Lynn---I have my diagnosis! | Arthritis Information

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Hi, Lynn,

You have been so supportive of me, and I wanted to let you know that I saw my new rheumatologist today. She was very thorough. My appointment lasted an hour and 15 minutes. She examined lots of joints and ordered hand and feet xrays, but based on the swelling, stiff, sore joints, and history, she dx seronegative RA. I am to start MTX as soon as I finish my antibiotic for my current ear infection. Thanks again, Lynn, for encouraging me to see a new doctor. I am looking forward to feeling better. Oh, yeah, she is going to do some blood test that neither of my previous two rheumy's ever ordered. I don't think she was impressed with my previous docs.

I do have one questions. My doctor didn't prescribe folic acid to take with the MTX. Is this unusual???

Peace,
V Hi, Gale. My rheumy mentioned Arava, but wanted me to try MTX first. Do you have to have blood tests frequently to check on your liver enzymes?

Hi, Jeanne. I think I will call the rheumy's office tomorrow and ask about the folic acid. I know another woman who has been taking MTX, and she had to stop due ot side effects. She felt like her lips were wind chapped and had a lot of GI issues. Have you ever taken MTX. Did it bother you much?

VVee, yes I have blood work every two months. CBC, CMP, ESR, CRP, and Vit. D. The CMP is the test that checks my liver function, and the only time it was really elevated was when I was trying AP therapy. I always have my blood work done a week before I see my RD. What is AP therapy, Gale? I am new to all of this......

Thanks!
VVee, I too have blood tests every six weeks.  Yes I do take Methotrexate (17.5 mg per week) & Folic Acid (5mg twice daily)  Initally a little hair loss in the shower drain, but that soon settled. (Got a good thick head of hair still) 

 
Intially I was only on 5mg Folic Acid once daily, but on developing a few mouth ulcers, he recommended I take 5 mg in the morning and another 5 in evg.  No probs since then.  I take my methotrexate straight after my evening meal.  The fuller the tum - the better - Rh told me.  Certainly lessened the initial upset tummy when I first started it.
 
I did get very tired at first though, so took it on a Friday night, cos no work to go to on Saturday.  Again, that soon settled as well.  All the best with with it anyway, I'm sure you'll be fine!! I guess everybody is different, it just takes a while to kick in and for your body to adjust to the "invasion"!! LOL
 
 
Thank you, Jeanne. I thought I would take my MTX on Friday nights too. Great minds think alike! LOL

Blessings,
VWhen I first starting taking MTX, my rd at the time did not prescribe folic acid.  Like Gale's, the dr said it can decrease the effect of MTX.  I wasn't taking a large dose of MTX at the time, so side effects were pretty minimal.  Now that I take a larger amount, I also take MTX.
 
Glad you have a diagnosis.  Now it's time to find meds that work so you can feel better.
Hi, Rebecca! I am only taking 5 tablets once a week. That isn't a very high dose, right?

VEach tablet is 2.5mg, so 12.5mg total.  Not a huge dose, but obviously not the smallest either.  I currently take 8 pills-20mg.  For me, I didn't really start feeling side effects till 7pills.  But, everyone is different.
 
You will get bloodwork to monitor for any dangerous side effects that could occur.  Your liver function will be a big one.  Honestly, you will probably get an elevated result every once in a while.  If that happens, your dr will probably decrease your MTX for a bit.  I get a high result a couple times a year.  I use to freak out at first.  Then my dr told me that a real dangerous reading is actually 10X the level of what I was testing.  They catch problems really quickly with the frequent bloodwork.
 
It can be very overwhelming.  Sometimes I think I don't take things seriously enough.  I've been diagnosed for over 1/2 my life.  As a kid you hear a diagnosis and med side effects and say-whatever, when can I go to the mall again?  I'm sure my mom had all the questions and concerns that you do. 
 
If you have any other questions-ask away.  You will want to learn as much as possible so you can take ownership of this disease.  Don't let RA define you.  It will be a part of you, but only a small part.
12.5 is a good starting dose
 
as for the folic acid.....MTX is a folic acid depletor but folic acid also interferes with the action of the MTX so its a balancing act.  Many rheumatologists are now not prescribing folic acid automatically and are now waiting for side effects to appear before adding it in.  Many people do not experience  side effects so the additional folic acid is not needed.  Keep in mind that folic acid can be found in many foods and in your daily multi vitamin so you are getting supplementation already
Vee,
 
Your post almost sounds like a hooray post. You almost sound happy to be diagnosed with ra. Just kidding. I know that you are just happy to find out what the reasons are for your medical misery. So, I guess we can officially welcome you to our club. As you can see, many of us live pretty normal RA lives and that should be somewhat comforting. It's a roller coaster ride for sure but eventually, it becomes just another adventure. Welcome to our club. We're here for you. Now someone, show her the secret handshake.
 
LEV
Vee, did you take all your records with you?  I'm glad you got a diagnosis, now you can start treatment.  Good luck! it's a horrible scary ledge we walk while waiting to find out what the heck it is!!  not glad that you have RA.. but glad you have a DX.I am definitely not happy to have RA, but after 11 months and two weeks of feeling, weak, sick, tired and having pain that sometimes reaches a level nine....I am happy to have a diagnosis, so that I can try to get better. Thank you all for your support. It helps a lot.

VVee, I'm glad you have a diagnosis and can now get the help you need to get on with life!  I know when I feel bad everything just feels wrong and my whole world is outta whack!  All good things to you, hums coming your way!

[QUOTE=Vee]Hi, Lynn,

You have been so supportive of me, and I wanted to let you know that I saw my new rheumatologist today. She was very thorough. My appointment lasted an hour and 15 minutes. She examined lots of joints and ordered hand and feet xrays, but based on the swelling, stiff, sore joints, and history, she dx seronegative RA. I am to start MTX as soon as I finish my antibiotic for my current ear infection. Thanks again, Lynn, for encouraging me to see a new doctor. I am looking forward to feeling better. Oh, yeah, she is going to do some blood test that neither of my previous two rheumy's ever ordered. I don't think she was impressed with my previous docs.

I do have one questions. My doctor didn't prescribe folic acid to take with the MTX. Is this unusual???

Peace,
V [/QUOTE]
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