Re: New Member Intro and MTX questions.

[Guest guest]

Hi Amelia,

I hated it when I first started it as well. I have been on it now for about

5 months. I started with 2 a week and am now up to 8. As much as I hate to

say this, please let it run it's course. I think we all get a little

depressed from realizng what RA is and what it can do in it's most extreme

form.

However, focus on the fact that taking the meds DO HELP. you must maintain a

positive attitude, that was not me yesterday but I am more back to myself

today.

my saying is, It is what it is. deal with it! that is what I tell myself.

I laugh at my silly trigger finger that does everything it wants to do

without my permission. Maintain a sense of humor when you can. Allow yourself

a

pity party but put a short time limit on it. If you have severe side effects

from MTX see how you are taking them....as they increase, all of us on here,

have ways of taking them that work specifically for us. I'm on 8 and take 2

4 tims a day. i cannot take them all together, some take all before going

to bed and deal with the nausea that way. to me, that would never fly. We

are here for answers, support, to listen, etc. Not sure if this helped, but

thought I'd give it a shot. I now notice that by Wednesday i'm dragging, when

i reenergize and take my spinach (mtx) i'm superhuman on friday....go figure.

I also take this with plaquenil, enbrel and tramadol, and oh yes folic acid

, which you should take with mtx. Ask your Dr.

Heidi

Mass.

To those who believe, no explanation is necessary; to those who dont, no

explanation is possible

In a message dated 5/1/2008 7:55:59 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

jensenamelia@... writes:

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite saying......favorite saying......<WBR>.......'al

I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

Thanx everyone....Thanx eveThanx ev

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family

favorites at AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

[Guest guest]

Hi my name is Jolene i am 43 years old also. I have complex regional pain

syndrome.. Ra or psoriatric

arthritis, fibro as well. I am on going on week eight for the

methotrexate.. It has helped me alot.. I was also on 5 mg of prednisone and am

now

tapering at 2.5. I am also on cymblalta for the depression and the nerve

damage in

my foot. I did have xrays at the start i have osteoarthritis in my one knee

as well. I take six weeks they told me to start seeing results. I know from

learning on here that the dose im on is the start four pills per week.. i am

also on folic acid for the side effects. If you need any help feel free to

email me

Jolene

In a message dated 5/1/2008 7:55:53 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

jensenamelia@... writes:

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite saying......favorite saying......<WBR>.......'al

I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

Thanx everyone....Thanx eveThanx ev

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family

favorites at AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

[Guest guest]

Hi Amelia,

I have been on just about every type of Arthritis med. that's been

available and Methotrexate was one of them until about 5 years ago when

the numbers for my Liver Enzymes had increases because of the MTX which

wasn't a good thing so my Dr. gradually took me off it. It's not healthy

to stop and start the MTX, it is a form of Chymotherapy and you should

always talk to your Rheumatologist about any concerns you may have about

taking MTX, or any medication, and if you don't want to take it tell

him/her that. You said it's been 5 weeks since you started taking MTX

and you haven't noticed any difference yet, sometimes it can take up to

2 months or more before you could feel any improvement that's why the

Rheumatologist should also have you on an NSAID. When I finally had

enough of the MTX in my bloodstream it did help and I was able to stay

on it for about 2 years until my Liver couldnt handle it anymore.

I don't know how long you've had Rheumatoid Arthritis but I was

diagnosed with Jeuvanile Rheumatoid Arthritis when I was 4 years old and

I'm now 43. I know I'm not an expert by any means, but if I can help you

in any way then I'm hear for you.

Take care,

--- In , " jensenamelia " <jensenamelia@...>

wrote:

>

> Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female >

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

> To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

> negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

> favorite saying.............'all things shall pass'.

>

> I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

> HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

> extreme fatigue, and depression.

>

> I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

> me mentally. Questions:

> Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

> If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

> done first to see if I even have joint damage??

> Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

> poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

>

> The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

>

> Thanx everyone...............amelia

>

[Guest guest]

WELCOME AMELIA! im 38 yrs.old & have severe ra,osteo,monoplygia & neuropathy..

yes it can become very overwhelming!! hopefully this group will be of help. i to

take mtx every friday(7pills) weekly. at first i was a little leary because of

all the side effects. now i do find that it HELPS along with my other meds i

take. every one is entitled to their opinions but i tried to stop it myself one

time & i got so sick, so now i follow drs. orders... yes i have benefited from

mtx!! anyway its your CHOICE, so you must decide Amelia... GOOD LUCK & god

bless,melynda gamez 5/1/08 11:20p.m.central time

[ ] New Member Intro and MTX questions.

