Guest guest Posted August 30, 1999 Report Share Posted August 30, 1999 Hi Gang! Geoff Crenshaw here. All of this conversation about MTX, Prednisone, NSAID's, tetracycline derivatives, et al, has brought something to mind... Many years ago when I was ID'd with this garbage and Dr. B was still openly vilified as a quack, I found myself in a position of carrying a schedule. This schedule ran my life (I'll bet a bunch of you are nodding your heads about now). It told me when to take what -- every hour or two hours or half hour -- all day, all night, nne. Supplements, drugs, food, drink, homeopathics, sticks, twigs, magic dust!!! It was driving me nuts! When I left the house I carried 5 pounds of pills. And my friends never did anything but ask how I was doing. After getting a handle on things and deciding -- yes -- DECIDING, not to be a chemical laboratory anymore, my life got much better. I slowly started eliminating what I was taking. When it ran out, I quit. If I didn't feel any worse, I didn't get anymore - so long! One at a time they all ran out. Now this may not be the way for everyone, but it was for me. I got back to a point where I could tell what my body reacted to, and how -- even the subtleties. I recognized which foods did what, how stress hit me, etc. I even noted that different types of stress hit me different ways - even different sorts of psychological stress all left their own unique calling cards. Kids are different than spousal problems are different than finances, etc. Now when I take something new I know what is doing what. So, for those of you who are feeling like pharmaceutical laboratories, chin up, there is hope. -- Geoff Crenshaw, ACC ----------------------- Captain Cook's Cruise Center ** Usual Disclaimers ** ----------------------- Religion: Man's attempt to discover God Christianity: God's offer to save humankind Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 1999 Report Share Posted October 27, 1999 In a message dated 10/27/1999 6:34:14 AM Eastern Daylight Time, onelist writes: << No, methotrexate isn't the only answer. >> I to am a little fightened of mtx but it's like you are all saying, it's because I've mostly heard of the bad side effects. I see my rhuemy tomorrow to get back my blood tests and xray results. Then we'll discuss what meds I'll be put on. I'm only on Indocin right now and it really isn't doing much for me. Although I will say that it has taken enough pain out of my fingers that I can dress my little ones without wanting to scream from the pain. I don't thingk she'll put me on the mtx yet because my husband and I are wanting to try for one more baby in the spring. Aprle Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted October 27, 1999 Report Share Posted October 27, 1999 Aprile, If your trying to have a baby in the spring then your right you won't be going to MTx anytime soon. My Rheumy says that many of his female clients have gone into a total remission sometimes after second or third pregnancies. So at least there's something to look forward to. Take care and good luck at your appt. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted January 14, 2000 Report Share Posted January 14, 2000 Gillian, You are absolutely right. The FDA and researchers are running the medical show here. Enebrel was JUST approved for PA, but again was developed for RA. There is no research ocurring (that I can find) regarding PA specifically. Now for the catch 22...to find other alternatives we must do it ourselves. But, we are all struggling to keep up with life and finding the time let alone the energy to do the research, endure the trial and ERRORS and find the money to pay for such treatments makes the whole process nearly impossible. I see my Reumy next week for the first time in 9months and I may just blow a gasket. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 21, 2000 Report Share Posted February 21, 2000 Hi everyone, I'm new to the list. I am interested in hearing from people who have had both good and bad experiences with mtx as it is my dr.'s next choice for me. You can e-me or respond on the list. I have learned a lot already from the list postings and appreciate everyone's honesty. This is a big help to me as I have gone from having symmetrical PA to spondylosis and ileitis. Big change. Thanks, everyone. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 25, 2000 Report Share Posted February 25, 2000 Hi , I've got nothing but good things to say about MTX. My current dose is 20 mgs a week, a mid range dose. No side effect other than mouth sores which are under control with folic acid. I still have sausage fingers but can crawl around with my 3 yr old and drive long distances pain free for the first time in years. Good luck. --- MO2150@... wrote: > Hi everyone, > I'm new to the list. I am interested in hearing > from people who have had > both good and bad experiences with mtx as it is my > dr.'s next choice for me. > You can e-me or respond on the list. I have learned > a lot already from the > list postings and appreciate everyone's honesty. > This is a big help to me as > I have gone from having symmetrical PA to > spondylosis and ileitis. Big > change. Thanks, everyone. > ===== C McCullough thelockhorns@... __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 