Question
I have just recently been diagnoised with rheumatiod arthritis.  I have had terrible pain in my ankles and wrists.  My family physician has just given me a drug by the name of salazopyrin en 500mg. Could you please tell me if you believe this drug is worth taking or if there is something out there that is more effective.  
My second question...Do believe I should pursue seeing a specialist? My family physician feels that it is not urgent enough yet to see one. I'm not certain if I should insist or not.
Thirdly, would my arthritis be making me tired?  I feel exhausted all the time.

Thank you for your time,
Bernard  

Answer
Bernard,

Sorry to hear about the diagnosis of RA. I wish no one ever had to have this disease.

Salazopyrin can be effective in the treatment of RA. There are probably more effective drugs out there. It is hard to say if they would be better. There is a lot that goes into deciding what drug is best for individual patients. It may be that after looking at all your symptoms that your doctor thought this was the best place to start. So little is known about RA that treatment is many times hit or miss. Doctors give there best guess and if that does not work then they try something else.

Yes, I thing you should insist on seeing a Rheumatologist.

Yes, fatigue is one of the main symptoms of RA.

I wish you good health,

God Bless,

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com