RA and MS diagnosis
LavShi posted:
I was diagnosed with RA in November 2010, and treatment has been going good. Methotrexate and sulfasalazine has changed my life for the better.
In Dec. of 2011, I had surgery to repair a detached retina, and I did not regain the sight in my eye...medically this could not be explained. So I had an MRI of the brain and brain stem as well as a lumbar puncture.
Results from these test show loss of sight is due to MS.
I am seeeing a MS specialist to assist in defining a treatment, since I am on Methotrexate.
Anyone dealing with both RA and MS?
Now I will wait for more details on a treatment combination for these two diseases!
I feel good...so unreal that I am facing a new diagnosis like this!!!
Sarah
In Dec. of 2011, I had surgery to repair a detached retina, and I did not regain the sight in my eye...medically this could not be explained. So I had an MRI of the brain and brain stem as well as a lumbar puncture.
Results from these test show loss of sight is due to MS.
I am seeeing a MS specialist to assist in defining a treatment, since I am on Methotrexate.
Anyone dealing with both RA and MS?
Now I will wait for more details on a treatment combination for these two diseases!
I feel good...so unreal that I am facing a new diagnosis like this!!!
Sarah
6 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:RA and MS diagnosisI was diagnosed with RA in November 2010, and treatment has been going good. Methotrexate and sulfasalazine has changed my life for the better.<br /> <br />In Dec. of 2011, I had surgery to repair a detached retina, and I did not regain the sight in my eye...medically this could not be explained. So I had an MRI of the brain and brain stem as well as a lumbar puncture.<br /> <br />Results from these test show loss of sight is due to MS.<br /> <br />I am seeeing a MS specialist to assist in defining a treatment, since I am on Methotrexate.<br /> <br />Anyone dealing with both RA and MS?<br /> <br />Now I will wait for more details on a treatment combination for these two diseases!<br /> <br />I feel good...so unreal that I am facing a new diagnosis like this!!!<br /> <br />Sarah
Caprice_WebMD_Staff responded:
Hi Sarah and welcome to WebMD,
While you're waiting for responses here, try also posting on our Multiple Sclerosis community if you haven't already.
While you're waiting for responses here, try also posting on our Multiple Sclerosis community if you haven't already.
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us. ~Joseph Campbell
Report This| Share this:RA and MS diagnosisHi Sarah and welcome to WebMD,<br /><br />While you're waiting for responses here, try also posting on our <a href="http://exchanges.webmd.com/multiple-sclerosis-exchange"><b>Multiple Sclerosis community</b></a> if you haven't already.
An_245423 responded:
I have both the "B" and "the monster." Post stressful period, I developed Optic Neuritis in April 1989. MRI showed myelin marks, but ON resolved and no official Dx. Dx'd w/ sero-neg RA in late 1989 or early 1990, but had 1st miserable signs and symptoms 11 or so yrs prior as a teen. Was early Enbrel user in 1999. It worked well to control flares, but on 10-31-1999, one side of face was drawn up tight. It didn't take long to get offical Dx and start treatment on Copaxone. Obviously, no more Enbrel. RA has gone mostly untreated in order to get on Tysabri, a "big gun" for RR MS that can cause deadly PML, especially in those w/ Rx history common to RA. In hindsight, neuros say MS began in 1989, and is now technically secondary progressive. IMO, Enbrel triggered dormant MS. Also have vision trouble. Dual Dxs seem very rare. Ben at this for a while, so advise if you wish to talk privately.
Report This| Share this:RA and MS diagnosisI have both the "B" and "the monster." Post stressful period, I developed Optic Neuritis in April 1989. MRI showed myelin marks, but ON resolved and no official Dx. Dx'd w/ sero-neg RA in late 1989 or early 1990, but had 1st miserable signs and symptoms 11 or so yrs prior as a teen. Was early Enbrel user in 1999. It worked well to control flares, but on 10-31-1999, one side of face was drawn up tight. It didn't take long to get offical Dx and start treatment on Copaxone. Obviously, no more Enbrel. RA has gone mostly untreated in order to get on Tysabri, a "big gun" for RR MS that can cause deadly PML, especially in those w/ Rx history common to RA. In hindsight, neuros say MS began in 1989, and is now technically secondary progressive. IMO, Enbrel triggered dormant MS. Also have vision trouble. Dual Dxs seem very rare. Ben at this for a while, so advise if you wish to talk privately.
Since my first post I have started on coapaxone which should help keep the MS in check....and I continue taking methotrexate and sulfasalazine for the RA. I am praying that I don't have to add any more drugs to my daily routine! So far so good....
Report This| Share this:RA and MS diagnosisSince my first post I have started on coapaxone which should help keep the MS in check....and I continue taking methotrexate and sulfasalazine for the RA. I am praying that I don't have to add any more drugs to my daily routine! So far so good....
Very glad you are doing well with the methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and copaxone. I started the Enbrel when I could no longer tolerate Methotrexate and started with Avonex but quickly moved to Copaxone. After 10 years on Copaxone and a good number of yrs on Arava for RA, MS started progressing. Curiously, not worse findings on MRI but in real life. Not sure if that has more to do w/ change from RRMS to SPMS. W/ the latter, lesions no longer enhance. Anyway, at some point along the road, Neuro told me that Rebif (an Interferon) is stronger than Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate). The NIH doesn't report much difference in efficacy; side effects of the Interferons can be worse for some (not me) and the shots sting like a bee! See http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45579/
Report This| Share this:RA and MS diagnosisVery glad you are doing well with the methotrexate, sulfasalazine, and copaxone. I started the Enbrel when I could no longer tolerate Methotrexate and started with Avonex but quickly moved to Copaxone. After 10 years on Copaxone and a good number of yrs on Arava for RA, MS started progressing. Curiously, not worse findings on MRI but in real life. Not sure if that has more to do w/ change from RRMS to SPMS. W/ the latter, lesions no longer enhance. Anyway, at some point along the road, Neuro told me that Rebif (an Interferon) is stronger than Copaxone (Glatiramer acetate). The NIH doesn't report much difference in efficacy; side effects of the Interferons can be worse for some (not me) and the shots sting like a bee! See <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45579/">http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK45579/</a>
LavShi, I'm glad you can treat both diseases together! I find this encouraging as I am in the "possible" group for both.
It must be confusing to determine what is causing which symptom.
I hope you are feeling well lately and in the future.
It must be confusing to determine what is causing which symptom.
I hope you are feeling well lately and in the future.
Report This| Share this:RA and MS diagnosisLavShi, I'm glad you can treat both diseases together! I find this encouraging as I am in the "possible" group for both.<br /> <br />It must be confusing to determine what is causing which symptom.<br /> <br />I hope you are feeling well lately and in the future.
All is good, I just take it one day at a time!!!!
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