Lene---your article is very timely!!! I have had diarrhea for over a month now and am thinking it may be the tiny bit of arava I am taking. It's all I have to combat my RA these days! And with the added cardiac stuff being treated, I am feeling better but now have the trots that won't go away! I am starting to take citrucel daily to 'firm things up' and still waiting for it to work. All meds have side effects, but it's the balance of reduced inflammation vs side effects that can be managed. Great job once again!
thanks, sweetie!
I was on Arava really briefly and it gave me diarrhea, as well. I had to stop taking it and the diarrhea persisted for two weeks! At the time, I didn't know aboutacidophilus or I would've tried that see if it could balance things out. I haven't heard of citrucel - let us know how that goes? I hope little help so you can continue Arava.
I was on Arava for 7 months and always had surprise exposive diahrea. Because when a med makes me sicker than I was I'd quit several other attempted meds and the rhuemie begged me to stay on the arava for at least 6 months to see if my body would balance out. It didnt'-! I stopped the arava and the diahrea continued for a few weeks and stopped! Boy was I glad. Now I'm on Humira and the side affects are so much less - finding the correct meds is challenging but once there, so worth it.
I was on Arava for 7 months and always had surprise exposive diahrea. Because when a med makes me sicker than I was I'd quit several other attempted meds and the rhuemie begged me to stay on the arava for at least 6 months to see if my body would balance out. It didnt'-! I stopped the arava and the diahrea continued for a few weeks and stopped! Boy was I glad. Now I'm on Humira and the side affects are so much less - finding the correct meds is challenging but once there, so worth it.
I've heard several rheumatologist say that they think Arava is a nasty medication. On the other hand, I also know several people from whom it is the only medication that has worked. All medications have the potential to create problems - like you said, it can take a while to find the one that works for you and when you do, it's a good thing.
Hi Lene
Good topic. Like everyone else I also have trouble with nausea and when it's really bad I eat plain bread to soak up the acid. Not healthy, but it works. Pepsi can help if it's not too bad, the bread is the "last resort".... For the occasional plugged up, I eat something to loosing my bowels like apple juice or raisens (makes a nice snack while reading). And when I can't get the diahrea under control I reach for Pepto Bismo, commonly called the "pink stuff".... it helps.
I'm coming out of a 4 month slump and am beginning to participate in my own life again. I got a bad cold in January and became so weak I couldn't do anything and it spiralled out of control from there. I'm doing a bit better, becoming active again, interested in life. So glad to be back on these pages...
Laurie
I do a lot of bread, toast and crackers, as well. I don't care if it's healthy - having my stomach trying to eat itself isn't healthy, either and really messes with quality of life. For me, colas contribute to the problem - water with a bit of lemon is what has worked best for me.
it's funny how an illness can really sideswipe you. I had a flu last September and I swear it's taking me over six months to get back to where I was before. Makes you realize how much of an effect RA has on you. I'm glad you're back among the living again. 
Lene you have covered it all. I have several friends that introduced me to the caffeine free hot teas with ginger, etc. They work on many issues as well as the GI ones. Again, my favorites the Revolution brand earl grey with lavender. I can only find it on amazon.com and a case is only $23 total. I put a small amout of honey in it with a small slice of crystalized ginger. I joke around and say its legal pot!!!! It really calms my whole mind and body. I will try the lemon w/hot water for stomach probs too,never heard of that. Thanks
Thank you for posting the artical about gastrointestinal side effects. I've been having some stomach issues & the Dr. thought it might be my med.'s so we stopped everything so we could introduce each medicine individually to my system. Well, after we stopped the med.'s & got my system completely cleaned out I stilled had major stomach issues; so it was back to the drawing board. The info. in the post was very helpful. Thank you again for posting it.
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none of us want to take medication, but the reality is that the effects of untreated RA can be quite serious. Not only can it be disabling due to joint damage( and the pain), but there is also the systemic impact of RA that carry a risk of comorbidities including diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc.. Studies show that effective treatment of RA decrease the risk of the cardiovascular events that contribute to people with this disease having a lower life expectancy. We each weigh the pros and cons of treatment, but in my opinion some degree of acid reflux gas or bloating our small price to protect my ability to live my life, as well as protecting my body from the many kinds of damage that can be caused by RA.
Thanks for your comment!
Thanks for the great infomation, trying to manage multiple symptoms can be difficult. I also believe that a balanced diet (limit junk food) has made a difference in my life. The part I hate is that when I am feeling my worse I tend to eat whatever is quickest with no regard to it being a healthy choice. I keep a large stash of yogurt, fruit and vegies on hand for those times where really I would likely eat a bag of chips.
I did not realize that my extreme nausea could be or was related to my RA. Makes sense.
I've had nausea as long as I have RA - for me, it's not just a side effect of the medication, it also is very much related to uncontrolled RA. It wasn't until I started Enbrel that I realized what life could be like when you weren't nauseated all the time!
Cutting out junk food and sugar can definitely help. Sugar can not only increase your acid reflux symptoms, but can also make you feel more nauseated, as well. Eating healthy snacks instead of a better chips makes sense, but isn't always feasible. Sometimes you need that grease and salt.
Still, you're obviously on the right track.
thanks for coming by!
As with most life choices I think you have to weigh them out. I am currently on 11 meds a day.. Less than most but I'm just gettin started. Methotrexate for example, awful GI side effects but I take leucovorin to balance that out with some others like the folic acid. I totally get where you're coming from but I also know the reality of not taking ALL my meds is like NO quality of life or the ability to participate. Which I am again just getting started on and its a looooong hard road. And Lene, I admire you and look to you for the best answers because you have lived it so long and done that, if you know what I mean. Hang in there