methotrexate

[Guest guest]

Lissa,

I started on oral mtx and spent 3 months in the bathroom before giving up on

it. My doctor at the time told me to hang in there and my body would

adjust. I constantly had stomach pain and diarrhea. I was never offered

injections - this was probably 18-20 years ago. Last year I tried the

injections and had no side effects. I couldn't stay on it since it elevated

my liver enzymes and didn't give me any relief.

Knowing what I know now, I'd take the injections since it has less GI side

effects and is more effective.

Talk to your doctor and see what he suggests.

a

> So, there has benn a lot of discussion about this medicine. I am

> sure my rheumy will perscribe either MTX of plaquenil at my next

> appt. I have had a weak stomach my whole life. If they perscribe

> MTX, should I just ask for injectible right off?

>

> For those of you who have been on both, which has the fewer side

> effects?

>

> Becky, the YMCA here offers an arthritis water aerobics class. You

> might look into it there as well.

>

> Lissa

[Guest guest]

Happy Birthday a!

Sorry I've been scarce, just overwhelmed with my week. She is okay so far but

broke our periodically in hives the rest of the week. They are having more

tests run at a children's hospital in St. Louis. This has been an on going

process with her as she started have horrible reactions to food beginning with

rice baby cereal and it escalated to oats and anything with any type of grain or

filler. Right now we have her strictly on fresh fruits and vegetables and pure

meet such as chicken and turkey and pure juice. She can also have Kraft singles

individually wrapped and Bryers yogurt. When she gets even one hive I give her

a power dose of Benedryl and watch her carefully. I have an epi-pin but so far

haven't had to use it on her. This little girl is like family to us, had her

two older sisters since they were babies so she is like my own. There aren't

many kids I would keep in my care with this problem but she is wonderful and so

are her parents.

Welcome to new members. I have RA and just starting taking methotextrate. My

fatigue right now is worse than the pain. I have four children ages 14-20 and a

licensed home daycare. Just got our new mattress delivered today so can't wait

to go to bed. It's a motored bed with a vibrator and a space foam mattress.

Tessie, good luck with the surgery. I had a hysto December 22. It was laser.

There was a lot of pain for me so ask for the legal limit of pain meds and take

them as often as prescribed. I had some really big fibroids in addition to

some growing outside the uterus. The doctor said it looked like an octopus with

lots of legs so maybe that's why there was more pain. Most of my friends said

it wasn't bad at all for them. I'm a woos, I fainted when they put the IV in

me! I'm sure they all had a good laugh over that one! As soon as the needle

touched my arm I was out, next thing I knew it was over. I was only in the

hospital for 23 hours and had a pain pump while in there. I could push the

button when needed but it would only allow so much at a time. That worked fine

for me. I would do the surgery over again because the pain was very short term

compared to the complications before I had it done. I take a natural hormone,

compounded by our local pharmacist and have had absolutely no problems at all.

If you get a maternity type girdle or something similar to hold in your stomach,

the pain will be significantly reduced. I didn't figure that out until two

weeks later. It really made a huge difference. Also, I wore maternity

underpants and maternity jeans and that really felt good too. I found out a lot

of this info on the hystersisters.com website. Also, to make it easier for me,

I used adult diapers (Depends) for about a week as a precaution and it worked

out well too not having to worry about pads. There just kind of like kids

Pullups and very convenient.

Must go and get some sleep in my new bed. 'Night.

Becky

Re: [ ] Methotrexate

Becky,

That must have been so scary. I hope she is ok and doesn't suffer any

lingering side effects from the vaccine.

a

> I just got a video from the RA association in the mail today about RA and

> exercise! Haven't had time to watch it yet. This afternoon after I got

home

> from the doctor one of my daycare babies, 15 months, got the hives and I had

> to rush her to the ER. She has several food intolerances and has many times

> been close to anapaletpic (sp?) shock. This time they think it was from her

> chicken pox vaccine that she got yesterday. Today was the first day I

wasn't

> tired. Guess my adrenalin really got me hopping.

>

> Becky

[Guest guest]

i lost about 25 lbs when i first started mtx. i think it was because i was

nauseous. i've stopped now darnit!! just mention it to your dr!! GOOD LUCK kathy

in il

[Guest guest]

Weight loss is associated with MTX. The nausea is also a known side effect.