14, 2000 Report Share Posted June 14, 2000 Kelley, I am up to 25 mg of MTX weekly injections. I started on pills then moved to the injections. The pills upset my stomach more than the injections, though I still struggle on the day after I do my shot. I do my shot on Sunday evenings so that I sleep through most of the symptoms. I take Promethazine to help with nausea. I experienced a really painful scalp burning for a few days after the MTX dose. Putting a bag of ice on my head really helped. I don't notice that symptom often anymore, unless they raise my dose, and it takes me a while to get used to it. I like most others take Folic Acid on my other 6 days of the week. I currently take two per day, except my MTX day. It has really helped with hair loss and other symptoms. Take care. Amy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 15, 2000 Report Share Posted June 15, 2000 Painful scalp burning? I've never heard that. Does it help with both the arthritis and psorasis? Thanks. --- amydeel@... wrote: > Kelley, > > I am up to 25 mg of MTX weekly injections. I > started on pills then moved to > the injections. The pills upset my stomach more > than the injections, though > I still struggle on the day after I do my shot. I > do my shot on Sunday > evenings so that I sleep through most of the > symptoms. I take Promethazine > to help with nausea. I experienced a really painful > scalp burning for a few > days after the MTX dose. Putting a bag of ice on my > head really helped. I > don't notice that symptom often anymore, unless they > raise my dose, and it > takes me a while to get used to it. I like most > others take Folic Acid on my > other 6 days of the week. I currently take two per > day, except my MTX day. > It has really helped with hair loss and other > symptoms. > > Take care. > > Amy > > __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted June 18, 2000 Report Share Posted June 18, 2000 I have been on 7.5 mg/week of MTX for 4 weeks, now it is raised slightly to 10 mg. Thus far I can see improvement in my feet/ankles and hands. The tough part-the spondylitis doesn't seem to be much better. But I definitely have more endurance and don't flare up as badly when the barometer drops-something that always affects my joints. Haven't noticed any hair loss or scalp burning. The first dose left me pretty woozy and tired, but subsequent doses seem to be ok. It is hard to sort all the symptoms out anyway-fatigue can be related to disease, medications, etc. Still taking EPO and good vitamin supplements. Would love to hear from others who have had any results with MTX esp. for the pain etc. in the spine and hips. Thanks. Olivanti Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 10, 2000 Report Share Posted September 10, 2000 paul- you said you are 62 now, and was diagnosed with PA when you were 27, when did you start taking MTX? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2000 Report Share Posted November 13, 2000 All right I'm showing my lack of knowledge but thought I had tried everything, what is MTX injections? *** Temple*** Kuddle Kritters Farm Chelmsford, MA dat2352@... www.homestead.com/kuddlekraft/index.html www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersfarm/index.html www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersdairygoats/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2000 Report Share Posted November 13, 2000 , MTX is methotrexate. It can be taken in oral form or by injection. Here is some information: " Methotrexate is used in both children and adults with active or progressive rheumatoid arthritis, although FDA approval is only for adults. It may be prescribed after trying one or more other second-line therapies such as antimalarials or gold salts. It also may be recommended even before starting these drugs. The decision to begin methotrexate will be based upon the opinions of both you and your doctor regarding the progression and activity of your disease. Methotrexate benefits a high percentage of those who use the drug. This improvement includes a decrease in the number of painful and swollen joints, as well as an overall reduction in RA disease activity. Methotrexate is taken once a week, either orally (as pills) or by injection. The tablet strength is 2.5 milligrams, and the starting dose is usually three pills (7.5 milligrams) taken one day a week. The dose may be increased over time if there is no initial benefit. Generally, doses between 7.5 and 20 milligrams one day a week are used to treat rheumatoid arthritis. Doses higher than 20 milligrams weekly may occasionally be used. If taken orally, methotrexate may be taken all in one dose or split up and taken two or three times over a 24-hour period, once a week. For example, you can take it all on Monday morning or on Monday morning, Monday evening, and finally on Tuesday morning. It may also be given injection either just under the skin, in the muscle, or directly into the vein. Injections may be recommended for people who are not responding to oral methotrexate or are developing intestinal side effects such as nausea. " Source: http://www.orthop.washington.edu/bonejoint/xzzzzjzz1_2.html ----- Original Message ----- From: " Temple " <dat2352@...