my wife has been on the drug for several years. she has no recollection of a violent reaction of the kind you describe - although whilst on it alone - there were spikes in her rheumatoid - days when she was completely incapacitated and immobile. her condition has improved now that in conjunction with the leflunomide she is on one of the new generation of biologic drugs - Embrel, although the first one she tried did not suit her. it very expensive and there are very strict rules for who is entitled to it. i am truly sorry Nigel for your problems. We have lived with DEnise's medical condition since 1976. it has been the major determinant of our lives. you're quite right -the immune system is very depressed and we seem to return from every holiday or short break with some sort of ache and pain. controlling the environment seems to be the strongest line of defence. we did find arthritis support groups immensely helpful. to talk with other people who have sorted out some of the problems you have faced, taken the same drugs, sat in the same doctor's surgeries, arranged their homes, means of transport, ways of earning a living and faced all that stuff with resourcefulness.
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