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marsha46252
marsha46252

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about a year ago. It started in my hand and is now in my foot. The doctor has me on Etodolac, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, and prednisone, and I am still in pain with my foot. She now wants to put me on Methotrexate but will not take me off of my other meds. I hate taking pills and as I read up on the methotrexate it appears to have some serious side effects that scare me.I just feel like I am on way too many pills and no relief

0 likes, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • Nu2this
    Nu2this marsha46252

    Posted

    Hi Marsha

    I was diagnosed about 8 months ago and was put on MTX with nothing else. I take 6 pills a week all in one shot. It has allievated my pain although it wasn't severe. My main complaint was the swelling/congestion in my nose and it has been if some help but not completely. Some people believe my Rheumotologist is not being aggressive enough with my treatment.I get bloodwork monthly to monitor my liver and kidney so I believe it is a strong medication. I hate meds myself but my doctor feels its necessary and once i'm in remission we can lower the dose. Scary to think these meds are long term. Wish they would try nutrition and vitamin in strong doses instead. Good luck

  • carol303055
    carol303055 marsha46252

    Posted

    Hi Marsha, I think many of us on this forum have felt as you do. In the early days of my diagnosis, about 6 years ago, my Rheumy didn’t pressure me into starting anything and I thought ‘I can cope with this’ ‘I can manage without these drugs ‘. Then I had such pain I could have chopped my hands off! I would have taken anything.  I honestly don’t know the answer. I’m currently controlled with a Biologic and steroids both of which are not without problems (I’ve just come out of hospital with pneumonia!). Good luck with whatever you decide. It’s all down to risk / benefit I think.  Carol 
  • gaz1234
    gaz1234 marsha46252

    Posted

    Hello

    Best piece of advice i can give you is do what works for you because youve got this thing for life, take the medical advice until you find the rifht mix of meds that keep your levels ok and help relieve your pain and dont discount the hollistic route alongside your meds. Turmeric can help. All the best.

    • marsha46252
      marsha46252 gaz1234

      Posted

      Thanks for your advice I do appreciate it. And I can't agree with you more. It just so frustrating!!

    • carol303055
      carol303055 marsha46252

      Posted

      Frustrating is right. I just feel so many RA drugs have been around a long time and are very toxic, and apart from the Biologics (which I know are the wonder drugs) there seems to be little more going on? I might be wrong but this horrible disease has such an impact on so many levels-human and economic, it’s a shame it doesn’t attract more research. Or maybe it does? It just doesn’t feel like it! 
    • Gloria814
      Gloria814 carol303055

      Posted

        I agree Carol    So frustrating that less toxic drugs aren't coming along.  I have been on 2 biologics and have  had serious side effects from both of them.    Now not sure what the plan is going to be next

      I see the  rheum in a week so will have to start something new again

       

    • carol303055
      carol303055 Gloria814

      Posted

      It’s a pity it doesn’t attract the attention that (very deserving) for example heart disease and cancer does.  The progress they have made is amazing. We seem to have a handful of drugs which are very hit and miss. Yet it has devastating effects on people across the age range. When I’m feeling sorry for myself I think about those children with the juvenile arthritis. It must be horrible for them. On that happy note have a happy Easter x
  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie marsha46252

    Posted

    Hi. The methotrexate level used for RA is about a tenth strength as that used in chemotherapy treatment of cancer. So it's worth bearing that in mind when you read stuff online. Also you don't get to hear about the many many people who benefit from it- you tend to only hear about those who experienced adverse effects. To me it's the lesser of two evils. Try it. Hopefully it ll work for you.

    At one point I was taking mxt, sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine, prednisolone and having the biologic Rituximab. Now- 4 years after diagnosis my RA is in remission and I am just taking mxt and Rituximab, which fortunately works for me. I believe the aim is to knock back the auto immune response with early aggressive treatment . Yes- my immune system is weak, so I do a lot of hand washing and take care not to put myself in the way of infection- but I m able to walk, dance, carry shopping etc in a way I couldn't for the first2 years after diagnosis. Hope you find the level of meds that can work for you and give you the best quality of life possible with this disease. 

     

    • marsha46252
      marsha46252 Rowbirdie

      Posted

      I have only took one dose so far and that was last Thursday and actually my foot is not hurting anymore. My stomach's a little upset but I can get by with that. so hopefully this is the trick to help me get back on the road and up and walking everyday like I use to. Thank you for your encouraging words

    • Nu2this
      Nu2this marsha46252

      Posted

      I take mine on Thursdays too... meditation and motivation is great to keep your stress levels down as wee.
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