Guest guest Posted September 5, 2008 Report Share Posted September 5, 2008 Hi Paris, Call the nurse at your rheummy's office. She will let you know how to change days. My Dr.'s nurse always checks with her before she tells me anything, but never minds my calling with concerns. Yesterday my rheummy told me, it is OK to do the blood work bi- monthly. This is after all of this time that I have been going monthly. I guess as long as the blood work is OK, 2mos is fine. I truly am glad that the MTX is helping so much. Take care, Sweetie. Shirley > > Shirley and all, > > I'm so glad you mentioned this. I takeMTX on Sun and Mon and Tues I have bad days. Achy days. I call them Hangover days. I guess I'm glad to hear that 's part of the medicine. Do you know what I would need to do if I wanted to switch taking in on Sun to Friday? I plan on asking my dr but apt not until Oct. > > Other than that, I have no bad side effects from MTX. No stomache issues etc. The folic acid keeps the mouthsores away and when I did get one I doubled the folic acid till it was gone. I get my blood test every two mths....should I ask for every month? > > I know I have improved with MTX. I would say about 75% and I have been on it for almost 3 months. > > Good luck. Paris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 dd, thanks. With all the side effects it makes me nervous. I may call my doc rather than wait for the apt. Paris Re: [ ] Re: Methotrexate In a message dated 9/5/2008 2:54:08 P.M. Central Daylight Time, sdfprs@... writes: >Do you know what I would need to do if I wanted to switch taking in on Sun to Friday? I plan on asking my dr but apt not until Oct. > I have a friend who has experienced chemo-therapy. I was told I could go 8 days with Mtx. My friend said they don't like you going backwards -- like six days, but you can go 8 days, So you take it on Sunday one week, then Monday until you get to Friday -- my opinion and It's good that you are going to ask your doc. dd **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 6, 2008 Report Share Posted September 6, 2008 thanks Shirley. If I try to go back to work earlier I thought I'd save my bad days for the weekend to recoup. Paris [ ] Re: Methotrexate Hi Paris, Call the nurse at your rheummy's office.. She will let you know how to change days. My Dr.'s nurse always checks with her before she tells me anything, but never minds my calling with concerns. Yesterday my rheummy told me, it is OK to do the blood work bi- monthly. This is after all of this time that I have been going monthly. I guess as long as the blood work is OK, 2mos is fine. I truly am glad that the MTX is helping so much. Take care, Sweetie. Shirley > > Shirley and all, > > I'm so glad you mentioned this. I takeMTX on Sun and Mon and Tues I have bad days. Achy days. I call them Hangover days. I guess I'm glad to hear that 's part of the medicine. Do you know what I would need to do if I wanted to switch taking in on Sun to Friday? I plan on asking my dr but apt not until Oct. > > Other than that, I have no bad side effects from MTX. No stomache issues etc. The folic acid keeps the mouthsores away and when I did get one I doubled the folic acid till it was gone. I get my blood test every two mths....should I ask for every month? > > I know I have improved with MTX. I would say about 75% and I have been on it for almost 3 months. > > Good luck. Paris ------------------------------------ Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 7, 2008 Report Share Posted September 7, 2008 I took my first dose of MTX Thursday. On Friday I woke up slowly, did not feel achy or nauseous. I thought maybe the nausea is caused by dizziness. I have never gotten any type of motion sickness. I live by the ocean and go out on boats often, maybe that is what makes you sick, the dizziness. I am a dizzy person anyway marla -- Re: [ ] Re: Methotrexate dd, thanks. With all the side effects it makes me nervous. I may call my doc rather than wait for the apt. Paris Re: [ ] Re: Methotrexate In a message dated 9/5/2008 2:54:08 P.M. Central Daylight Time, sdfprs@... writes: >Do you know what I would need to do if I wanted to switch taking in on Sun to Friday? I plan on asking my dr but apt not until Oct. > I have a friend who has experienced chemo-therapy. I was told I could go 8 days with Mtx. My friend said they don't like you going backwards -- like six days, but you can go 8 days, So you take it on Sunday one week, then Monday until you get to Friday -- my opinion and It's good that you are going to ask your doc. dd **************Psssst...Have you heard the news? There's a new fashion blog, plus the latest fall trends and hair styles at StyleList.com. (http://www.stylelist.com/trends?ncid=aolsty00050000000014) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there feel the same or had bad side effects... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 If you're worried, ask your doc how they're going to monitor you for side effects. I'd imagine they can order periodic kidney and liver functions to make sure you're doing well. [ ] methotrexate I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there feel the same or had bad side effects... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Your rheumy will insist on blood work often to check for adverse side effects. Methotrexate is one of the tried and true meds for RA. It does cause bad side effects in some people. But just because a side effect is listed, that doesn't mean that YOU will get all of them. Your rheumy will keep a close watch for the side effects. Just make sure that you report them to him/her. When I was first prescribed MTX and read the brochure about it, I thought to myself that if it didn't kill me, it might help me. My pain at that point was so bad that I was willing to try anything. It did help me, but lowered my white blood cell count too much. My rheumy switched me to Arava, which continued the decline. Then he switched me to Enbrel, which has worked wonderfully well for me. Sue On Thursday, September 11, 2008, at 04:43 PM, ncat2200 wrote: > I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is > safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung > diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not > ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose > situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really > what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my > rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a > medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my > life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there > feel the same or had bad side effects... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I have taken MTX over a year. My liver levels and other factors are watched closely by my rheummy. They did go up once and she lowered the dosage. It never happened again. I did not realize how much it has helped until now. I have been off it for weeks now (due to other health issues) and I am in distress. I can not wait until tomorrow to add it back! MTX has been proven to slow the progression of RA. Like you I had concerns but I feel it is well worth taking and keeping my blood monitored. Without it distruction is a fact, but with it, I can change the outcome. Some people do try to contol their RA with diet and supplements. It works for some and not others. I decided not to go this route, since I already had joint changes. I hope you can put your stress to rest. Many people here have achieved remission with MTX. Did your rheummy also give you folic acid? It helps with the side effects. Good luck, Shirley > [ ] methotrexate > > > I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is > safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung > diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not > ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose > situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really > what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my > rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a > medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my > life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there > feel the same or had bad side effects... > > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 Hello! I started taking Methotrexate when I was 29. The only side effects I have are really bad nausea, sometimes diarrhea, and headaches. I also started having some hair loss until my folic acid was upped to 2mg per day. I usually take it right before bed so that I can sleep through the worst of it. Some people take it and experience no side effects - everyone's body is different. Your doctor will monitor your bloodwork to make sure the Methotrexate isn't messing up your white blood cell count, as well as damaging your liver or kidneys. In rheumatology the dose used for Methotrexate is low compared to those using it for cancer, so it's not as much of a big deal for us as it is for others. I remember how scared I was before I started it, but the Methotrexate combined with Humira has really given me my life back. I worry about needing medication for the rest of my life sometimes, but it is what it is. I'm still young (31) and who knows, they may actually find a cure sometime in my lifetime or I may get to the point that I can reduce my medication further. I've just learned to accept that this is what I need now to function and it doesn't mean that I'll need it forever. Lori http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/ http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 11, 2008 Report Share Posted September 11, 2008 I really resisted the meds at first too. I am not on methotrexate, I'm on Plaquenil, but my rheumatologist gave me info on mtx in case we needed to switch to that at some point. I too hated the thought of taking medicine the rest of my life. I am in health care and treat holistically, I do acupressure and other natural therapies. I tried diet first and it did reduce the inflammation. But I have found these things to be an adjunct to the meds, not a replacement for them. I had a flare up a while after starting the meds. I was not taking them as often as I was supposed to. After that, I take them faithfully. I want to continue working and stop the progression of this disease. I'm 45 and single and need to work as long as possible. I am really managing pretty well now. I am so thankful for these meds. They have come a long way in the treatment of RA so people may not have to suffer the way they did a few years ago. Hope this helps, [ ] methotrexate I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there feel the same or had bad side effects... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Cat and group; Is that your name? Do you want us to call you that? Sorry if I am wrong I dont see a name to call you? Don't be scared of the MXT hon. I am guessing its rare side affects they are talking about. Your rheumy will take blood test to see if there are any problems manafesting from the MXT before it gets so bad as to cause any organ failures. I broke out in hives from allergic reaction to the MXT. So I can't take it. I did not read the side effects. I was in so much pain I didnt care if I lived or died anyway (because I was in so much RA pain). The Humira has taken all the RA pain away now. I am so greatful. I havent looked at the humira side effects either. lol. Welcome all new people to the group. I love reading everyones post. I havent answerd a few yet because I read first. I had to comment on this one cause she/he was so worried about side affects. First thing I do in the mornings after I wash up, I go straight to my computer and read my support group posts. I love to hear from all of you. Those that dont know please make paragraphs it is hard for and me (lol) to read if there are no paragraphs. said that Long post are welcome. Also delete all the other post when replying. said we can leave one post. I guess that is so that everyone will know what you are commenting on. gentle kind hugs Clora > I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is > safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung > diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not > ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose > situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really > what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my > rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a > medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my > life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there > feel the same or had bad side effects... