My last Rheumy appointment was great. So good in fact, that we decided to back down my MTX to 7.5. I was told to reduce to 5 pills a week for three weeks, then four, and so on. The problem is, just as the MTX kicked in super fast, its effects are starting to fade super fast. I have been on 5 pills for 3 weeks and my symptoms are back! I tried to ignore the fact my hands would be stiffer in the morning than they had been last week. Then my joints started feeling sore. I also ignored the fact that my fatigue was increasing. The last few days I've looked up and seen red joints in my hand, a little swelling, and I am at 3-4 on the pain scale. Should I give it another week and see if I go into a flare or should I call him and ask to go back up to 15 MTX? I just don't know what to do. Less drugs are better, and he only goes up to 17.5 on MTX so I am almost maxed out already at 15. Any help would be appreciated.I would be calling your RD.
Better to preempt a flare if you can than really let it take hold.
You've been stable so try and keep it that way.
I totally agree with Cordy. You need to go back where you were stable, and try to get stable again. I would call rheumy and tell him/her what has happened. You do not need a flare.Caprice, definitely call, because if the MTX isn't working, he must have a backup plan for you, but you have to make the call to get started, unfortunately. My rheumy has me on 20, which I researched, and it looks like 25 is the highest recommended dosage. I will never understand these variations from doctor to doctor.
I agree. I would call the RD. I had the same thing in the beginning. At first the combo of plaquenil and MTX seemed to be working and then he said to cut back on both the MTX and the pred. Unfortunately, that was the worst couple of months ever. I ended up getting my first cortizone shot. My RD scolded me for not calling sooner and now has added Arava to the mix and I feel like a new woman. So, please don't wait until it gets worse.
Connie
Hi there, I agree ,get in touch with the doc, as if you get worse you'll have to do the prednisone to get you back were you started. If you take somewhere in between the 15 and 7.5 maybe yu can back off later. good luck. LyndaSometimes we do jump the gun on wanting to reduce these nasty drugs, but if it is working...don't mess with it. If it ain't broke, don't fix it!!! Hard lesson, and very hard one for us. If I were being controlled at this very moment, I too would want to reduce something! Take good care of yourself!
Caprice,
I would call right away....honey don't chance it!!!!
Hugs to you feeling better really soon!!!