Hi,
I have reactive arthirits, and am HLA-B27 +
My first episode was in 2000, and my latest was about 3-4 monts ago (2006) - still getting back to normal. My initial episode was treated very NON aggressively with low levels of cortesoids. Once eventually diagnosed, the treatment worked fine. My latest episode was treated with 50mg of prednisolone and 200mg celebrex, with the prednisolone decreasing over time. Now my Rhumo has put me on methotrexate. I am now on 10mg Mehtotrextae (once a week) + folic acid every other day to reduce side effects, 25mg of prednisolone (reducing over the next few months, apporx 4 months), and 200mg celebrex / day.
I had ESR of 80+, high liver levels , basically everything they measured was pretty high. They are all back to normal now and I am in no joint pain.
As I am HLA B27 +, my Rhumo has concerns about my eyes (uveitis). I am going to see a Opthomologist next month.
The Rhumo's argument for the use of methotrexate (and she says I will be on this for a minimum of 2 years, and maybe life), is that taking this drug may stop the re-occurance of the RA episodes, and therefore mitigate or reduce chances of permananet join or organ damage in the future. I get the feeling that it may help in reducing the risk of developing any eye problems such as uveitis.
I dont like this drug, the reading I have done says no alcohol, or two standard drinks a month as it is processed by the liver. I sound like a whinger, but I dont want to stop drinking all together. And I also dont want to be on medication for long periods of time if it is not necessary. My last Rhumo did not even test for HLAB27, and mentioned nothing of these problems or methotrexate.
Are any of my assumptions of keeping away re-occurances of reactive arthritis or minimising chances of uveitis correct if I continue to take the methotrexate?
Anyone's experieince or comments would be appreciated.
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