New RA Medication Sulfasalazine Progress: The Good & The Bad
New RA Medication Sulfasalazine Progress: The Good & The Bad
In my last blog I mentioned switching over to this new medication because I had stopped MTX (Methotrexate). I wanted to wait until I noticed significant changes before sharing an update post on how it was working out for me. It's been a month now and I can officially say the pain in the mornings has subsided significantly, although I don't think it's at this maximum potential just yet! I have not experienced any side effects. The only thing I've been having trouble with is remembering to stay hydrated and drink as much water as possible. It's hard to drink when I'm not thirsty so I'm trying to make improvements on that.
I was weary at first, as I read from others that this medication does take awhile to feel the full effects of relief. This was true for me, it took about a month before the pain started going away. It was a long and hard month that I did not enjoy. I had been using topical medications to help provide some relief during this time period but that still never felt like it was enough. It's time like these when I have to face the reality of my Rheumatoid Arthritis. When I'm on medications that work I tend to just forget about my RA. Is that bad? Well I'm not so sure but these moments of relief keep me sane. Overall I am happy with Sulfasalazine so far and if it continues to treat me well I may never want to go back on MTX, not sure how the Rheumy would feel about that though.
Around two months ago I was no longer was eligible to receive state disability. I decided that I don't feel like taking on social security again because I know that this time around that process would involve me having to find an attorney. So for now I'm stuck working in retail as much as I can without pushing myself too far. I have to be aware of my limits and know when I need to take an extra break to rest my feet. That's the only body part that really starts to get sore when I am at work. I stay away from heavy objects that I know would cause strain on my hands and wrists. I have spoken to my managers a few times about getting me some sort of chair in my work area where I can rest if needed because I feel like it would be better than taking multiple breaks but that issue has yet to be resolved.
I still wish I was able to work 40 hours a week like a healthy person would. I know I need to find a job that better suits my needs but since my health insurance is currently with the company I work with now it's hard for me to just up and leave. So for now I just have to be patient and pray that sooner or later I will find that opportunity I am looking for. I'm off to go take my Monday Enbrel shot. Stay tuned for my next update.
Written by Rebecca B
In my last blog I mentioned switching over to this new medication because I had stopped MTX (Methotrexate). I wanted to wait until I noticed significant changes before sharing an update post on how it was working out for me. It's been a month now and I can officially say the pain in the mornings has subsided significantly, although I don't think it's at this maximum potential just yet! I have not experienced any side effects. The only thing I've been having trouble with is remembering to stay hydrated and drink as much water as possible. It's hard to drink when I'm not thirsty so I'm trying to make improvements on that.
I was weary at first, as I read from others that this medication does take awhile to feel the full effects of relief. This was true for me, it took about a month before the pain started going away. It was a long and hard month that I did not enjoy. I had been using topical medications to help provide some relief during this time period but that still never felt like it was enough. It's time like these when I have to face the reality of my Rheumatoid Arthritis. When I'm on medications that work I tend to just forget about my RA. Is that bad? Well I'm not so sure but these moments of relief keep me sane. Overall I am happy with Sulfasalazine so far and if it continues to treat me well I may never want to go back on MTX, not sure how the Rheumy would feel about that though.
Around two months ago I was no longer was eligible to receive state disability. I decided that I don't feel like taking on social security again because I know that this time around that process would involve me having to find an attorney. So for now I'm stuck working in retail as much as I can without pushing myself too far. I have to be aware of my limits and know when I need to take an extra break to rest my feet. That's the only body part that really starts to get sore when I am at work. I stay away from heavy objects that I know would cause strain on my hands and wrists. I have spoken to my managers a few times about getting me some sort of chair in my work area where I can rest if needed because I feel like it would be better than taking multiple breaks but that issue has yet to be resolved.
I still wish I was able to work 40 hours a week like a healthy person would. I know I need to find a job that better suits my needs but since my health insurance is currently with the company I work with now it's hard for me to just up and leave. So for now I just have to be patient and pray that sooner or later I will find that opportunity I am looking for. I'm off to go take my Monday Enbrel shot. Stay tuned for my next update.
Written by Rebecca B
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