Concerns about Drugs

[dbab]

If it makes anyone feel better, Plaquenil is one of the safest meds out there for treating Sjogren's, Lupus, etc.  I have actually read articles that its even also been researched and found to lower your risks of cancer... double bonus

My fear is the Pred I'm taking.  I think about it everyday.  I'm on a low dose but my rhuemy has not decided when I will come off of them.  It's really scary when you read all about the horrible things it does to you.

I take Lodine too and not sure if it even works that well or not, I think the biggest frustration is when you take a lot of meds... well, you don't know what is helping and what is not and you start thinking that some may be be unnecessary and your overmedicating yourself... or at least I think that, all the time.

[Jesse88]

dbab, for what it's worth, my sister has been on Plaquenil and low dose prednisone (5 mg.) for nine years with no ill effects.  But she did have a problem with Ultram (seizures) which made her re-think all her meds.  She's now down to 200 mg. of the Plaq. and only 2 mg. of the prednisone and wishes she had tried to cut back earlier, since she's doing so well.  My point is, I think every once in a while we have to try to cut back, very carefully and slowly, with our doctor's guidance, to see what we can change in our regimine.   It's possible my sister was taking much more medication than she needed for many years, but didn't know because she didn't want to mess with the status quo.  Of course, there's always the possibility of going into a major flare from cutting back, which is why we have to tread so carefully.  It's something to think about though. 

[peacefulstorm]

I had no choice about going on medicine, I had been suffering with all of this and my RA since I was a teenager but wasnt diagnosed until I was 30. Whether or not I wanted/needed/could stand/side effects..etc...I had to.

I do worry though because I am only 34 now and I take so much medication it isnt even funny. Seriously every night I take 18 pills a night and on Saturday I take 25 because of my Methatrexate medication for my RA. I know I have this SJ disorder as well and I worry about my organs failing next. I cant help it, Im a worrier.

However, if you are in extreme pain and you feel u need it and he wont even think about it, I would suggest to you to see another doctor for a second opinion.

Good luck!

[JannaLee]

Cortnee',

I'm a worrier too.  Several of us on here are.  It sucks.

I agree with you about getting a second opinion if medical care doesn't feel "right."

Best to you little one (I can call you "lttle one" cause you are so young and I'm old enough to be your mom)!
Janna

[peacefulstorm]

Janna...Little one works for me, I dont mind. I have several mom figures and I am gratefulfor everyone! [/color][/b]

[JannaLee]

Cort!

I just knew I was going to like you!

Janna

[peacefulstorm]

*blushes* thanks Janna!