Methotrexate

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

I have been taking Methotrexate since July - currently taking 10

pills one time a week. I have had no problems with it at all - it has

not bothered my stomach at all. I don't tend to be sensitive to meds.

My only problem is it's not working well, but I am adding another

medication to my list. Hope it works for you - I know these meds

sound scary, but the alternative is not so good, you know? Hang in

there.

- NC

[Guest guest]

Thanks for the info. I'll let you know how I do. I plan to start this

Friday since that seems to make the most since in this group! I

understand about not having a social life. It kind of turns your world

up side down when health issues take priority. I know that has been my

focus for about three years now. Hopefully things will level out soon.

I'm not even working right now - in fact that's a big stress issue

that is probably making the RA worse.

Carol Z.

On Oct 18, 2005, at 1:44 PM, kringlemom@... wrote:

> i was sick with stomach problems for the first 6 weeks. after that i

> am 

> tired on the weekends ( i take mine on friday) but i went back to

> working part 

> time for the past 3 years. i even started to have a social life again

> as i have 

> been attending concerts for the first time in 6 years. mtx has been a

> godsend

> for me. i hope it works for you too. 

>

> kathy  in il

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks Kerri and good luck to you too!

Gee I'm so nervous about this but I know it's what I have to do. You

know before I got sick... I always said I would seek out alternative

medicine and natural/healthy remedies....... well when you're in

PAIN...... one needs fast acting medication. sad but true huh???

....more and more I realize how silly we are to say what we would

" never " do........... ya never know!

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 2:52 PM, kerri paquette wrote:

> Carol,

>

> welcome to the group and sorry to hear of your dx - I was dx'd about

> 4 months ago now and first started on Hydroxycholorquine which did

> nothing to help... after that I was switched to Arava... which has

> helped with some general achiness and morning stiffness, but has done

> nothing for localized pain and nightime pain... . about 3 weeks ago I

> was started on 2.5x6/week of methotrexate... I took it on a friday

> night because I'd heard fatigue was a common side effect. I spent

> saturday and sunday throwing up and feeling generally horrible... when

> not in the bathroom I was sleeping... That was my first and last dose

> of MTX. But, my rheumy said that my experience was NOT the norm...

> next he will try me on Humira, but I'm recovering from surgery and

> need to get a flu shot before that starts. I wouldn't be too

> nervous... I would expect to be tired out and yucky, but compared to

> what you go through on a daily basis I'm sure thats no different than

> what you are used to.

> Good luck with the MTX... I hope it works wonders for you and welcome

> to the group again.

>

> kerri sue

>

>

>

>            

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

> Music Unlimited - Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

>

>

[Guest guest]

do doctors ever try to figure out " why " the medication doesn't work for

some or works for a short time then stops. I feel there has to be a

" reason " i.e. - too much stress - too much medications - there is a

reason for everything.... the remedy seems to be always MORE

medication....

I do ask doctors these questions and mine don't like it....... my

questions have always gotten me in trouble. It is not my intent to

offend anyone rather to slow all of us down enough to look at the

situations ..... ya know???

These groups are great. Talk does help.... if we didn't have each

other who would be talk to??? Our doctors - bless their hearts are too

afraid and stressed themselves!

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 3:05 PM, slmcc93@... wrote:

> Carol,

>

> I too was petrified to take the methotrexate. I am now taking 7 pills

> 2.5 mg.

> weekly. So far I have been losing my hair and now found out my wbc

> count is

> very low and I am anemic. My doctor has decided to send me to a

> hemotologist/oncologist and he may either switch my medication or add

> another one to it. I

> can honestly say the medication is no longer helping me as I am in

> pain all day

> everyday.

>

> Good luck to you-

> sandie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Wow! 25 years you have been dealing with this......... guess I need

to " buck up " huh bucky??? I just don't do well when I'm " told " to take

something with no explanation or very little at any rate. That seems

why we have these groups....... cuz the people in the white coats don't

take the time. By the way - do you have trouble writing with a pen???

I sure do and have for the past 2 or 3 years...... does it get better

with medication?

Here's to you a! Thanks.

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 4:32 PM, a wrote:

> Hi Carol. Welcome to our group. I first tried MTX about 25 years ago. 

> I was young and knew nothing about RA or it's treatment. I was given 

> pills and was told this disease could kill me so I'd better make sure 

> to take them. They gave me terrible stomach cramps and diarrhea, 

> which I was told was normal and I'd adjust.

> I kept taking it for 3 months until I couldn't  take it any more. I 

> was taken off of it.

