Aussiegirl - Go right along with Kevin here 'smile'.
NOW STOP SAYING SORRY AND MOANING ABOUT BEING A PAIN...
Sounds like you have a reasonable doctor. He did the tests, sent you for X-Rays, blood tests. Gave you a list of the exercises - more than mine EVER did! Well done that rheumy. (The most I ever got in that direction was to be sent to a totally useless kinetherapist - called that here in France - who hadn't got a clue and didn't know 'really' what AS was!)
So, in all of that what is there to be scared about? You have had your first rheumy appt. It went well. Very well indeed.
Now, as for the meds. Check em out carefully. Make a list of ALL the reactions you *Already have, and discuss *with the doctor (your rheumy) all of these side effects and the fact that you already have em, or have experienced them in/with regard to other drugs.
Make a list of ALL the drugs you have 'ever' taken, AND note your side effects to em - in fact, am very surprised that he didn't ask you for such a list. That is important information! Your medical team need to know ALL your side effects to ALL drugs - including even reactions to dental numbing agents (IF those effect you - they do me for one!)
Now. You may also need this info for your colonoscopy. So be prepared, and take it with you.
Great that he has arranged a colonoscopy for you. More than was ever done for me. Have had to do all my own stuff, right the way along... So, TG you have a concerned rheumy and sounds like a good GP.
Now. Coming to the meds. Celebrex is an antiinflammatory. Side effects 'can' be a bit of heart, can also be LPRG/GERD ('can' be, but not necessarily - might not have any side effects at all!) Celebrex is kinder on the stomach than other NSAIDs. But as a precaution, take a stomach protector - discuss with your docor, ask him to script you a suitable one. IF you can tolerate milk products, then also take yogurt. Stoneyfields is excellent. Plain yog. IF you want it sweet, put in raw fruit, or a little honey or whatever. NO sweeteners though...
Now. Sulfasalazine. You might be OK with the SSZ. It is used as a first line drug in treating AS. BUT, IF you don't like to try it, then don't. But, will need to discuss it with your rheumy.
Can you get another appt with him? Just to discuss all these elements?
Meantime. Calm down. Relax. Nowt has happend yet, except for the good. Got your definitive DX. Colonoscopy set in place (you'll survive that). And the rest will follow. Don't forget that you have us here. You can *always ask us questions. Can always come here to discuss. AND, there is a wealth of info here on the boards/forums and of couse a whole wide world of info on the internet.
So well done. And well done to your youngster
BIG (((HUGS))) to both of you -
Molly C (France)
