I'm worried about the treatment

[Gill S. (Archiv)]

Hi,

I'm female, aged 46, living in South Africa and after eleven months of tests including a lymph biopsy and gastroscope have been diagnosed as possibly suffering from PAN. Having read many articles on the disease on the internet I do display many of the symptoms listed ( and a few more that aren't ) so maybe my specialist ( a rheumatologist ) is right. The treatment he has prescribed however is pretty frightening and I'm desperate for an expert opinion. I am starting on 5 mg folic acid per day and methotrexate 2.5 eight tablets once per week. I can find plenty of info on methotrexate and it is obviously very potent but can't find anything that shows its use in the treatment of PAN.

Is methotrexate an appropriate treatment ?

Should I be concerned ?

Should I ask for more information from my specialist before I start taking it ?

I really need to know if I'm safe embarking on such radical treatment when PAN hasn't even been definitively diagnosed given the far-reaching and serious, maybe even dangerous possible side effects. Any comments would be most welcome.

Best wishes and regards

Gill Smithies

[GERNOT (Archiv)]

You should ask for more information from vour specialist before you start taking it.



Keep an open mind and read the literature, because all this may change tomorrow! (Glassock).

Keep hope alive.



GERNOT, M.D.