About to start taking Methotrexate.

Lady Olivia

Hi Boston,
I was the same before I started mthx about two months ago. I chose not to take it for five years because of the scary side affects but because I stayed on Celebrex I ended up with Ankylosing Spondylitis and my thoracic spine is now fused. It has to be a personal decision as it is a big step to go onto a drug that is heavy duty. I am only 40 and I have found that being on the methx has side affects but it has given me mobility and I am pain free more times than not. The best thing you can do is read up about it and consider condition vs medication. Unfortunately no matter what, there will be something you need to take and they are all much of a muchness. Eat well try and keep mobile as much as you can. Im not going to say keep a positive attitude because I know that is probably the hardest thing to do and it drives me crazy when people say it to me.
I wish you well and from my point of view I wish I had of taken the methx sooner for quality of life.
Take care
Olivia

teachergirl64

I've was diagnosed with RA in 2004 and after three months on Plaquenil alone, my rheumatologist added MTX. After 6 weeks, I noticed a major decrease in my joint pain but I was also very tired several days of the week. I've increased from 10 mg to 20 mg over the last 15 months. I've done both the pills and the injections. The side effects are less with the injections. I take it on Friday nights right before bedtime and sleep through most of the yucky feelings. I am kind of draggy for the next couple days but feel okay after that. It gets less scary after you realize that all those side effects listed aren't going to happen to you.

BostonMA

Olivia and teachergirl

Thank you both for adding your insight...which indeed was helpful. I took my first dose about an hour ago...all is well so far - ha!. There is a comfort in knowing how many others out there understand your condition so again, thank you. I wish you both well.

pambyboo

BostonMA-
I am so glad I just read your post. I too, was just diagnosed with RA, and have had lupus for the last ten years. My doctor wants me to start the methotrexate, Enbrel, or Remicade- but I too am holding off because I'm scared of them!! But I am more scared of what my life is going to be like with RA- I don't want to be disabled and crippled, and I'd like to be around to raise my children and at least see them get married. I've heard that RA shortens your life span by up to 15 years. My husband is NOT being supportive, I think he is getting sick of the whole thing. What was your deciding factor that lead you to start the methotrexate, and what side effects are you seeing?
Pambyboo

BostonMA

Hi Pam

Well I have only been on methotrexate for a couple of days. I took my first dose this past Saturday and fortunately had none of the temporary side effects that can sometimes occur. I was prepared to be nauseous and tired but wasn't. What made me decide to start it was the thought of never feeling good in the morning and always ending everyday limping home from work....it's just no way to live and I decided it was worth the chance. But believe me, I don't plan on being passive about this drug. I've already discussed with my doctor that I really want to eventually try to get off this drug. I've never been much of a "holistic" minded person....but I am going to try to start doing what I can naturally to help the RA (diet, rest, and exercise if I do start feeling better).
I know what your feeling right now though. It's a scary thing...and I'm sorry to hear that your husband is letting his frustration show. It's just so impossible for people who feel good all the time to understand what this is like. Take care of you - first and foremost- and hopefully the rest will fall into place. I wish you the best with this important decision and hope no matter what you start feeling better soon.

Allyson (BostonMA)

Lady Olivia

Hi Pam and Allyson,
I put off taking methx for so long because I was so scared of the side affects. There seemed to be more reasons for not taking it than taking it. The final decision for me was when they said the drugs i was on was great for inflammation but had done nothing to protect my joints that now at 40 my spine is fused and there is nothing they can do and that a wheelchair would be my only option if i didnt take care of myself. The methx didnt affect me for about six weeks then slowly now I notice that I am tired and my mind a little far away for a day after taking it. I was feeling nauseated for a while but increasing the folic acid has taken that away and I actually am starting to feel hungry which is great for me. The one thing that I have noticed though is that my menstrual cycle has totally changed. In the three months I have been taking methx I have only had one period. If this happens to you both can you please let me know as my rheumy thinks i am starting menopause early which no woman in my family ever has started this early.
Your feedback would be wonderful.
I know you both will be ok
Take care
Olivia
PS Pam it is really hard for the people around you to understand. My mother was so nasty out of pure frustration of not being able to help her little girl. I let her in to see what was going on and took her to my specialist appt's so that she could see and now we are closer than ever. Males though are a different entity and unless its happening to them they dont understand. Make sure as Allyson said you take care of YOU because right now that is what you need to do.
God bless
Olivia

MacBobbie

Hi all,
I know a lot of people have no problems with MXT but I was not so lucky. I was on it for 8 months, I took it on Thursday nights and spent every weekend sick to my stomach and exhausted. Prednisone was tried. Bentyl was taken by the handfuls. I switched to injectable, nothing helped. And the worst thing was even after I quit taking it I was sick every weekend for over 3 months. I have been tested for ulcers and that was not the problem. I am sorry I stayed on it as long as I did. And it didn't work either. I never felt better, never had a reduction in pain or stiffness.
Good luck, I hope it works for you. Bobbie

Lady Olivia

Hi Bobbie,
I am sorry to hear that the Methx didnt work for you. When did you realise it wasnt working? Did they try and mix the methx with something else to help kick start it? My specialist has said that i have to go up to 20mg now and if i keep getting flare ups we may have to try something else. I guess all medications are trial and error and what works for some doesnt mean it will work for all.
Are you on anything now?
I hope your ok.
Olivia

PepperGal

You might find this site helpful to you for understanding.. it has lots of info.

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Peppergal