> < egroups> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2000 1:54 PM Subject: Re: [ ] MTX > All right I'm showing my lack of knowledge but thought I had tried > everything, what is MTX injections? > *** Temple*** Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2000 Report Share Posted November 13, 2000 , That's what I was assuming until the comment about injections came up. I took it orally-did no good either. Thanks *** Temple*** Kuddle Kritters Farm Chelmsford, MA dat2352@... www.homestead.com/kuddlekraft/index.html www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersfarm/index.html www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersdairygoats/index.html Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2000 Report Share Posted November 13, 2000 , MTX injections is Methotrexate shots. For me personally, they are more tolerable than the pills. Except when I give them to myself, don't have that nurse's touch yet but am getting there. ----- Original Message ----- From: Temple <dat2352@...> < egroups> Sent: Monday, November 13, 2000 1:54 PM Subject: Re: [ ] MTX > All right I'm showing my lack of knowledge but thought I had tried > everything, what is MTX injections? > *** Temple*** > Kuddle Kritters Farm > Chelmsford, MA > dat2352@... > www.homestead.com/kuddlekraft/index.html > www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersfarm/index.html > www.homestead.com/kuddlekrittersdairygoats/index.html > > > > Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ > http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ > Change subscription options: > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 13, 2000 Report Share Posted November 13, 2000 could someone forward that post about the Atkins diet problems again please? Thanks in advance. Jenna FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications THE GUARDIANS OF GLEDE - SWP Editors Choice Award; SWP Stellar Award; WordWeaving Award of Excellance THE GREEN PUMPKIN - CrossroadsPub.com; furt Award Nominee Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted November 14, 2000 Report Share Posted November 14, 2000 Hi, My brother's best friend died at age 51, approximately three weeks ago, with a heart attack. He was on a meat, eggs, low carbohydrate type diet. Chances are he had some problems anyway, and the diet just pushed him over the brink or so people think. I don't know whether his wife is having an autopsy done or not. When I was young I tried these successful weight loss diets, but after someone I knew lost a kidney while on the old Stillman diet (all protein and lots of water) I decided to either stay chubby or diet in a healthy way. Good luck! Patsy -----Original Message----- From: JennaKay Francis [mailto:triskelion@...] Sent: Monday, November 13, 2000 3:44 PM egroups Subject: Re: [ ] MTX could someone forward that post about the Atkins diet problems again please? Thanks in advance. Jenna FREE SPIRIT - Starlight Writers Publications THE GUARDIANS OF GLEDE - SWP Editors Choice Award; SWP Stellar Award; WordWeaving Award of Excellance THE GREEN PUMPKIN - CrossroadsPub.com; furt Award Nominee Homepage: www.geocities.com/jennakayfrancis ________________________________________________________________ YOU'RE PAYING TOO MUCH FOR THE INTERNET! Juno now offers FREE Internet Access! Try it today - there's no risk! For your FREE software, visit: http://dl.www.juno.com/get/tagj. Our websites: http://rheumatoid.arthritis.freehosting.net/ http://www.rasupport.webprovider.com/ Change subscription options: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 7, 2001 Report Share Posted August 7, 2001 In a message dated 8/7/01 3:36:53 PM Pacific Daylight Time, keboice@... writes: > I started MTX 2 mos. ago, and believe it to be working - no side effects! > > I'm starting on 10 mg/wk, plus 2 mg. of folic acid. I'm hoping I can stay > at this level, but am wondering whether I will have to increase dosage, > inevitably. I know it's all very individual, but just curious - are there > members who have stayed on the inintial dosage for a long time? For those > who increased, how did you know it was time to increase dosage? > Hi, I am new to the group. I am a 43-year-old female with psoriatic arthritis. The psoriasis is only on my scalp and occasionally on my eye lids. I had like many of you in the group been previously thought to have rheumatoid arthritis since about 1994. I first had pain in both my wrists and fingers. This actually had gone for a number of years, but I thought it was just from my job. I work as a medical transcriptionist for a living and type doctor's dictation all day long. I thought aching was just overuse of my hands and I popped lots of ibuprofen that did not seem to do whole lot of good. In October of 1994 I had both of my ankles, feet, and all of my toes literally up overnight and I could barely walk on them. The doc thought it was pseudogout and put me on Probenecid and more ibuprofen. This helped, but it was years before the swelling and burning pain got better (still not completely resolved). I then went through the usual blood work, had low iron counts, slight elevated sed rate, but the usual rheumatoid factor negative. I also developed bursitis in my right knee and had to keep my leg propped up 90% of the time because I couldn't walk on it. I