Many people prefer to take MTX by injection to bypass the stomach and

hopefully eliminate the GI side effects. I was on the oral MTX and it was

to harsh on my stomach, but the injections didn't bother me.

I have a lot of information on my webpage about RA drugs:

http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/drugs.html

a

> Hi everyone Can you please answer a question for me. I have been on

> methotrexate and Methylprednmisolone for three weeks now after waiting for

> over two years for a diagnosis of RA. On the days I take the Mtx I feel

> nauseous for a few hours but I have also been losing weight approx 11 lbs in 3

> weeks. Is this normal? I am overweight anyway so could do with losing but I

> want to make sure everything is ok.

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Want to chat instantly with your online friends? Get the FREE Messenger

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Wanda,

I take MTX injections along with Remicade. I used to take the pills

and they really upset my stomach and made me quite nauseous. Of

course, we all react differently to meds but if you are taking MTX

pills and it makes you sick there is an alternative. I have been on

it for about a year. I used to take it exclusively but it only helped

a little. My Rheumy thought a combination with Remicade would be

good. I have had 4 infusions and so far so good.

I know there are members here that have taken it longer than me and

can provide more detailed information, but I wanted to respond anyway.

All my best to you...

Alan

> I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil

and put

> me on Methotrexate. Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds

too.

>

> Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side

effects?

> Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

>

> I was diagnosed in Sept. 2003. I started on plaquenil in October

but just

> couldn't endure the side effects it caused. I feel so much better

since I

> haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what

to expect on

> this new medicine. Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Wanda in TX

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Wanda,...I was on Mtx pills for awhile, and my enzymes went up, so

I had to go off it. However, my rheumy put me back on MTX(pills),

not sure for how long. If I do have to stay on for long, I am also

thinking about the MTX injections. I have heard so many have better

results with the injections, less side-effects. Take care Tawny

> I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil

and put

> me on Methotrexate. Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds

too.

>

> Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side

effects?

> Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

>

> I was diagnosed in Sept. 2003. I started on plaquenil in October

but just

> couldn't endure the side effects it caused. I feel so much better

since I

> haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what

to expect on

> this new medicine. Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Wanda in TX

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wanda,

I am also on Methotrexate (injection). I have taken 6 injections and

cannot tell that they have helped. Of course the rhuemy said it could take 3

to 4 months to see the effects. I have had hair loss and usually feel really

down the next day but very little upset stomach. I also take predisone and

other meds. If I miss a dose of predisone I feel alot of pain in just of few

hours after I should have taken it. That is my experience. I know there are

others with more experience.

Take care

Renate in Ok

[ ] Methotrexate

> I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil and

put

> me on Methotrexate. Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds too.

>

> Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side effects?

> Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

>

> I was diagnosed in Sept. 2003. I started on plaquenil in October but

just

> couldn't endure the side effects it caused. I feel so much better since I

> haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what to

expect on

> this new medicine. Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Wanda in TX

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks to all you responded to my email regarding MTX. I really do

appreciate it as it has been most helpful....

I hope everyone is having a good day.........

Hugs,

Wanda

[ ] Methotrexate

> I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil and

put

> me on Methotrexate.  Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds too.

>

> Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side effects?

> Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

>

> I was diagnosed in Sept.  2003.  I started on plaquenil in October but

just

> couldn't endure the side effects it caused.  I feel so much better since I

> haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what to

expect on

> this new medicine.  Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Wanda in TX

[Guest guest]

i take mtx injections too, just over a year. i was nauseous and had tummy

troubles for the first 6 weeks. then they pretty much went away. i am a little

tired on the weekends and try to relax ( i do my injections friday night) i was

in so much pain and pretty much stuck in my home i was so ill and now i have

worked part time (first time in over 2 years) 20 hrs a week almost a year now!

i am able to clean my home, shop. walk the dog 2x a day. have a lttle social

life ( i even hosted a lingerie party last saturday) it was rough at first. i

am so glad i stuck it out. it has really changed my life. i still have troubles

now and again, but life is definatly better, thanks to methotrexate. good

luck to you. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Hello Wanda,

Greetings from Texas as well. I am on MTX injections. I started on pills

but got all the bad side effects, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, sore

throat, and lung involvement. My doc stopped the pills and started me on

injections after my lungs healed. I still get bad vomiting, nausea, diarrhea

and

some dizziness, sore throat and headache from time to time. I am current on

15mg which is the equivilent of six 2.5mg pills. I have been on as much as

17.5mg or seven pills if taking pills.

