I am due to see my rheumatologist next week again. Whilst I feel some relief from the MTHX/Plaquinel after 3 months (on MTHX ) (6 monhs Plaquinel)I am never quite sure how well I am supposed to feel on this dosage. Is 4 tablets per week (2.5m) considered low?? I am not in serious pain but the discomfort in feet/knees (Hands are good) and general stiffness when sitting down too long are still there, although I suppose they are manageable. It seems that pain in feet are permanent?? It's not as bad as it used to be but it always seems to be with me even though I try to change my shoes hoping to get relief from different pressure points etc (I used to love shoes!!) Has anybody noticed significantr improvement when upping the MTHX?? I know this will be discusssed at the apppointment and decisions made etc. Also, just a note to recommend changing doctors if possible. I posted awhile ago saying that I didn't like or feel comfortable with the referral given to me so managed to get myself into another one (stroke of luck) and what a difference, she is so much nicer and easier to talk to. The first one was so condescending and arrogant. Anyway, don't waste any time if that happens to you. Thanks for all the helpful advice when I read the various postings, great site. Gill
I agree with you on the doctor issue Gill. You've got to live with this a long time...find a doctor right away that you want to form a relationship with...because that's exactly what it will be. Make it a relationship you will like. No reason to hate your doctor; there's too many good ones out there.
As for the MTX; yes. I think an increase will bring you more relief. I take 9 pills a week (That's 22.5mg) as well as Humira weekly. I started out on less like you....but have steadily increased over the years. I suppose that's a personal choice....but it will bring you more relief.
Everyone does need to keep in mind that no matter what treatment you are on it's likely that you will have to learn to live with a certain degree of pain.
Best of luck to you.
Lovie
Hello Gill,
Lovie said it correct...A good relationship with your doctor is half the battle.
I think we are always going to have some degree of pain and stiffness but learning when it happens and how it happened, sometimes shows us what we need to do to not put us in that area.
I sorta antiquate RA with infancy. It's all about learning how to grow with RA and learning what may best suit us in our circumstances.
I live in Birkenstock's, Dr Scholls, and Earth Shoes,( they seem to have a wider girth around the toe area) and I put gel soles inserts in. In fact, I take the gel soles with me, when going to buy shoes...that way I know I have the correct fit. I almost always wear mules, even for dress. Birkenstock's are world re- known and are worn even in the coldest climates and by some of the wealthiest people.
Take care of yourself, Gill.
Toni
Hi Gill. I take weekly MTX injections. (I think my dose is equivalent to 20 or 25 mg?) Anyway, I still have to take a fair amount of Relafen (anti-inflammatory) and Darvocet (for pain), and my feet seem to be the place where the pain has taken up permanent residence (it visits all of my other joints, but never leaves my feet!) The only shoes that are really truly comfortable for me are Crocs. They look a little silly, but they feel great, and they're only . Just wanted to share that. Oh, and foot massage seems to help too, if you can find someone nice enough to do that for you! Take care.