directed my children's activities from my arm chair. I had a small patch of psoriasis behind my right ear since about 1992 but never mentioned it to the doc because I never associated it with arthritis and kept forgetting to mention it. I went through trials of ibuprofen, Meclomen, and salsalate, all of which gave me stomach upset. The Meclomen gave my diarrhea and difficulty swallowing. Then I was put on naproxen sodium. Finally, the psoriasis got so bad on my scalp that I had bad patches were all over my head and creeping down my forehead. I got a new primary care doctor, had a physical, and she took one look at me, said I had psoriatic arthritis and not rheumatoid, and she referred to rheumatologist. I was in bad shape by this time. I had a continuous low-grade fever, night sweats, constant fatigue, and I could hardly get out of bed, let alone move around because of joint pain and back stiffness. I felt like I was about 80 years old. That was over 1-1/2 years ago. My rheumy started me on 10 mg of MTX per week December 1999. In addition, I was taking naproxen sodium at 500 mg b.i.d. and Arthritis-strength Tylenol at 1300 mg b.i.d., as well as folic acid 1 mg q.d. and iron supplements. My psoriasis improved dramatically and my joint stiffness got much better. The night sweats also decreased. After being on that dose for a year I was switched to 15 mg MTX per week in December 2000. How I knew it was time to the up the dose of MTX was the fact that my psoriasis started acting again and I started having a lot more pain and stiffness, and I was not sleeping restfully. One of the side effects I have had from MTX is some diarrhea usually the next day after I have taken the dose. The other side effect from this medication is that because it suppresses the immune system, I had a real hard time getting over a cold this past spring. I went through several rounds of different antibiotics because of it. I also had a hysterectomy last summer for dysfunctional uterus and fibroids. I was supposed to return work after 5 weeks but developed an abdomen staph infection and abscess under my remaining ovary which required a total of 2 more hospitalizations and a 2nd surgery to treat the infection and remove the abscess. I ended up missing 3 months of work trying to get over what was supposed to be a simple procedure. Lastly I have been continually treating a yeast infection that just never seems to go away. All-in-all though. I feel much better on the MTX than without it. My psoriasis is better, my joints feel better, though I still have my ups and downs, and my liver function tests, kidney function and CBCs have fine. As long as they continue this way, I have no problem with staying on this medication. Thanks for listening, Carol Combelic Vancouver, Washington Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2001 Report Share Posted August 8, 2001 In a message dated 08/08/2001 5:22:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time, cacombe@... writes: << Lastly I have been continually treating a yeast infection that just never seems to go away. >> Amen to that Carol! I think it has to do with suppressing the immune system. Let me know if you find an answer. Itchy in Philly, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2001 Report Share Posted August 8, 2001 In a message dated 8/8/01 1:31:01 PM Pacific Daylight Time, TADEL630@... writes: > In a message dated 08/08/2001 5:22:39 AM Eastern Daylight Time, > cacombe@... writes: > > << Lastly I > have been continually treating a yeast infection that just never seems to > go > away. >> > Amen to that Carol! I think it has to do with suppressing the immune > system. > Let me know if you find an answer. > Itchy in Philly, > > , I'm glad to know it just not me dealing with this problem. I have dealt with yeast infections off and on for about 10 years, well before I knew I had PA. I think my body was trying to tell me something was really wrong even. But ever since starting the MTX it just seems to have gotten worse. At one point in January 2001 I had to go on a course of Diflucan because it had gone systemic. it was loaded in my urine sample. It is partly my fault because I tried to ignore it for a long time because the usual treatment is so messy. I was so many rounds of antibiotics last summer after my hysterectomy, I think that the infection just went nuts 6 months later, helped along by the MTX. I have a GYN appointment at the end of this month for a checkup and to renew my Premarin. If I find a mind-blowing miracle cure, I will surely let you know. Carol in Vancouver, WA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 8, 2001 Report Share Posted August 8, 2001 Hello, Could you please tell me what you are using on your right ear , I have my PA there and it is driving me nuts , did anything clear yours up . Please, daystar > ===== Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear Children: And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for us as an offering and a sacrafice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. Ephesians 5: 1,2 __________________________________________________ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 9, 2001 Report Share Posted August 9, 2001 Did you mean psoriasis on your ear? If so, dovenex and clobetasol works really well for me, or just plain ole vaseline. If you were talking about PA, I don't have that problem so I cant offer any help, sorry. Mel >From: Judi wade <daystar77son@...