I hope your doc also started you on folic acid with the MTX. It helps with

the side effects. I take 5mg a day now. Also if you are on prednisone I hope

you are taking calcium and vit D suppliment to prevent bone lose from the

prednisone.

Good luck

Toni

In a message dated 3/1/04 6:58:45 PM Central Standard Time,

writes:

> Message: 1

> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2004 00:42:54 EST

> From: waferg63@...

> Subject: Methotrexate

>

> I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil and put

> me on Methotrexate. Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds too.

>

> Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side effects?

> Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

>

> I was diagnosed in Sept. 2003. I started on plaquenil in October but just

> couldn't endure the side effects it caused. I feel so much better since I

> haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what to expect

> on

> this new medicine. Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

> appreciated.

>

> Thanks,

> Wanda in TX

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the email and sharing your experience with me. That is great news

that it has helped you in such a positive way.

Wanda

In a message dated 3/1/2004 8:48:07 PM Central Standard Time,

kringlemom@... writes:

> i take mtx injections too, just over a year. i was nauseous and had tummy

> troubles for the first 6 weeks. then they pretty much went away. i am a

> little

> tired on the weekends and try to relax ( i do my injections friday night) i

> was

> in so much pain and pretty much stuck in my home i was so ill and now i have

>

> worked part time (first time in over 2 years) 20 hrs a week almost a year

> now!

> i am able to clean my home, shop. walk the dog 2x a day. have a lttle social

>

> life ( i even hosted a lingerie party last saturday) it was rough at first.

> i

> am so glad i stuck it out. it has really changed my life. i still have

> troubles

> now and again, but life is definatly better, thanks to methotrexate. good

> luck to you. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Toni,

My RA did start me on 1 mg Folic Acid that I take daily and I am taking

calcium with Vitamin D supplement too. I have been taking those since she

started

me on the prednisone.

I hate to hear you have had such a hard time taking MTX . My RA has started

me out on the pills and from everyone's email it sounds like the pills are

worst than the injections but from your email it sounds like both are a toss up.

I am sure neither is good but I am hopeful this works as the plaquenil made

me so sick and I was relieved when she took me off of it.

She has me taking 7mg MTX pills every Friday and I am on 10 mg of prednisone.

Also, I take neurotin and klonopin at night and cardizem for highblood

pressure. Regarding the MTX, she said to take two pills at 5PM with a meal and

then the other one a couple of hours later with a snack. The pharmacist

suggested taking it through out the day on Friday's but said to take it like my

RA

doctor told me. What did you do when you took the MTX pills?

Toni..............If you don't mind me asking what part of TX do you live in?

I live in College Station..........home of the Fighting Texas

Aggies...........except we didn't have that great of a football season this past

year.........lol

Wanda

In a message dated 3/1/2004 9:23:33 PM Central Standard Time, Aclavern33

writes:

> Hello Wanda,

>

> Greetings from Texas as well. I am on MTX injections. I started on pills

> but got all the bad side effects, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, sore

> throat, and lung involvement. My doc stopped the pills and started me on

> injections after my lungs healed. I still get bad vomiting, nausea, diarrhea

> and some dizziness, sore throat and headache from time to time. I am current

> on 15mg which is the equivilent of six 2.5mg pills. I have been on as much as

> 17.5mg or seven pills if taking pills.

>

> I hope your doc also started you on folic acid with the MTX. It helps with

> the side effects. I take 5mg a day now. Also if you are on prednisone I

> hope you are taking calcium and vit D suppliment to prevent bone lose from the

> prednisone.

>

> Good luck

>

> Toni

>

> In a message dated 3/1/04 6:58:45 PM Central Standard Time,

> writes:

>

> >> Message: 1

>> Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2004 00:42:54 EST

>> From: waferg63@...

>> Subject: Methotrexate

>>

>> I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil and put

>>

>> me on Methotrexate. Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds too.

>>

>> Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side effects?

>> Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

>>

>> I was diagnosed in Sept. 2003. I started on plaquenil in October but just

>>

>> couldn't endure the side effects it caused. I feel so much better since I

>> haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what to expect

>> on

>> this new medicine. Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

>> appreciated.

