Anyone On Methotraxate?

[Retrochic]

I've finally had a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis. The Consultant thought it may have been reactive RA and would settle and I've been on a reducing dose of prednisolone for the last six weeks but couldn't get below 15 mg per day and it was getting worse. I've been prescribed 10 mg of methotraxate once a week going up to 20 mg in monthly installments,also I have to take folic acid once a week. I've been told that methotraxate can take months to work and not everyone can take it because of the side effects. I have to have blood tests every two weeks to monitor toxins or something. I would be grateful if there is anyone on AB who has had this treatment and could give me any indication of how long it took to 'kick in' as I'm trying to manage without too many steroids but when I stopped them two days before seeing the Consultant I could hardly walk I was in so much pain. Thanks.

[Eve]

Got it and emailed you back.

I had nausea too (Stemetil helped that though that I had anyway for Menieres). I also got really bad heartburn so they upped my Omeprazole and used Gaviscon liquid and tablets. I had shooting pains in my limbs too which was one of the weirdest but they upped my Pregabalin I was already on for fibromyalgia for that - part of my point being I had other conditions than RA so was having some issues anyway.

I did get some mild hairloss, though there were remedies for that too and not 100% if it was the mtx or not, stress as well maybe.

Overall though, it was my raised liver enzymes that caused issues for me being on it medically. They will be regularly tested. Had the same problem with tocilizumab infusions. Now on Enbrel self injections, don't seem to be doing much though, save that my liver results are all back to normal. One bonus about the liver and its ability to heal itself!

[bednobs]

oh are you on enbrel now eve? (we clearly haven't caught up for a while!) Ive been off hte toci for a few months owing to an infected leg that wouldn't heal.

[Eve]

Yep, since December but can't really see much of a difference, not like toci on the full doses, even without methotrexate. Am a bit fed up of it but could be early days. I was meant to be referred around September but for some reason they didn't do it so by the time I got hold of someone to chase it ended up a couple of months delay so the big steroid jab I'd had to tide me over was running out.

To be fair, things were a bit up and down with being able to take it with colds and shingles and such, more over the winter period, but had a clearer run and still not much good.

I don't know where this one came from though as was told my toci back up drug was Abatacept but then changed to Enbrel. My inflammatory markers are pretty much non-drug level though my liver and kidney results have improved so giving them a break.

Need something to work well though, holy grail huh haha! My fault as well, keep meaning to email but been so tired most evenings and I know you have a lot on too.

[Eve]

Argh, pressed too early!

Hope your leg heals itself up soon, how frustrating! Is it an ulcer?

[bednobs]

i have a terrible tendency to think "i must answer that" then someone wants a cuddle/kiss it better/milk/chocolate/cup of tea/dinner and i forget then never get back to it!
I was recently really disappointed because i had to have a steroind Injection :(

[bednobs]

yes it is an ulcer now. I have gorgeous compression stockings to wear :)

[mazie]

Really sorry to hear of your diagnosis Retro. I do hope you are able to manage it and live life to the full and be as pain free as possible x

[Eve]

Hi, just a quick post to see how you are doing. Hope the steroids are doing their job and the methotrexate is going ok.

Noo, that's not good bednobs :( Pain of a thing to get healed too and to be off meds. I wondered with reference to the stockings! Hope it sorts itself out soon.

[Retrochic]

Hi Eve -sorry I haven't got back to you via email but have had a couple of 'bad' days,feel shattered, the methotraxate is making me nauseous,the steroids making me hungry, and I'm just frustrated and annoyed with myself. ;-(

Can only type for short bits so will email you when I feel a bit better to vent lol! bet you will look forward that ;-)

[Eve]

Honestly, no worries at all, my email is there whenever you want to email and there are no expectations from me, I know what it's like to feel so bad.

Honestly, vent away, seriously. I can be good to get it out, especially to someone who has a clue what you are going through :) It isn't your fault and sometimes you have to just let it all out then just let go a bit.

I've been working on making my rest a bit nicer, that even though I'm shattered with fatigue and pain, I try and have a nice shower with some relaxing shower stuff then put on baby bedtime moisturiser on my arms and wrap myself up with a cup of camomile, honey and lemon tea. Makes me feel a little more looked after and nice sleepy relaxed.

I found ice lollies are quite good to have on hand with the hunger, and things like apples which take a while to eat like large Granny Smiths. Clear soups are quite good too, like a chicken simmer soup as easier to sip slowly.

Have you had your folic acid yet? That can help the nausea and any other side effects, similarly with ginger like ginger tea or biscuits. It is horrible but hopefully it will settle. It's not a nice drug but, if you can tolerate it, a good drug to be on and used as a baseline for many other drugs.

Doesn't help the feeling crap though, on top of everything else. Hope you have got family round to help out.

Just post when you are ready. Will be thinking of you, it's a difficult time.