Scleraderma - Immune Disorders Message Board

GM3 · 03-28-2001, 12:53 PM

I have been diagnosed with Scleraderma with Interstitial Lung Disease and overlap Polymyositis.

I have tried several different drugs to help combat the symptoms and the only thing that seems to work is Cytoxan.

Does anyone know how long one can reasonably be kept on Cytoxan?

I wonder sometimes if it would just be better to go off all the meds and just let the disease take me. Does any one know how painful the disease will get if I go that route?

Thanks.

Jaspara · 05-10-2001, 10:01 PM

GM,
Cytoxan is very toxic so I would hope you are receiving monthy blood tests to check liver enzymes.
From what I know about Scleroderma, you need either a strong med such as cytoxan or steroid, such as prednisone to keep yourself free of symtoms.
You DO NOT wish to ignore the disease, SINCE IT HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BE A CRIPPLER, and some people cannot even feed themselves, since holding utensils can be an impossible task..
If you are very worried about the chemo drug you are on at present time, discuss the possibilities of taking a low dose of prednisone and have him/her wean you down to as low as you can get, without seeing signs of your disease.

I wish you well, and God Bless..

Jaspara