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite saying.............'all things shall pass'.

I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

Thanx everyone................amelia

------------------------------------

[Guest guest]

Wow you have neuropothy as well i have crps. May i ask how you developed

neuropothy.

Jolene

In a message dated 5/2/2008 6:47:55 A.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

melyndagamez@... writes:

WELCOME AMELIA! im 38 yrs.old & have severe ra,osteo,monoplygia &

neuropathy.. yes it can become very overwhelming! neuropathy.. yes it can

become very

overwhelming!<WBR>! hopefully this group will be of help. i to take mtx every

friday(7pills) weekly. at first i was a little leary because of all the side

effects. now i do find that it HELPS along with my other meds i take. every

one is entitle & i got so sick, so now i follow drs. orders... yes i have

benefited from mtx!! anyway its your CHOICE, so you must decide Amelia... GOOD

LUCK & god bless,melynda gamez 5/1/08 11:20p.m.central time

[ ] New Member Intro and MTX questions.

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite saying......favorite saying......<WBR>..

I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

Thanx everyone....Thanx Thanx

------------------------------------

This is a private list. Should you wish to forward any mail to

nonsubscribers, you must first obtain the writer's permission.

We are NOT physicians. Information on this list is not to be construed

as medical advice, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy and currency

of the information provided.

For archives or to change subscription options:

_http://health.http://healthhttp://heahttp://health._

( ) ! Groups Links

__________________________________________________________

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

_http://mobile.http://mobhttp://mobile.<Whttp://mobile.<Wht_

(http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family

favorites at AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

[Guest guest]

HI Amelia, I am new to this group as well and have been on my MTX

for 2 months now. The first few times I took it, I was nauseaous,

headache and so tired the next day that I never got out of bed. But,

that did improve. When I called the dr about side effects, she

prescribed the folic acid. That helps so much, along with taking the

MTX at bed time. I take mine on Fri. evening, and plan a lazy day

Sat. Now I do not get sick, just a very mild headache and slightly

tired. I am just starting to notice a difference in my joints.

Hang in there. And please call your dr before you

stop taking this med. To me, it's worth the side effects, to get an

end result of kicking this arthritis in the butt. Marti

-- In , " jensenamelia " <jensenamelia@...>

wrote:

>

> Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

> diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

> To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

> negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

> favorite saying.............'all things shall pass'.

>

> I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

> HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

> extreme fatigue, and depression.

>

> I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve

for

> me mentally. Questions:

> Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

> If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

> done first to see if I even have joint damage??

> Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

> poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

>

> The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

>

> Thanx everyone...............amelia

>

[Guest guest]

Wow.. See if you look up complex regional pain syndrome you will see the

similarities.

Sometimes i wonder if they just dont know what to call things.

Jolene

In a message dated 5/3/2008 11:21:19 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

melyndagamez@... writes:

HI JOLENE, HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY? I HOPE BETTER THAN I AM. LIFE FOR ME

THIS WEEK WAS VERY SCARRY, I THOUGHT I WAS LITERALLY GOING TO DIE. MY DRS.

THOUGHT I WAS EITHER HAVING A HEART ATTACK OR A STROKE, NOW WOMEN I DO NOT NEED

ANYMORE PROBLEMS THAN I ALREADY HAVE IN MY LIFE, IT SO SUX!! ANYWAY BACK TO THE

MATTER AT HAND. I DEVELOPED NEUROPATHY WHILE THE DRS. WERE DOING A NUCLEAR

STUDY ON ME TO FIND OUT IF I HAD CANCER IN MY SPINE BUT INSTEAD THEY FOUND

THAT I HAD NEURO.INSTEAD. SO WHAT COULD I SAY BUT WHAT TREATMENT DO I NEED TO

START & HOW LONG WILL I HAVE IT OR WILL IT GO AWAY!!!! I WAS SCARED SHI_LESS IF

YOU COULD ONLY IMAGINE? SO TO FIX ME THEY PUT ME ON NEURONTIN 3 TIMES A DAY.

I GUESS IT HELPS CUZ I TAKE SOOOO MEDS & GET CONFUSED! DAMN GIRL I DONT NEED

THAT EITHER.. I HOPE I COULD HELP TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY,JOLENE. GET

CONFUSED! DAMN GIRL I DONT NEED THAT EITHER.. I

[ ] New Member Intro and MTX questions.

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite saying...... saying. saying......<WBR>..

