wouldn't be too hasty in requesting a change!

Lyn

[kezza]

LynW you should be a GP! I was given 120mg steroid IM injection and they're upping my MTX by 2.5 mg each month for 2 months. If that doesn't work, then I'll be given another DMARD to try with MTX. Thanks to all of you for your replies and help - it's nice to know you're not alone. x