I am a 29year old mother of 4,that was diagnosed w/RA 2 years ago. I was started on Plaquinil (which didnt work), ended up firing my Rheumatologist and am going to see another MD in Albq. NM. next month. My gen. physician has said that Methotrexate will be the next med. I will get put on, but all the studies Ive read about this med. say it has REALLY bad side effects. Is there anyone my age out there that has RA and is on methotrexate that can share some insight?
Its bad enough to have RA AND not have competent medical support or help...hope some of you can help...
I was on mtx for awhile and it did help, but I was also on enbrel with it too, but as the mtx was increased higher and higher I had to stop taking it. They usually start you out with a small dose and adjust it from there. I hope this helps some. I am now on arava instead. Welcome to the board. memeDon't be too afraid of this drug ...for most it really helps. Plus your doctor will be keeping his/her eye on your bloodwork which will be done regularly to make sure everything is going ok.
Good luck!
Kelly
I agree with Kelstev. I was originally on MTX at age 32/33 for a couple of years. As I didn't have any children I had to come off it while trying to get pregnant, but eventually went back on it age 38/39 and have been on it ever since, (I'm now 47). I am lucky and have never had any side effects and am now up to the max dose of 25 mg by injection along with other meds. While on it, you should have regular blood tests which check for any side effects. I have come to the conclusion that if I took to heart all the side effects listed on all the meds I have to take for RA then I'd either be 6ft under or off my rocker! Try the MTX, monitor how you feel and then make a decision. For me anything has got to be better than the full blown pain and swelling and immobility of RA!
Hi Desertchild,The rumors about MTX seem to be on the "extreme" edge. I've been in RA/forums for 18+ months and haven't run across very many accounts of MTX side effects. More worry that actual problems. I take 10mg/week, maybe a small dose to some, but no problems. Try it and report back! Hopefully you will feel better and not have any unusal side effects. Good Luck!
DFWmike
Well, I took my MTX last night -- 15 mg and I didn't wake up a troll or anything. I actually feel completely normal. :)
You make a really good point Mike. It's definately a case of "The bark is far worses than the bite".
DC~I've been on MTX for at least 4 years now and think it really turned my treatment around. I honestly believe MTX is really pulling all the weight as far as my treatment goes. I now take 25mg & Humira weekly. I doubt very seriously that Humira would work as well as it does without the MTX.
I've had little to no side effects. Don't let that laundry list of side effects scare you....the majority of us handle MTX very well and are very thankful we have it.
Good Luck!!