rheumatoid arthritis and IC

[reba]

:) I have had IC since 1985, took the dmso and different treatments, then one day just decided that I was done with all that, I take claritan, and elavil only 5 mg, cut a 10 in half. Ihave had flares on and off but really in the last 5-7 years nothing, Unitl now, I was reacently diangosed with RA and the treatment was plaquneil, no problem for 2 years, then it got worse so doctor told me to start Methrotrexate and folic acid, I told her the folic acid is a B vitiamin and that would bother my bladder, but I took it and showed her I was right, it is still not calmed down much, but now after 6 weeks of the MTX, I think it was partically all that too. I have never hd so much pain in the urethra, burning when you aren't even going< Does anyone else have this? Also has anyone else been treated for rheumatoid arthritis and with MTX , if so did you have problems?
My doctor now also says he thinks that I Have vulvadymia, (SP) onemore thing, I live in constant pain 24 hours and the arthritis doctor says that all the treatments for RA will effect the bladder so I am not sure what I am going to do. Would like to hear from anyone that can realte.
THanks
Reba :dogrun:

[dyno]

Reba,
My husband has RA and has had the worse case his Dr. has had in his practice of at least 30years. He is on Plaqunil, Methotrexate, Folic Acid, Prednisone, Vultarin, and I know there is another one or two, including a narcotic pain killer. He takes all of this daily, except the Methotrexate which is once a week.

He feel awful from the side effects of the meds, many days. He tolerates the side effects because it is helping the RA. He won't go without the Folic Acid because it really helps with the side effects from one of the medications.

I don't know what I would do if I had that with the IC because I know it would be bad with the IC effects. I just wanted to let you know that I care and that yes I do know about the effects of the medications you are dealing with. My husband is a tough cookie and it brings him down. :grouphug:

I would discuss all this with your Rheumatologist and see if there are any possible solutions. Maybe there is something else your urologist could prescribe that would help with what you are dealing with.

Sending hugs,