Hi ladies
I am just bumping this thread as I was recently diagnosed with serum negative RA. Symptoms first started late in my pregnancy with Z about 2ish years ago. Luckily at this stage I have not suffered any joint damage.
The pain and inflamation are primarily in my hands and feet. Last winter was a bit of a shocker, some days I could not go anywhere as I could not do up Z's or my seatbelt in the car or hold the key to lock the door properly. Thank god for summer eh?
I am taking salizopyrin and am now up to 4 tabs a day. Theoretically working up to 6 tabs a day.
The main side effects I have noticed are shocking reflux - on Zantac for that now - and terrible terrible sinus problems which have come on full steam since I went from 3 to 4 tabs. Whilst the pain and inflam has decreased since having gone up to 4 meds a day I am getting around like a bear with a sore head most days due to the sinus. And feel like I rattle each step I take due to all of the tablets I am taking!
The only thing which helps the sinus is sudafed which unfortunately leaves me buzzing at bedtime. I do not sleep the whole night after taking the sudafed so it is counter productive. Have tried pretty much all other over the counter sinus meds to no effect (should buy shares in the pharma companies I think!!)
I feel stuck between a rock and a hard place - I am not really inclined to try diferent RA meds as DH and I would like to try for another little one in a few months but am worried about heading into another winter with no drugs for the RA.
Has anyone else suffered this side effect?
Any thoughts?
Cheerio
Belinda