1 yr Update and Hair Thinning Question | Arthritis Information

Howdy,

Long time no post! It’s been a busy summer and I’m happy to say that the RA has been pretty tame. A year after my DX and I’m delighted that my life is pretty much back to normal. While a year ago I could barely walk, I actually went out for a 20 minute run the other day! I did feel my feet a bit afterwards, but am encouraged enough to try it again.

Flares are pretty minimal now. I can “feel” the RA a couple of times a week, but from the outside a stranger would never know about the internal inflammatory war being raged between the RA and MTX.

The disconcerting thing is the fairly new hair loss and possible mouth sores. About 6 months after I started on 25mg of MTX, injectable, I started noticing my hair thinning. Recently I’ve noticed some mouth sores. I’m on folic acid (1000 IU?), but wonder if I shouldn’t up the dose.

Has anyone had an issue with hair thinning, then reducing it by upping their folic acid dose? Would you change your dose without consulting your rheumy first?

With a near-remission state, would you bother your rheumy with this issue? My hubby made the good point that being able to walk is more important that hair! (But I think he's just fantasizing a vision of me with a long, soft, wavy wig!)

Anywho, hope all are managing well.

- Joy

Hi! I wasn't on the boards when you were DX but I was happy to read about your success. I would most definitely discuss the increased folic acid with your doctor first. He may put you on Leucovorin instead, which is what my RD did for brain fog and which is stronger than regular folic acid.

OK, Here comes the dental in me:

What do your mouth sores look like? Where are they located? (Meaning, are they on the inside of your lips, down (or up) in that "vestibule" way up high above your teeth, or are they on your gums right above your tooth? Different types of mouthsores show up in different areas. Easier to help you if we know where they are located. Also, what do they look like? Are they patches of red, part red with a white center, little red bumps?

I will suggest some helpful remedies if you give me a bit more information.

Lisa, the not practicing now dental hygienist due to cruddy RA!

Joy,
my hair's thinned a bit but not too bad. i take a broad spectrum vitamin B every day and somebody once said that's why my hair was "lasting". I think its good for your hair. Do you take vit B?
anna

Hey All,

Thanks for the replies! I do take a multivitamin each day, but will have to look to see if it has a broad spectrum vit. B. The mouth sores are few and transient, but present as irritation at the side or roof my mouth. Occassionally painful when eating and drinking.

Think I'll give the rheumy a ring to see if I can get in to talk about this. The idea of Leucovorin or another solution is really worth looking into.

Thanks All!
- Joy