>>

>> Thanks,

>> Wanda in TX

>>

>

[Guest guest]

Curious, when did you get the tummy problems from it? I have not had that- YAY!

altho I have a runny nose, and dry cough that began almost right away- but the

doc was not concerned, even tho I was scared to death.

ANd yes, I am confused cuz I swear doc said 15 mg and then it was 2.5 pills and

it said take 5 pills, which is 12.5 mg. I stuck to the 12.5 mg- but is the

difference cuz of you taking the shots? Are the side effects less with the

shots? I thought if you got the lung thing, you HAD to stop MTX totally? (gosh

scary thought for me at the moment)

I DID get dried blood in my nose a little every day- mildly annoying- and my

monthly- ACK it was MUCH heavier---- that scares me a little, might be ??

liver?? I only began MTX 2 weeks ago - and I go back to rheumy next week. (I

saw GP last Fri)

ANd yes, I take folic acid, too- but- I am not sure I am taking enough- I better

go recalculate it- I think my doc said take 1 mg, but then when I bought it it

was sold in mcg.

- In , aclavern33@a... wrote:

> Hello Wanda,

>

> Greetings from Texas as well. I am on MTX injections. I started on pills

> but got all the bad side effects, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, dizziness, sore

> throat, and lung involvement. My doc stopped the pills and started me on

> injections after my lungs healed. I still get bad vomiting, nausea, diarrhea

and

> some dizziness, sore throat and headache from time to time. I am current on

> 15mg which is the equivilent of six 2.5mg pills. I have been on as much as

> 17.5mg or seven pills if taking pills.

>

> I hope your doc also started you on folic acid with the MTX. It helps with

> the side effects. I take 5mg a day now. Also if you are on prednisone I hope

> you are taking calcium and vit D suppliment to prevent bone lose from the

> prednisone.

>

> Good luck

>

> Toni

>

> In a message dated 3/1/04 6:58:45 PM Central Standard Time,

> writes:

>

> > Message: 1

> > Date: Mon, 1 Mar 2004 00:42:54 EST

> > From: waferg63@a...

> > Subject: Methotrexate

> >

> > I just went to my RA on Thursday and she has taken me off plaquenil and put

> > me on Methotrexate. Also, I am on prednisone along with other meds too.

> >

> > Do any of you take Methotrexate and if so do you have any side effects?

> > Also, how long have you been on it and do you think it helps?

> >

> > I was diagnosed in Sept. 2003. I started on plaquenil in October but just

> > couldn't endure the side effects it caused. I feel so much better since I

> > haven't taken any in the past couple of days but I am unsure what to expect

> > on

> > this new medicine. Any feedback you can give me would be greatly

> > appreciated.

> >

> > Thanks,

> > Wanda in TX

> >

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wanda,

Speaking of MTX, I also noticed by reading the posts that most people are

taking injections. I also take MTX in pills. I've been on MTX for almost a year.

I'm taking 6 2.5mg every Friday. I just take mine first thing in the morning

a long with my other meds and I don't seem to have a problem. I'm also taking

1 mg of folic acid, 5 mg of Prednisone, Levoxyl (for my thyroid) and Fosamax.

I wish I could throw all of them in the garbage. I'm only taking the Fosamax

for as long as I'm taking the Predinsone. I'm heading back to the doctor on the

12th of this month. Can't wait to see what he's going to tell me then.

I'm pretty new to all of this too. I have to tell you that reading all these

posts have helped me get through some pretty low times. It's hard having to

deal with all the meds and doctors, but I think the hardest thing that I'm going

through is realizing that my lifestyle has to change and I don't have any

control of it. Also that I have to depend on people to do different things and

that's something that I never did.

These people are awesome for information, ideas, and support. You came to the

right place...

- Chicago

[Guest guest]

Hey I am in McHenry County.

Yes, not being able to do things has been SO hard. I am a nurse. I also have a

disabled husband and 2 disabled kids and no family help- so it has been truly

awful, here.

I am SO tired of meds and med research and doc appts, for a few years we had doc

appts at least one every day for someone here, and it made me nuts, we did that

for a few yEARS- I think my kids thought everyone spent all their after school

time in waiting rooms. I think they also assumed eevery person has a med

container with the days of the week and compartments for the different times of

day.