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Cat and group; Is that your name? Do you want us to call you that? Sorry if I am wrong I dont see a name to call you? Don't be scared of the MXT hon. I am guessing its rare side affects they are talking about. Your rheumy will take blood test to see if there are any problems manafesting from the MXT before it gets so bad as to cause any organ failures. I broke out in hives from allergic reaction to the MXT. So I can't take it. I did not read the side effects. I was in so much pain I didnt care if I lived or died anyway (because I was in so much RA pain). The Humira has taken all the RA pain away now. I am so greatful. I havent looked at the humira side effects either. lol. Welcome all new people to the group. I love reading everyones post. I havent answerd a few yet because I read first. I had to comment on this one cause she/he was so worried about side affects. First thing I do in the mornings after I wash up, I go straight to my computer and read my support group posts. I love to hear from all of you. Those that dont know please make paragraphs it is hard for and me (lol) to read if there are no paragraphs. said that Long post are welcome. Also delete all the other post when replying. said we can leave one post. I guess that is so that everyone will know what you are commenting on. gentle kind hugs Clora > I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that is > safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung > diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and not > ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose > situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really > what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my > rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a > medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my > life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there > feel the same or had bad side effects... > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted September 12, 2008 Report Share Posted September 12, 2008 Hi Cat & group, I am a 31 year old female and I have been on methotrexate for about 1 yr now. I have not really noticed any side effects, your doctor should have prescribed you with Folic Acid also, this will help with your LFT(liver function test)that you are supposed to have done often. Other than that I have no complaints about side effects. I do however think that because I am overweight methotrexate is not right for me. I was having no relief of pain whatsoever!! But I recently had to go the emergeny room for inflamation in my eye and the doctor prescribe prednisone for me, I have been on it for about 3 weeks and aside from my face getting a little puffy, I FEEL GREAT!!!! If I could stay on the prednisone long term. I will go for that. Hope this helps Take Care > > Cat and group; > > Is that your name? Do you want us to call you that? Sorry if I am > wrong I dont see a name to call you? Don't be scared of the MXT hon. I > am guessing its rare side affects they are talking about. Your rheumy > will take blood test to see if there are any problems manafesting from > the MXT before it gets so bad as to cause any organ failures. > > I broke out in hives from allergic reaction to the MXT. So I can't > take it. I did not read the side effects. I was in so much pain I > didnt care if I lived or died anyway (because I was in so much RA > pain). The Humira has taken all the RA pain away now. I am so > greatful. I havent looked at the humira side effects either. lol. > > Welcome all new people to the group. I love reading everyones post. I > havent answerd a few yet because I read first. I had to comment on > this one cause she/he was so worried about side affects. First thing I > do in the mornings after I wash up, I go straight to my computer and > read my support group posts. I love to hear from all of you. > > Those that dont know please make paragraphs it is hard for and me > (lol) to read if there are no paragraphs. said that Long post > are welcome. Also delete all the other post when replying. said > we can leave one post. I guess that is so that everyone will know what > you are commenting on. > > gentle kind hugs > Clora > > > > > > I start methotrexate today, I feel really scared I don't feel that > is > > safe I have read a few sites that say it is safe but most it is lung > > diesease kidney failure, liver failure sudden death. i am 30 and > not > > ready to die. I love my life and this seems like a lose lose > > situation, take meds die don't and suffer. Does anyone know really > > what I need to wacth for? and how safe methotrexate really is my > > rhemmmy acts like it is no big deal... the thought of being on a > > medication for the rest of my life and that it may greatly reduce my > > life just make me want to take the pain option.... anyone out there > > feel the same or had bad side effects... > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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