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Starting Methotrexate

Posted , 7 users are following.

flightsimfrank
flightsimfrank

I have R/A, very aggresive, was diagosed a few weeks ago. Have been prescribed Methotrexate and folic acid.

have taken first dose of 15mg last Saturday and folic acid 5mg on Monday. I had  bad flare up on Wednesday eve through to Thursday eve. Spoke to consultant that afternoon, said it was ok to take Ibubrufen and paracetamol in the short term until methotrexate begins to show signs of working, to help with inflammation and pain. 400mg of each. i have since taken both but alternated between the two every 4 hour. I have a lot of releif from pain and swelling/ stiffness/inflammation. I am worried about taking methotrexate and am anxious about tomorrow having to take second dose of methotrexate but will continue and report progress, bearing in mind that not everyone reacts the same to treatment and that the desease is quite different as to how it effects each individual

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • xLois
    xLois flightsimfrank

    Posted

    I have taken MTX for 23 years . Pills for about 12 years and injections since. I prefer the injection as it by by passes the stomach  and no nausea. It does take about 6 weeks to fully work.

    Wishing you good luck.

    • flightsimfrank
      flightsimfrank xLois

      Posted

      Hi Lois, thanks for reply. This last weekend have taken second dose of methotrexate, is it suposed to weaken your body like having bad flu bug as all my energy has gone, just want to sleep, also all effected areas of painful joints have started really hurting.

    • barbara58180
      barbara58180 flightsimfrank

      Posted

      i've been o it a long time--first pills and ten injections for about 19 years. At first I was so sick and tired that i quit one of my teachi g jobs. but now, I hardly notice anythig. when I take it.

      Goof luck

    • flightsimfrank
      flightsimfrank barbara58180

      Posted

      Hi Barbara. Im guessing that after 19 yrs, the methotrexate is working for you. How long had you been taking t before feeling any benefits?  have to say, I d feel recovered somewhat since Saturday taking my second dose. I managedto work all day and ts now 10.00pm and still up. Thanks for reply, its much appreciated.
    • barbara58180
      barbara58180

      Posted

      I really don't remember when I started to feel better. I was already on Enbrel--and it wasn't enough for me, so the mtx was added as ws plaquinel. It's quite the journey. Lots of medication switching over the years for me, bu I am pretty stable now. Had a really bad flare a couple of months ago, byut it had been years !! It's really hard. Just keep trying and find the best doctor you can. I also changed doctors for a long time , too--after my first one left town. But I am happy (enough) with my current doctor and trust her,

      BHest of Luck,

      Barbara

  • h33919
    h33919 flightsimfrank

    Posted

    Keep going! It feels like you are never going to get any relief from the pain and discomfort of RA but you have won the first battle to actually get a diagnosis and start treatment. I am on month 4 of methotrexate and just moved onto injections. Whilst it's not making a massive improvement just yet I know that I need to keep going until my disease stabilises. Sometimes the side effects are difficult so I've been drinking lots of ginger tea to quel the sick feeling. Also going to bed early to allow my body to rest. Hope you get on ok. 
    • flightsimfrank
      flightsimfrank h33919

      Posted

      Hi, thanks fo reply, yes, I will keep going unless anything serious pops up  fortnightly tests.  I have heard somewhere that ginger is good for helping reduce inflammation. Might try the ginger tea! re yu still suffer a high scale of pain?
    • h33919
      h33919 flightsimfrank

      Posted

      My pain is reasonable. Stress has a massive effect on it. It's definitely improved however it's hard to tell whether it's the methotrexate of the steroid injection! I prefer the injections though so fingers crossed  
  • jrom6190
    jrom6190 flightsimfrank

    Posted

    I've suffered with plaque psoriasis for 11 year's and I tried all kinds of ointment and creams for it and I'm still not cleared. . . I'm willing to try the treatment because I'm desperate for permanent treatment and clearer skin, so I'm asking for your help and if you can I would appreciate it.
    • flightsimfrank
      flightsimfrank jrom6190

      Posted

      Hi. not sure if this discussion is for you, ita about arthritis and medication of methotrexate and how it effects individuals, nothing to do with creams and ointments and skin complaints. How did you think this could be helpful?
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