We have been able to back off and no longer have daily appts, but we also have

moved to docs in Chicago so now it is a long drive to docs....(I do not drive on

90 by Chicago, so it takes us as long as 3 hours to get into the city)

I have only been on the MTX 2 weeks, but I am hoping it will be a positive

thing.

- In , elmo826@a... wrote:

> Wanda,

>

> Speaking of MTX, I also noticed by reading the posts that most people are

> taking injections. I also take MTX in pills. I've been on MTX for almost a

year.

> I'm taking 6 2.5mg every Friday. I just take mine first thing in the morning

> a long with my other meds and I don't seem to have a problem. I'm also taking

> 1 mg of folic acid, 5 mg of Prednisone, Levoxyl (for my thyroid) and Fosamax.

> I wish I could throw all of them in the garbage. I'm only taking the Fosamax

> for as long as I'm taking the Predinsone. I'm heading back to the doctor on

the

> 12th of this month. Can't wait to see what he's going to tell me then.

>

> I'm pretty new to all of this too. I have to tell you that reading all these

> posts have helped me get through some pretty low times. It's hard having to

> deal with all the meds and doctors, but I think the hardest thing that I'm

going

> through is realizing that my lifestyle has to change and I don't have any

> control of it. Also that I have to depend on people to do different things and

> that's something that I never did.

>

> These people are awesome for information, ideas, and support. You came to the

> right place...

>

> - Chicago

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

,

Thanks for sharing your story with me. It helps to know that you are not

alone in all of this and that other people are taking the same meds as yourself.

The hardest part for me too was realizing I have had to make life changes and

getting family members to try and understand that I have an illness. My

sister especially has had a hard time and thinks that I should get off all the

meds and wants me to be normal like I use to be as she puts it. She doesn't

have

a clue that if I get off my meds I won't be able to function.

I just took my first dose of MTX this past Friday. I took mine after I got

off work but I may try taking it during the earlier part of the day after I

have taken a few doses. I am so thankful that most all of my pills that I take

are different in color...........lol

Have you or anyone else had to fly while taking RA meds? My husband and I

are going to fly to Las Vegas in a oouple of weeks for a conference and I am not

sure how to pack my meds and carry them. Any suggestions????

Hugs,

Wanda in TX

In a message dated 3/2/2004 8:02:39 AM Central Standard Time, elmo826@...

writes:

> Wanda,

>

> Speaking of MTX, I also noticed by reading the posts that most people are

> taking injections. I also take MTX in pills. I've been on MTX for almost a

> year.

> I'm taking 6 2.5mg every Friday. I just take mine first thing in the

> morning

> a long with my other meds and I don't seem to have a problem. I'm also

> taking

> 1 mg of folic acid, 5 mg of Prednisone, Levoxyl (for my thyroid) and

> Fosamax.

> I wish I could throw all of them in the garbage. I'm only taking the Fosamax

>

> for as long as I'm taking the Predinsone. I'm heading back to the doctor on

> the

> 12th of this month. Can't wait to see what he's going to tell me then.

>

> I'm pretty new to all of this too. I have to tell you that reading all these

>

> posts have helped me get through some pretty low times. It's hard having to

> deal with all the meds and doctors, but I think the hardest thing that I'm

> going

> through is realizing that my lifestyle has to change and I don't have any

> control of it. Also that I have to depend on people to do different things

> and

> that's something that I never did.

>

> These people are awesome for information, ideas, and support. You came to

> the

> right place...

>

> - Chicago

[Guest guest]

Any cough should be reported to your doc and investigated there is a serious

side effect from MTX that involves the lungs. IT starts with dry cough and

can be fatal if left unchecked. Please insist that your doc check out the

symtoms. Yes usually if you get lung involvement you have to stop MTX

immediately.

My doc decided since I had so much stomach problems to try once again but

with injections. If I get lung involvement again he will stop the MTX and I

will

not be allowed to try the drug again.

My stomach problems started from day one. I also get some bruising, slowing

clotting and my lab work does reflect some of these problems. But prednisone

can also make you bruise easily as well as bleed more. I too get heavier

cycles and more cramping and pain with them. I have found 20mg Bextra works

great!