I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

Thanx everyone.... Thanx

------------------------------------

This is a private list. Should you wish to forward any mail to

nonsubscribers, you must first obtain the writer's permission.

We are NOT physicians. Information on this list is not to be construed

as medical advice, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy and currency

of the information provided.

For archives or to change subscription options:

__http://health.http://health.<Whttp://healthttp://heh_

(http://health.http//healthhttp://heahttp://health._)

(_http://health.http://healthhttp://heahttp://health._

( ) ) ! Groups Links

__________________________________________________________

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

__http://mobile.http://mobile.http://mo_

(http://mobile.http//mobhttp://mobile.) <_Whttp://mobile._ (whttp://mobile./)

<Wht_

(_http://mobile.http://mobhttp://mobile.<Whttp://mobile.<Wht_

(http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ) )

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

************************<WBR>**Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new

favorites at AOL Food.

(_http://food.http://food.<WBhttp://food.http://food.<WBRhttp_

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001) )

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

------------------------------------

This is a private list. Should you wish to forward any mail to

nonsubscribers, you must first obtain the writer's permission.

We are NOT physicians.. Information on this list is not to be construed

as medical advice, and we cannot guarantee the accuracy and currency

of the information provided..

For archives or to change subscription options:

_http://health.http://healthhttp://heahttp://health._

( ) ! Groups Links

__________________________________________________________

Be a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Mobile. Try it now.

_http://mobile.http://mobhttp://mobile.<Whttp://mobile.<Wht_

(http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ)

[Non-text portions of this message have been removed]

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family

favorites at AOL Food.

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

[Guest guest]

HI JOLENE, HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY? I HOPE BETTER THAN I AM. LIFE FOR ME THIS

WEEK WAS VERY SCARRY, I THOUGHT I WAS LITERALLY GOING TO DIE. MY DRS. THOUGHT I

WAS EITHER HAVING A HEART ATTACK OR A STROKE, NOW WOMEN I DO NOT NEED ANYMORE

PROBLEMS THAN I ALREADY HAVE IN MY LIFE, IT SO SUX!! ANYWAY BACK TO THE MATTER

AT HAND. I DEVELOPED NEUROPATHY WHILE THE DRS. WERE DOING A NUCLEAR STUDY ON ME

TO FIND OUT IF I HAD CANCER IN MY SPINE BUT INSTEAD THEY FOUND THAT I HAD

NEURO.INSTEAD. SO WHAT COULD I SAY BUT WHAT TREATMENT DO I NEED TO START & HOW

LONG WILL I HAVE IT OR WILL IT GO AWAY!!!! I WAS SCARED SHI_LESS IF YOU COULD

ONLY IMAGINE? SO TO FIX ME THEY PUT ME ON NEURONTIN 3 TIMES A DAY. I GUESS IT

HELPS CUZ I TAKE SOOOO MEDS & GET CONFUSED! DAMN GIRL I DONT NEED THAT EITHER..

I HOPE I COULD HELP TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY,JOLENE.. GOD BLESS,MELYNDAGAMEZ

5/3/08 10:15P.M.CENTRAL TIME

[ ] New Member Intro and  MTX questions.

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old  female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest  I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always  like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite  saying......favorite  saying......<WBR>..

I've new to  methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far  there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and  depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things  improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this  drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be 

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that  they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they  benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give  it a good chance.

Thanx  everyone....Thanx  Thanx 

------------------------------------

This  is a private list. Should you wish to forward any mail to

nonsubscribers,  you must first obtain the writer's permission.

We are NOT physicians.  Information on this list is not to be construed

as medical advice, and we  cannot guarantee the accuracy and currency

of the information  provided.

For archives or to change subscription  options:

_http://health.http://healthhttp://heahttp://health._

( ) !  Groups  Links

__________________________________________________________

Be  a better friend, newshound, and

know-it-all with Mobile. Try it  now.

_http://mobile.http://mobhttp://mobile.<Whttp://mobile.<Wht_

(http://mobile./;_ylt=Ahu06i62sR8HDtDypao8Wcj9tAcJ)

[Non-text  portions of this message have been removed]

**************Wondering what's for Dinner Tonight? Get new twists on family

favorites at AOL Food.     

