Question: Hello-- I have been diagnosed with undifferentiated spondyloarthropathy for 4-5 years now. I have cycled through many different NSAIDs along the way with minimal success. I have also been on Methotrexate for over a year now. This past November my rheumy agreed to go off of the NSAIDs due to the last attempt really having no impact at all on my symptoms and in fact had entered a prolonged, very painful flare. I started a 3 month steroid treatment and began Enbrel therapy as well. Shortly after beginning the two new meds I began to have severe reflux. I, as well as my pharmacist, assumed this was due to the steroids; however, once I weaned off the steroids the reflux continued. I called my rheumy's office and they advised me it was common with Enbrel and to continue to take the Prilosec I had already began taking. At the same time I began an Ibuprofen regimen to help with the headaches associated with the Enbrel and my recurrent pericarditis. I began to have a vague queasiness concentrated on my right side. I have worried about ulcers due to my longterm NSAID use- not to mention the other meds I had begun. This continued sporadically for a few months. The last month or so it has progressed to an intense burning a couple hours following eating and relief while eating. I will be seeing my rheumy in two weeks-but I've just been worried about any further progression before then and what symptoms to watch for in particular. Also, since I am already taking Prilosec religiously and it still seems to be progressing- is the only real option for healing it probably going to be going off of my meds/which meds? I've also adjusted my diet in regards to what, when, and how much I consume.

Thank you for your reply! This is along the lines of what I was thinking. Is there any reason I should not wait until my next appointment (in a little under 2 weeks) to see my rheumy in order to have an exam and get a referral to a GI? Any specific symptoms I should watch for until then?