Sulfasalazine
- Thread starter Tarzan
- Start date
linnfomaniac83
I bet you can’t wheelie a unicycle!
It is used to treat arthritis, Crohn’s disease and ulcerative colitis. I have psoriatic arthritis and ulcerative colitis and it has its pros and cons for me, used with methotrexate, it has helped me retain/regain some mobility and so far has prevented me from needing any bowl operations, the downside is that it causes some nausea and mild stomach discomfort for me but the pros definitely outweigh the cons. I was confined to a wheelchair or bed for a while before can now walk short distances on crutches... I’ve made it round Scalford twice since been on it.
You’ll probably start on a small dose and then slowly build up in order to allow your body to gain some tolerance to it, otherwise the side effects would be pretty heavy. I went up to six tablets a day but couldn’t cope with that dose so have reduced it to four. It will turn your urine bring yellow/orange... not much else I can say really other than that if your doctor has put you on it, he probably thinks your aches and pains are rheumatic. I hope it works outside for you... oh and you might want to ask for enteric coated tablets, I get on much better with those, they’re easier to swallow and easier on my stomach.
You’ll probably start on a small dose and then slowly build up in order to allow your body to gain some tolerance to it, otherwise the side effects would be pretty heavy. I went up to six tablets a day but couldn’t cope with that dose so have reduced it to four. It will turn your urine bring yellow/orange... not much else I can say really other than that if your doctor has put you on it, he probably thinks your aches and pains are rheumatic. I hope it works outside for you... oh and you might want to ask for enteric coated tablets, I get on much better with those, they’re easier to swallow and easier on my stomach.
hifilover1979
Bigger than you...
Just been told by my Quack to try these, for aching, stiff joints etc, and she told me l have to take these for six months before they start to work- anyone have experience of taking this medication?
Have you got rheumatoid arthritis or are you just 'achy'?
Personally I wouldn't be touching anything like that unless it was absolutely necessary!
Have you tried decent natural remedies like gentle exercise, stretching, glucosomine with chondroitin, heat/massages, Omega's, cod liver oil etc?
linnfomaniac83
I bet you can’t wheelie a unicycle!
Yes, the doctor should have done blood tests and scans beforehand. It shouldn’t be handed out like paracetamol. You will also need fortnightly blood tests whilst on it to begin with, reduced to four weekly after about six months. It is vital to have regular blood test whilst on sulphasalazine. I almost forgot to mention that because blood tests are a non event for me now, I’ve had three samples taken out of me this morning!
alanbeeb
pfm Member
I was given it for Psoriatic Arthritis about 15 years ago, took less than 6 months to sort a problem ankle. It ws prescribed by a rheumatology specialist but I didn't get regular blood tests while I was on it. I wasn't aware of any bad side affects though I did get occasional indigestion and heartburn.
In contrast, I was prescribed methotrexate 3 years ago for my Psoriasis, I needed blood checks every 2 weeks and I felt ill the entire time I was taking it - and wasn't allowed to drink. Not doing that again!
In contrast, I was prescribed methotrexate 3 years ago for my Psoriasis, I needed blood checks every 2 weeks and I felt ill the entire time I was taking it - and wasn't allowed to drink. Not doing that again!
Suffolk Tony
Aim low, achieve your goals, avoid disappointment.
I was on it for a while, for my rheumatoid arthritis. Didn't work for me, but there were no obvious side effects.
Tarzan
pfm Member
Feel quite 'stiff' and 'old' sometimes-yes tried all of these, hot/cold treatments, hot showers in the morning and they do help, have been notified by said quack ( via blood tests) got early signs of the big A) and after an early life of Gym and Martial Arts, l should expect this at the age of 52
, also my job as a Postie does not help much....... so Sulpasalazine here we come.
Tarzan
pfm Member
Not allowed to drink on it????????- NO!
Quack told me it was ok to drink on it- being ill on it hope you are ok, oh no l started my course today.
linnfomaniac83
I bet you can’t wheelie a unicycle!
You should be fine to drink on it, Alan was referring to methotrexate which I take, I still drink sometimes but not heavily. I've never had any ill effect from it.
hifilover1979
Bigger than you...
Feel quite 'stiff' and 'old' sometimes-yes tried all of these, hot/cold treatments, hot showers in the morning and they do help, have been notified by said quack ( via blood tests) got early signs of the big A) and after an early life of Gym and Martial Arts, l should expect this at the age of 52
I'd still be looking into alternatives...
I'd also look for a 2nd opinion and do some research online
I've helped my Dad (65) sort his aches and pains out and got him off the crap they were giving him; all natural and seeing a decent sports physio and osteopath has helped massively too!
It's all about perseverance and not just shoving shite into your system and hoping for the best!
alanbeeb
pfm Member
Yes that's correct. I was told no drinking on methotrexate... But not mentioned with sulfasalazine
Tarzan
pfm Member
Got to the Osty once a month for a tune up if you like, this helps l find, 2nd, 3rd opinion sounds good.
hifilover1979
Bigger than you...
I'd up the osteo visits to once a fortnight minimum. Over a few months you should feel an improved difference.
linnfomaniac83
I bet you can’t wheelie a unicycle!
That rather depends on the route cause of your symptoms, I've got a very serious auto-immune condition which needs proper treatment with medication to try and keep it under control.
You have a choice now.
You can follow the advice of your GP who has examined you, taken a history, questioned you about your symptoms, maybe run some tests and has the option to refer you to a specialist if necessary (all on the back of 6 years study at medical school followed by 6-7 years training as a junior doctor).
Or you can take advice from a stranger on a hifi forum who knows someone who once had something a bit like what you’re describing.
You can follow the advice of your GP who has examined you, taken a history, questioned you about your symptoms, maybe run some tests and has the option to refer you to a specialist if necessary (all on the back of 6 years study at medical school followed by 6-7 years training as a junior doctor).
Or you can take advice from a stranger on a hifi forum who knows someone who once had something a bit like what you’re describing.
hifilover1979
Bigger than you...
I don't think visiting an osteopath more than once a month is going to cause any further issues, unless the OP already has underlying physical issues, which he hasn't mentioned
However, do agree that the medication could be necessary, as long as root cause is diagnosed
Evaldas
pfm Member
Yes, sulfasalazine is usually started by specialists medics in hospital. Complete blood counts should be performed before starting this treatment.
linnfomaniac83
I bet you can’t wheelie a unicycle!
Yep, that's key, a proper investigation and diagnosis. I spent six weeks in hospital and nearly two months in a bed in my parent's conservatory before they decided on the correct course of treatment for me. They were very thorough on my diagnosis.