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New to this - Methotrexate - Doc has prescribed it for me for PsA - I'm Worried

Posted , 19 users are following.

stacy8431
stacy8431

Hi there

Bit of background...

I'm female and 33 years old. Over the past year I two of my fingers and one toe have become swollen, stiff and ache in the morning before I begin my daily dose's of Ibuprofen. I have Psoriasis on my scalp. 

I have been to the GP and they sent me for blood tests. Today I went to the hospital clinic to get my results and the doctor and she confirmed I have Psoriatic Arthritis.

The doctor confirmed that I will be prescribed Methotrexate following more blood tests and an xray which I done today. I should be receiving a letter from the hospital with an appointment date in a few weeks and at that appointment I will be prescribed Methotrexate.

Reading through what others are posting about, my symptoms are not as severe as other peoples. I have no aches and pains anywhere other than the stiffness in two fingers and 1 toe and the joints of these. And also the Psorasis on my scalp.

Is Methotrexate a bit extreme for me? Do you think I am catching this early before the rest of the joints ache so its the right thing to do.

My head is all over the place, I am terrified of the side affects. I am healthy and active, and I am scared I am going to be taking these tablets and ruining my life. I have 2 & 3 year old boys and I want to be as healthy for them as possible.

Any feedback would be appreciated.

Thank you

Stacy x

1 like, 38 replies

38 Replies

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  • robert271163
    robert271163 stacy8431

    Posted

    Hi Stacy

    The problem with PSA is its not curable however it is controllable the sooner they get it the better. So much damage can happen in a very short space of time. Yes there are side effects and everyone is different. But unless you try it you wont know!

    Regular blood test whilst on Methatrexate to ensure no other damage is being caused.

    Remember a lot of the damage that is cause can not be reversed but it will get worse.

    My advice try it. I am on Methatrexate and on cimzia so I fully aware of the side effects

    Best wishes and good luck

    Rob

  • marlene81509
    marlene81509 stacy8431

    Posted

    Im on 20mg methotrexate once a wk and have been for the last 3 months after being diagnosed with psa in both hands and feet its cleared up my psoriasis completely i still get some pain in hands but that's more to do with my job ..as long as you have regular blood tests id say go for it it definately works

  • geraldine87987
    geraldine87987 stacy8431

    Posted

    HI Stacy i developed PSA at your age but i hadv it in many joints im surprised they are given you methotrexate straight away its not a nice drug i was sick on it every day!! There are other drugs push to ask and know more about what your taking for so few joints i personally would think twice!!! Im on biologicals and have been for sometime! It is managable but you need to ask questions dont let them just give you anything i research all the drugs and speak to my rheumatologist about them good luck x
  • agriffa
    agriffa stacy8431

    Posted

    Hi Stacy

    I have had psoriasis since I was 24 and started with PsA when I was the same age as you following birth of my third child.  The hormonal swings of pregnancy played havoc with my psoriasis and then post the third pregnancy I started with the arthritis as well. Once I stopped breastfeeding the arthritis settled down.  I was ok until the age of 48 when I had an aggressive flare up which was eventually brought under control with methotrexate.  It took several months to kick in and only once I was on a high dose.  

    The delay in treatment (I waited 7 months to see a rheumatologist) caused severe damage to my joints and I have had to have both hips replaced and am waiting for a shoulder replacement.  

    Don't want to scare you as my arthritis was particularly aggressive but early treatment is very important to avoid joint damage.  Methotrexate worked well for me although I did suffer nausea as explained by other people.  

    Once I had been stable for about 6 years I tried to come off methotrexate as I was tired of the nausea. I have tried both Leflunomide and Sulfasalazine  but this hasn't worked as I have had flare ups and side-effects.  I am back on methotrexate now and hoping it will get me back to a stable state but this takes quite a long time and meantime my joints are quite inflamed.

    You will be carefully monitored on methotrexate and it does seem to work very well for many people.  Definitely worth trying and hope it works for you. A nice bonus is that I haven't had any psoriasis since starting on medication for the arthritis.

  • diana77450
    diana77450 stacy8431

    Posted

    Hiya

    Bows the time to act, you have caught this very early so by going onto Methotrexate now you are protecting your joints from future pain, inflammation and disfigurement this if good 👍 I’ve has psoriasis 40 years psoriatic arthritis 20 I’ve been on Methotrexate 2 years I so wish I’d went on it years ago when it was recommended but I was too afraid! I self inject 17mg once a week no problem 10 seconds and it’s over no pain involved! Really think twice before rejecting this drug regime as in the long run you will be preventing so much pain pet good luck xxx

    • diana77450
      diana77450

      Posted

      Now not “bows” sorry 
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