...

I'd say let them sort it out. Have your Endo and Nephro doctors send the
Rheumy their opinion that you shouldn't have those drugs and let them fight
it out. Get copies for yourself in case your Rheumy insists and something
goes wrong (and let him know you have those copies that go against his
prescribing suggestions). ;-)

{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{{ Ann }}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}}

Wow, Ann, that is a mighty tough spot to be in and I'm not sure what the
correct answer or resolution is for you.

I think I would start off asking all 3 of those doctors, but most
especially the kidney doctor and liver specialist which meds if any
might be the least toxic to your system.   Would any of the newer meds
such as rituxan, orencia, etc. be an option for you.

Also, would discuss with the RD these same issues and also the issue of
monitoring with blood work more often once back on a med just to be safe
in case things start to go wacky again for you.

If none of the meds are an option for you, would a daily dose of pred be
an option.  I know that is not the best route that anyone wants to
consider, but if nothing else is an option, then perhaps 10 mgs of pred
or so a day would at least keep your pain levels more tolerable.

I kind of went through a similar situation when I developed my RA lung /
pulmonary interstital fibrosis problem as the lung doctor did not want
me back on mtx or some of the other meds, but it turned out that in the
long run, the higher doses of pred were just as waring on the body as
the mtx, so after many many discussions with the RD and the lung doctor
and my pcp (although my pcp really didn't want to be involved in it at
all), and after both doctors making sure I was well aware of the risks
invovled, we made the decision together that I would re-start the mtx at
a very low dose to see how I did and then go from there.

In any case, I wish you the best in what ever decisions you all come to.

Hugs,

Donna
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1.   ANGELS EXIST, but some times, since they don't all have wings, we
call them FRIENDS......

2.    J.K.M.A.

Ann, have you tried a patch such as Lidoderm:pdpcaome?
It's slow acting but long term and can be worn 12 hours.

When I want/need instant pain relief, I use KETOPROFEN,
a Rx salve. It is FAST, FAST acting.  I got 2 cans just before
our trip to Portland in June 2005 and still have 1/2 of 1 left.
It doesn't take much to obtain results.

... numbnutz tom is is search of himself ... have you seen him anywhere?