(http://food.aol.com/dinner-tonight?NCID=aolfod00030000000001)

[Guest guest]

& nbsp;

Amelia,

Hello. & nbsp; I just have to reply to you. & nbsp; I know that you sent your

message a long time ago, but I have been feeling so well that I haven't looked

at my messages for ages. & nbsp; I was on methotrexate for just over a year. & nbsp;

What a year. & nbsp; It made me really depressed and feel like I was sick and

dragging myself around all the time, and didn't help my arthritis much at

all. & nbsp; I kept telling my Rheummy, but I wasn't my forceful self, and he just

kept putting up my MTX so I was on 20 mg in the end. & nbsp; I used to take them

on Monday night and I wouldn't come good until the next Monday morning, so I

would have 12 hours when I felt ok and then I would take the drug again and feel

like shit. & nbsp; My friends (two of them General Practicioners and another a

nurse), finally convinced me that I was suffering depression and that it was

most likely from the mtx, as it was so out of character for me. & nbsp; I went

back to see my Rheummy and told

him, he changed me over to Arvara and immediately I was a new person, it is

really working for my arthritis and the depression lifted immediately as I was

due to take the mtx that night. & nbsp; I am now back working, and walking and

have lost 8kg, (I'm not sure what that is in pounds but about a stone and a

half), I haven't felt this well since I was first diagnoised back in July

06. & nbsp; I really felt like mtx stole a year of my life. & nbsp; I have two

teenage girs and a great husband, and it was wonderful to be fully participating

in my families life again. & nbsp; I am almost 42, so I am almost your age. & nbsp;

I really hope you get to read this email. & nbsp; My rheummy (he really is a great

guy), said the depression is not a common side effect of mtx, but our

experiences would have to point to the fact that it is. & nbsp; Please see your

rheummy again and get off this drug if it is affecting you like this. & nbsp; I

would hate to see any body else lose a

chunk of their lives. & nbsp; Good luck!!!

& nbsp;

Pennie in Australia

From: Jolenefive@... & lt;Jolenefive@... & gt;

Subject: Re: [ ] New Member Intro and MTX questions.

Received: Sunday, 4 May, 2008, 1:25 PM

Wow.. See if you look up complex regional pain syndrome you will see the

similarities.

Sometimes i wonder if they just dont know what to call things.

Jolene

In a message dated 5/3/2008 11:21:19 P.M. Eastern Daylight Time,

melyndagamez writes:

HI JOLENE, HOW ARE YOU DOING TODAY? I HOPE BETTER THAN I AM. LIFE FOR ME

THIS WEEK WAS VERY SCARRY, I THOUGHT I WAS LITERALLY GOING TO DIE. MY DRS.

THOUGHT I WAS EITHER HAVING A HEART ATTACK OR A STROKE, NOW WOMEN I DO NOT NEED

ANYMORE PROBLEMS THAN I ALREADY HAVE IN MY LIFE, IT SO SUX!! ANYWAY BACK TO THE

MATTER AT HAND. I DEVELOPED NEUROPATHY WHILE THE DRS. WERE DOING A NUCLEAR

STUDY ON ME TO FIND OUT IF I HAD CANCER IN MY SPINE BUT INSTEAD THEY FOUND

THAT I HAD NEURO.INSTEAD. SO WHAT COULD I SAY BUT WHAT TREATMENT DO I NEED TO

START & amp; HOW LONG WILL I HAVE IT OR WILL IT GO AWAY!!!! I WAS SCARED SHI_LESS

IF

YOU COULD ONLY IMAGINE? SO TO FIX ME THEY PUT ME ON NEURONTIN 3 TIMES A DAY.

I GUESS IT HELPS CUZ I TAKE SOOOO MEDS & amp; GET CONFUSED! DAMN GIRL I DONT NEED

THAT EITHER.. I HOPE I COULD HELP TO THE BEST OF MY ABILITY,JOLENE. GET

CONFUSED! DAMN GIRL I DONT NEED THAT EITHER.. I

[ ] New Member Intro and MTX questions.

Thanks for letting me join the group. I am a 43 yr. old female

diagnosed with fibro and psoriatic arthritis.

To be quite honest I am a total mess today so my post will be a bit

negative. I'm not always like this and I know it will pass. My new

favorite saying...... saying. saying...... & lt;WBR & gt;..

I've new to methotrexate, I've been on it for about 5 weeks now. I

HATE it, so far there has been no improvement body wise except for

extreme fatigue, and depression.

I don't want to take my dose next week and see if things improve for

me mentally. Questions:

Is it okay to start and stop this drug??

If MTX helps to prevent further joint damage, shouldn't an x-ray be

done first to see if I even have joint damage??

Can anyone tell me that they stuck it out with the MTX even after a

poor start on it and that they benefited from it?

The rheumy wants me on it for three months to give it a good chance.

Thanx everyone.... Thanx

------------ --------- --------- ------