Hi Everyone - My name is Terrianne and I was diagnosed with RA three weeks ago. I am 28 years old and have been a flight attendant for the last 7 years. However, I have been on medical leave for the last 4 years due to an array of medical problems including severe allergies, a neurological disease etc. (Now, I am probably going to take another job at my airline because working as a FA is too physically demanding) I had a pretty complicated surgery to tighten up my ankle 3 days before I was diagnosed. A lot to deal with at once. This was my 15th surgery in 5 years! AHHH! Anyway, my Rheumatologist started me on MTX to take in combination with Celebrex to start. I took the first dose of MTX on Monday night and have been extremely nauseated ever since, though today is a little better. I also had a terrible headache on Tuesday and have been even more fatigued than I was to begin with. Is this normal? I have also lost an additional 4 pounds in 3 days, which is not good, because the RA has also been making me lose weight. I would welcome any suggestions to help me get through this. Thanks.
Glad you're here. I think it's pretty normal, but you should mention it to your doctor. Maybe you need some folic acid along with the mtx. btw...welcome! Welcome Terrianne, It's such a pretty name. As far as the problem with the MTX, I take mine at least 4 hours after I take my other meds. I try not to mix with the other meds. When I first went on the MTX, the RA doc, also put me on a strong NSAID. Couldn't stomach the mixture. After 2 days of this, I called the doc to see what she could give me to stop the nausea. She told me to stop taking the NSAID and place me on another one. The nausea stopped but now I have to take Zantac with my NSAID.
mary Thanks everyone! It's nice to get input from others who are actually going through, or have gone through, the same things that I am.
My Rhuemy does have me taking 2mg of folic acid on the days that I don't take the MTX, but that obviously hasn't been enough. On a positive note... I'm out at my parents for the week. (left my hubby at home) It's always nice to have mom around when your not feeling good. Anyway, mom and I went out for woodfired pizza last night and it's the first meal I ate all week! It didn't even make me nauseated. Hooray! I had a lovely evening. We have to count our blessings no matter how small!
Thanks again! PS - dreading starting it all over again on Monday, but I am going to make the most out of my weekend. Monday is my MTX day and I have to get a new walking cast that will stay on for another 5 weeks - AHHH!
I'm Terri too!!! :)
Hey Terrianne,
I just got my scrip for MTX today - trying to figure out when to take my first dose (I was diagnosed in Dec.). There are always some of us going through the same thing at the same time. I've just been on prednisone until now. It sounds as though the nausea & headaches are pretty normal, but they get better with time.
The MTX made me so sick and I finally found that taking it around bed time worked for me because then I slept through the worse part. I never had the tiredness from it but some others have. The side effects are suppose to ease with time, but by the time I realized it wasn't making me sick I had to quit taking it. Did they give you folic acid to take also? Good luck and glad you found your way here. Hugs and good vibes.
You may have to switch the meds but only the doc will know for sure. Don't wait too long before you say something to the doc. Once you get the right mix, you will start to feel better.
MarisaHi Terrianne, I had a lot of trouble with metetrexate too. I now take 7.5 mg once a week . I take 4 folic acids every day that really help. For me, it helps if I eat a really substantial breakfast with one pill, then take another at lunch, again with a real meal, and take one at dinner. I crave protein and carbs and don't deny myself. I feel dizzy and out of it the next day but the side efects are lessening over time. Also, drink a lot of water as it flushes the meds out of your system. MTX is really a low dose of chemo but it helps keep the inflamation in tow.Hi Terriane,
Welcome to the forum. Sounds like you have a lot going on with
you. Wow! That's a lot of surgeries. I hope you get
some treatment going that works for you.
Definitely try the folic acid Terrianne. I haven't had any bad side effects, just tired and a headache the day after I take my MTX. So far no nausea. The folic acid seems to be the way to decrease side effects. WELCOME!!!! The best thing I can tell you about mtx it will take a little time to get use to it, it was about a month for me, but like it was suggested take it before bed and it might help you get over the nausea, also drink lots of water, this helps to get the mtx out of your system faster and keeps the body hydrated while taking it. Glad to see you!!! meme
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