As far as the folic acid is concerned the over the counter version is not

prescription strength. 1000mcg is equal to 1mg..so as you can see you are taking

less than 1mg. You can always ask you doc for prescription for the 1mg

version. Some insurance companies do not pay for it. The other option is to

buy

the 800mcg and the 400mcg version or take two 800mcg tablets.

Good luck

Toni

In a message dated 3/2/04 1:35:16 PM Central Standard Time,

writes:

> Message: 8

> Date: Tue, 02 Mar 2004 07:03:35 -0000

> From: " dreamer_plus " <dreamer_plus@...>

> Subject: Re: Methotrexate

>

>

> Curious, when did you get the tummy problems from it? I have not had that-

> YAY! altho I have a runny nose, and dry cough that began almost right away-

> but the doc was not concerned, even tho I was scared to death.

> ANd yes, I am confused cuz I swear doc said 15 mg and then it was 2.5 pills

> and it said take 5 pills, which is 12.5 mg. I stuck to the 12.5 mg- but is

> the difference cuz of you taking the shots? Are the side effects less with

> the shots? I thought if you got the lung thing, you HAD to stop MTX totally?

> (gosh scary thought for me at the moment)

> I DID get dried blood in my nose a little every day- mildly annoying- and my

> monthly- ACK it was MUCH heavier---- that scares me a little, might be ??

> liver?? I only began MTX 2 weeks ago - and I go back to rheumy next week. (I

> saw GP last Fri)

> ANd yes, I take folic acid, too- but- I am not sure I am taking enough- I

> better go recalculate it- I think my doc said take 1 mg, but then when I

bought

> it it was sold in mcg.

>

>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/03/2004 06:55:14 Central Standard Time,

waferg63@... writes:

> Have you or anyone else had to fly while taking RA meds? My husband and I

> are going to fly to Las Vegas in a oouple of weeks for a conference and I am

> not

> sure how to pack my meds and carry them. Any suggestions????

>

Hi Wanda-

I always put my meds in my carry on in case my luggage gets lost. I make

sure they are in the original bottles with the Rx on them in case of questions.

I have even flown out of the country and never been questioned about

them....but you should hear my carry on rattle from all the pills as i hurry

thru the

airport!!!! I feel embarrassed like everyone can hear it, although I'm sure no

one cares. :>) Cary

[Guest guest]

the summer before i started it. i felt stuck at home. running a fever

everyday. fatigued, depressed. i wrote my rheumi a 4 page letter that made her

cry

about how my life had changed. i have missed a total of 4 days from work since i

went back. 3 of them were because everyone at work was sick and i didn't want

it. kathy in il

[Guest guest]

Wanda-

I am sure you know this, but just in case, here are my tips. I also take my

meds in a carry on , I pack the bottles in a hand towel, this helps a little

with the rattling. I also wear slip on shoes (if possible) because you may

have to slip off your shoes in the boarding process.

Everything is Las Vegas is really spread out and requires alot of walking. I

rented a scooter at the hotel that we stayed at- it was great- and all areas

are accessible with it. Also, you probably already have your reservations,

but always request a " handicapped " room. This will give you a bigger bathroom,

and bars, etc. There is no extra cost, just more help where you needs it.

Hopes this helps - Enjoy the trip it is Wonderful,

Carol M. in CA

[Guest guest]

Wanda,

As far as trvelling with meds. I would tkae them in there orginal container

with the prescription on the bottle. Take them in your handbad or carry on.

Since I take injectable meds that require refrigeration I take mine is a

special travel cooler packed on ice. I have never had any problems. They scan

you

bag...may or may not ask you to open it and show them the meds.

So if all you are taking is pills. in your handbag should be fine in the

orginal container with presciption label on the bottle.

Toni

In a message dated 3/3/04 11:48:39 AM Central Standard Time,

writes:

> Message: 3

> Date: Wed, 3 Mar 2004 00:02:40 EST

> From: waferg63@...

> Subject: Re: Re: Methotrexate

>

> ,

> Thanks for sharing your story with me. It helps to know that you are not

> alone in all of this and that other people are taking the same meds as

> yourself.

