Leeta, I am impressed that you could manage so long on the advil alone. I believe that my original huge flare was caused by taking NSAIDS for an extended period for a neck injury. They made my stomach so upset...and anytime I get an autoimmune flare of any type, the first step to recovery is to heal the gut!
I see a rheumatologist in January...soonest I could get in. I've been wondering if it is possible to try a very low dose as you are doing! Thank you for replying and best wishes for your recovery.