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I'm a 37 yr. old male who was given a
working diagnosis of adult onset stills disease back in 1986. I presented
with the following symptoms: 102-104 degree fevers, pain in all joints and
connective tissues, swollen glands (particularly in neck), and sore throat.
This totally came out of the blue. After being medicated with indocin, nsaids,
ridaura, and stomach meds. such as zantac and carafate, I was given 60mg. of
prednisone and also azulfidine. I was on these two meds. plus the stomach
medications until 1996. My illness was in remission but I had many side
effects to contend with: acne all over my body, bloating, hand shakes, hair
growth, pericarditis, bone degeneration, cataracts, etc. I was told by my
physicians that I wouldn't be able to do the things that I did before my
illness such as ballplaying and bodybuilding. I proved them all wrong.
Though I know longer play ball, I had built myself up to a respectable 225lbs.
at 5'9" with weight training and good nutrition. I have felt great these last
few years.
Unfortunately, this past March 2002,
I've suffered a relapse. Everything is back in the same chronological order
as the first time. All the pains and fevers. I've already lost 20lbs. and
have many of the same side effects as before. I'm 100% sure this was brought
on by terrible stress the last few months. I am back on 60mg. of prednisone
and 1500mg azulfidine, but I'm still not feeling as well as I did the first
time. It could be because I'm heavier than I was when I got sick years ago
and maybe my body is not as sensitive as it was when I originally got sick.
I'm not really sure. My rheumatologist will be increasing my azulfidine
dosage the next couple of weeks, but has also mentioned the new drug Enbrel.
The info. I've gotten on this drug is that it's only a few years old, but
people are responding favorably to it. If anyone has had excellent progress
fron this drug, I'd appreciate if you could please E-mail me and let me know
how long it took to work and if you suffered any side effects from it.
sing910@bellsouth.net
Thanks for reading the shortened version
of my story. Hang tough everyone; I know I will. Steve
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