Greetings!
I'm new to this forum and wanted to introduce myself. After a year or so of pain and suffering, I was finally diagnosed with RA last month. No joint damage yet, but some bone thinning around the joints. I started on injectable methotrexate (0.6cc) once weekly two weeks ago and have not noticed any relief yet. I'm 28 years old, I have family history of RA, and I also have a whole host of other autoimmune disorders--type I diabetes, thyroid issues, and pernicious anemia (take weekly B12 shots). Needless to say my life is a challenge!
I'm interested in hearing about others' experience with the methotrexate. I started taking it two weeks ago on Friday nights, and have had to leave work early the following Thursdays due to severe nausea/stomach issues. Do you think that's just coincidence, or could it be a delayed reaction to the methotrexate? I'm normally knocked out the day after the injection, but no other problems until Thursday (6 days after the injection). I think my boss is getting a little irritated at the absences, but some days I feel so horrible I can hardly function.
Also, how long does it take most people to find medication programs that work? What changes have you made since being diagnosed with RA? I guess I'm just full of questions! Any advice/tips would be great - looks like there's a wealth of knowledge on this forum!
Thanks,
Kate
Hello Kate, welcome. Sorry I dont take mtx but there are lots of people on the board that do. Ask as many questions as you have, there's always someone willing to share knowledge, comfort etc.
Hi Kate welcome to the mad world of Arhtritis Insight, there are some wonderful people here with excellent advice. Sorry that you have so many health issues, methotrexate can cause nausea and stomach issues, are you taking folic acid with it? I am back on MTX after having bad effects from it in pill form, I now have injections and so far so good. I found a lot of meds take at least 10 to 12 weeks to kick in properly but everyone is different.
A lot of changes are gradual and you will know when and if you need to slow down a bit and rest, you may need to have a chat to your doctor if your nausea is stopping you from functioning. Does you boss know you have RA.
Ask lots of questions as its the only way to learn.
Take care
Welcome Kate, you've come to the right place. It took about 5 months for me to feel the effects of the MTX and Plaquenil that I take. Many people feel better much sooner, but I think you've got at least a couple more weeks to wait to feel anything. I've never heard of anyone getting sick from it several days later, but I'm no expert. Some people hit the nail on the head meds-wise right away, others take a long time to find the right mix. Since everyone is different, our own experiences might not mirror yours at all, but will still provide you with some good information. Ask all the questions you want. We understand what you're dealing with and we want to help! Welcome to AI, Kate. Hi Kate!Hi and Welcome...I had problems when I first started with the MTX (I do injection), but it was usually the next day or two that I felt sick. I take folic acid, and have learned that if I take an extra pill on the day before, day of, and day after my injection, then I seem to do better and not get sick.