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Starting Methotrexate in next few days

Posted , 4 users are following.

bob_2020
bob_2020

Hi i have been diagnosed with RA this week i have it both hands and writs i started my oral steriods tablets today and start MTX on monday coming i know what i have been told side effect vary for different people just i am still a bit weary but i have no opition bar to try them...just hope i dont get bad side effects and i am sick and feel really down just wondering how others have been when they first started MTX i also have to start hydroxychloroquine....

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • CA-Lynn
    CA-Lynn bob_2020

    Posted

    Whatdoes MTX are you starting off on? Pill or injection?

    Did they give you a script for Folic Acid as well?

    What kind of doctor [specialty] precribe and who will monitor you progress?

    Everyone is different. I started on MTX 20+ years ago and it was absolutely worth the mild nausea I experienced. Back in those days we didn't know about taking Folic Acid.

     

    • bob_2020
      bob_2020 CA-Lynn

      Posted

      Hi CA i am starting pill 15mg yes i also have folic acid to take it was a rhaumatology consultant and i will be moniterd gettin blood took at my local gp every 2 weeks and every 6 to 8 weeks i will attend hospital i hope i just feel the way you did 20 years ago you started mtx that is a long time..
  • John1129
    John1129 bob_2020

    Posted

    Hi Bob, I'm 65 and was diagnosed with RA 12 years ago I was prescribed sulphasalizine at first but had a bad reaction, (another story) and so I was put on mtx. However I'm only on 7.5mg and it realy is working, If I get nausea it's very mild, together with Naproxin anti inflamatory when needed I'm fairly stable but still have the joint stiffness different joints different days but still able to go to the gym quite often. I still get a bad debilitating flare up about two or three times a year but it goes with the help of strong pain killers and patience.

    Good luck Bob.

    • bob_2020
      bob_2020 John1129

      Posted

      Thanks john will see how i go when i start them monday coming i was just diagnosed monday past john but its been going on flare ups over last 2 years...thing is now my right hand i cannot straighten it turns in will the drugs help get my hand straight again or is this the way it is now i have RA
    • connie49452
      connie49452 bob_2020

      Posted

      You should hopefully find things will improve slowly once you've settled down on your meds. My hands felt like they were constantly in a fist, but a few months later on they were more relaxed & I could do a lot more.  Now I'm like a different person. I wouldn't say it's been plain sailing but I'm SO much better now.
  • connie49452
    connie49452 bob_2020

    Posted

    I'd agree with others comments Bob & say it's different for everyone. I have my 20mg of Mtx in the new pen format ( replacing syringes). On tablets I experienced more side effects but they more or less stopped when I switched to a pen. The secret is to self monitor too. Record anything that happens to you and tell your Rheumatologist. The folic acid helps a lot as does taking Mtx before you go to bed. Then if you feel nauseous you'll hopefully be asleep ! I hope it works for you as it can be an valuable medication against RA.
    • bob_2020
      bob_2020 connie49452

      Posted

      Thanks alot for the advice connie i have the folic acid to take as well day after mtx yes i will take note of everything cos i have just been diagnosed am in the dark about some of the medicines..but picked up alot reading about other suffers thanks again
    • connie49452
      connie49452 bob_2020

      Posted

      I take my folic acid every day except for the day I have my Mtx. My Rhuemy told me this is to keep side effects of nausea to a minimum. If you're not doing that then maybe ask if it would help you.
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