> The hardest part for me too was realizing I have had to make life changes

> and

> getting family members to try and understand that I have an illness. My

> sister especially has had a hard time and thinks that I should get off all

> the

> meds and wants me to be normal like I use to be as she puts it. She doesn't

> have

> a clue that if I get off my meds I won't be able to function.

>

> I just took my first dose of MTX this past Friday. I took mine after I got

> off work but I may try taking it during the earlier part of the day after I

> have taken a few doses. I am so thankful that most all of my pills that I

> take

> are different in color...........lol

>

> Have you or anyone else had to fly while taking RA meds? My husband and I

> are going to fly to Las Vegas in a oouple of weeks for a conference and I am

> not

> sure how to pack my meds and carry them. Any suggestions????

>

> Hugs,

> Wanda in TX

>

[Guest guest]

You can request assistance when traveling at any airlines. Tell them you need a

wheelchair, scooter, whatever, and it will be free. At the checkin, they will

bring usually a golf cart and drive you directly to the boarding area! You will

be the first one on the plane, first one off.

Becky

Re: [ ] Re: Methotrexate

Wanda-

I am sure you know this, but just in case, here are my tips. I also take my

meds in a carry on , I pack the bottles in a hand towel, this helps a little

with the rattling. I also wear slip on shoes (if possible) because you may

have to slip off your shoes in the boarding process.

Everything is Las Vegas is really spread out and requires alot of walking. I

rented a scooter at the hotel that we stayed at- it was great- and all areas

are accessible with it. Also, you probably already have your reservations,

but always request a " handicapped " room. This will give you a bigger

bathroom,

and bars, etc. There is no extra cost, just more help where you needs it.

Hopes this helps - Enjoy the trip it is Wonderful,

Carol M. in CA

[Guest guest]

> In a message dated 03/03/2004 06:55:14 Central Standard Time,

> waferg63@... writes:

>

>

> >Have you or anyone else had to fly while taking RA meds? My husband and I

> >are going to fly to Las Vegas in a oouple of weeks for a conference and I

> am

> >not

> >sure how to pack my meds and carry them. Any suggestions????

> >

> In a message dated 3/3/2004 7:42:35 AM Central Standard Time,

> Birdijo@... writes:

> Hi Wanda-

>

> I always put my meds in my carry on in case my luggage gets lost. I make

> sure they are in the original bottles with the Rx on them in case of

> questions.

> I have even flown out of the country and never been questioned about

> them....but you should hear my carry on rattle from all the pills as i hurry

> thru the

> airport!!!! I feel embarrassed like everyone can hear it, although I'm sure

> no

> one cares. :>) Cary

Cary,

Thank you for replying to my email. I don't fly that often and I haven't had

to fly since I have been diagnosed with RA so was unsure what to do regarding

my meds. You have been most helpful. I am sure my bottles will make lots of

noise too.........lol

Hugs,

Wanda

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/03/2004 20:52:40 Central Standard Time,

waferg63@... writes:

> Cary,

> Thank you for replying to my email. I don't fly that often and I haven't

> had

> to fly since I have been diagnosed with RA so was unsure what to do

> regarding

> my meds. You have been most helpful. I am sure my bottles will make lots

> of

> noise too.........lol

>

> Hugs,

> Wanda

>

>

You're Welcome, Wanda. When I flew out of the country, which I've done I

think 3 times with the meds, I was so worried about coming back and whether the

" officials " would seize my meds leaving the other countries. I just didn't

know what to expect! They kept my batteries, but left my meds! Have fun in

Vegas! Cary

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 03/03/2004 19:15:20 Central Standard Time,

nsaukko@... writes:

>

> I really do need some advice on the " next step " for me. I just contacted my

> rheumy, and she wants me to go on either methotrexate, or Arava. So big

> question here, what are the advantages/side effects of each, and which way

would

> those of you who have been there would recommend?

> Noreen

>

My rheumy gave me a choice, too. I chose Arava, because the side effects

sounded less scary to me. Well, I couldn't tolerate it. I gave it a try of

just

under 6 months to a year, I forget exactly. I had diarrhea EVERY DAY, my

hair fell out, I got a rash with even the tiniest exposure to the sun which

wouldn't go away...it sucked! But others do well on Arava. I have never been

on

MTX, so I can't comment on that. I do feel that a lot of the time it has as

much to do with a person's own body chemistry reacting to the drug as it does

with the drug itself! Cary