> >Reply- > >Subject: Re: [ ] MTX >Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 21:39:25 -0700 (PDT) > >Hello, >Could you please tell me what you are using on your >right ear , I have my PA there and it is driving me >nuts , did anything clear yours up . >Please, daystar > > > >===== >Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear Children: >And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and hath given himself for >us as an offering and a sacrafice to God for a sweetsmelling savour. >Ephesians 5: 1,2 > >__________________________________________________ > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 9, 2001 Report Share Posted August 9, 2001 In a message dated 8/9/01 12:45:52 AM Pacific Daylight Time, daystar77son@... writes: > Could you please tell me what you are using on your > right ear , I have my PA there and it is driving me > nuts , did anything clear yours up . > Please, daystar > Daystar, I have been using Beta-Val solution, Desonide cream, and taking my methotrexate. I also use Tea Tree Oil Shampoo and Tea Tree Oil Conditioner. I have tried all the over-the-counter shampoos, none of which did any good, and most of them made my hair feel real yucky and they smelled bad. The combination of shampoo, conditioner, and corticosteroid medications and methotrexate seems to have helped a great deal. It has made the P less itchy and less flakey. But, if the weather changes or I get stressed, the P gets worse, and its back to square 1-1/2. I just have my on personal winter snow storm going all year round. The Tea Tree shampoo and conditioner does make the P feel better and less itchy though. You can get it and any beauty salon or beauty supply store. Hope this helps. Carol, Vancouver, WA Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 9, 2001 Report Share Posted August 9, 2001 Yes was just talking about Psorasis on ear , didn't make myself clear. daystar --- Boyd <celtichealing@...> wrote: > > Did you mean psoriasis on your ear? If so, dovenex > and clobetasol works > really well for me, or just plain ole vaseline. If > you were talking about > PA, I don't have that problem so I cant offer any > help, sorry. > Mel > > >From: Judi wade <daystar77son@...> > >Reply- > > > >Subject: Re: [ ] MTX > >Date: Wed, 8 Aug 2001 21:39:25 -0700 (PDT) > > > >Hello, > >Could you please tell me what you are using on your > >right ear , I have my PA there and it is driving me > >nuts , did anything clear yours up . > >Please, daystar > > > > > > >===== > >Be ye therefore followers of God, as dear Children: > >And walk in love, as Christ also hath loved us, and > hath given himself for > >us as an offering and a sacrafice to God for a > sweetsmelling savour. > >Ephesians 5: 1,2 > > > >__________________________________________________ > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 12, 2001 Report Share Posted August 12, 2001 , so far, I've only been on MTX for 6 months, and every three months I go see him and he has been increasing the dosage according to the level of success I've had with the drug, which hasn't been any, so I'm assuming that he will increase it once again. I take 6 pills every Friday, I'm also thinking about injections.....we'll see. Hope that helps! Kim in Minnesota >From: Boice <keboice@...> >Reply- > >Subject: [ ] MTX >Date: Tue, 7 Aug 2001 14:33:19 -0700 > >Hello, > >I started MTX 2 mos. ago, and believe it to be working - no side effects! > > I'm starting on 10 mg/wk, plus 2 mg. of folic acid. I'm hoping I can >stay >at this level, but am wondering whether I will have to increase dosage, >inevitably. I know it's all very individual, but just curious - are there >members who have stayed on the inintial dosage for a long time? For those >who increased, how did you know it was time to increase dosage? > > >Thanks! > > ,_, > )v( Boice > \_/ >=== " === > > > _________________________________________________________________ Get your FREE download of MSN Explorer at http://explorer.msn.com/intl.asp Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted August 15, 2001 Report Share Posted August 15, 2001 Dear , I have been on MTX for 2 years. About a month ago, my rheumy finally had to double the dosage. I'm now taking MTX shots once a week, and notice no ill effects from them, except the usual fatigue. Someone on the web suggested taking my MTX before going to bed, so I can sleep it off. This works great! I hope you can remain on the same dosage for many years to come. God bless. Peggy [ ] MTX >Hello, > >I started MTX 2 mos. ago, and believe it to be working - no side effects! > > I'm starting on 10 mg/wk, plus 2 mg. of folic acid. I'm hoping I can stay >at this level, but am wondering whether I will have to increase dosage, >inevitably. I know it's all very individual, but just curious - are there >members who have stayed on the inintial dosage for a long time? For those >who increased, how did you know it was time to increase dosage? > > >Thanks! > > ,_, > )v( Boice > \_/ >=== " === > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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