Reply to an Answer

Hi Mary,   Methotrexate is a drug which is meant to slow the disease itself down. The plaquinel also is. So they are called DMARDs disease modifying drugs). The other meds address  your symptoms only. The T-3 is for pain and the pred. addresses inflammation (and therefore helps w/pain, too).   So it's apples and oranges. You need both :D. Hopefully, you can use DMARDs to begin to get the RA suppressed  and then need less of the other meds.   The stomach can be upset by all of the drugs we have discussed. The good news is there are ways to deal with it and more drugs to try...   What kind of stomach issues? I get pretty serious nausea FROM THE RA ITSELF and also from the metho. and pepto  bismol can be a lifesaver. I carry the tablets with me. More serious stomach issues, like actual damage, should be prevented at all costs. Can you read the question by Bora Bora about methotrexate and ibuprophen I think where Cheryl and I were discussing it? That was just today- it might help you, too. Many docs prescribe something to shut down stomach acid production to help prevent damage with the meds. (I use prilosec for that.)   Good luck, Mary. Hope you feel better. Kelly     www.rawarrior.blogspot.com