>

> I tried injection form last year which didn't bother my stomach at 

> all but it elevated my liver enzymes. Many rheumatologists would have 

> kept me on it in spite of the enzyme elevation because studies 

> indicated that elevations of 2-3 times the normal rate were ok. My 

> rheumy didn't agree and took me off, wanted me to have a liver 

> biopsy, refused to prescribe my pain meds, instead sending me to pain 

> management.

> He totally over reacted. He even told me my liver was enlarged 

> although I told him he was pushing on my ribs and hurting me. I did 

> NOT want a liver biopsy so I went to my family doctor and she ordered 

> an ultrasound. Her exam showed NO enlargement and the ultrasound was 

> normal. I quickly found a new rheumatologist.

>

> Last month I started back on injectable mtx, but I'm only taking a 

> low dose 7.5 mg's in combination with Enbrel. So far I just feel more 

> tired the 2 days after I take it.

> It also decreases my appetite, which is a good thing LOL!

>

> I was afraid of MTX for many years but after extensive reading on it, 

> I am willing to give it a shot. It is one of the oldest drug used in 

> rheumatology so the safety profile is well known. Careful monitoring 

> of blood tests will catch any problems.  I have a lot of reading 

> material on my website:

>

> http://arthritissupport.info/drugs.html#mtx

>

> a

>

>

>

> On Oct 18, 2005, at 12:30 PM, Carol Zwald wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone: 

> >

> > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with RA.  My doctor 

> > first prescribed

> > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This was working for a 

> > short time then

> > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she has added methotrexate 

> > 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have not taken any yet.  

> > I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).  Anyway, can 

> > anyone share  stories - good

> > and bad experiences about this drug?

> >

> > Thanks so much.

> > Carol Zwald

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Thanks .

I agree it's good we have these medications.

Carol - modesto ca

On Oct 18, 2005, at 6:04 PM, jhawkot87 wrote:

> Hi Carol,

>     I have been taking Methotrexate since July - currently taking 10

> pills one time a week.  I have had no problems with it at all - it has

> not bothered my stomach at all.  I don't tend to be sensitive to

> meds. 

> My only problem is it's not working well, but I am adding another

> medication to my list.   Hope it works for you - I know these meds

> sound scary, but the alternative is not so good,  you know?  Hang in

> there.

>                            - NC

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Sue,

I am just disgusted with this whole stinking disease. I have tons going on

personally and my hubby has been having trouble with hypertension. along with

that and taking care of the kids daily we have also had 2 deaths in the family

in the past 2 months. now it looks like this silly hurricane is headed my way

and i just cant take it anymore. I honestly cant tell you when I felt good.

It seems like such a long time ago and it is so disheartening. I will go to

the hematologist like my rheumy wants but i do see him on tuesday and want to

go over how I am feeling. I dont think I am getting much relief from the mtx as

my hands and feet hurt so much now. when my gfeet start the pain is so bad it

turns my stomach. Ultram does nothing to relieve the pain and my doc wont

prescribe anything else. My primary doc made me sign a controlled substance

paper

and then gave me one prescription for lortab. I guess he wanted me to kiss

his feet because i hoarded these meds and only took them when absolutley

necessary and when I made an appointment to have them renewed 3 months later his

nurse called me and very rudely told me he would not renew my prescription as I

did not keep an appointment for a pap test(yup you heard right) so therefore he

was stopping all meds to me. I was so infuriated that I actually called my

insurance company and put in a formal complain against him and then switched

docs. I now have to wait til the middle of november for a new paitient visit

with

him. Sorry to ramble on it is just that so much is getting to me and I feel

like no doctor will listen to me or help me.I am thinking of asking for my

rheumy to prescribe something for depression for me. I feel so bad for my kids,

some days I snap at them for the least little thing just because of how lousy I

feel. I cant remember when I got my last good nights sleep and now my mom is

supposed to come for a visit in a few weeks and I just dont feel up to

" visiting " UGh. If you got this far in my complaining thanks- sorry to go on and

on.

take care

sandie

[Guest guest]

There are a few of us here that have had RA for a very long time. I

was diagnosed around 1976 when I was in my early 20's. It was mild at

first but really hit me after my second child was born in 1984. Like

you, I want an explanation! I've had doctors that resent being

questioned and others that appreciate an inquisitive mind.

Some just want you to shut up and take whatever they give you and

others will take the time to explain.

I am an anomaly in that the RA has NOT affected my hands. For years

I've disputed my diagnoses because it hasn't affected my hands, but

all rheumatologists I've been to have said that although it is

uncommon to have hands unaffected, they've seen other patients with

no hand involvement. My worse joints are my ankles and knees (have

had both replaced) and not so bad in my elbow and wrist. The most

debilitating problem for me is fatigue and muscle pain, which is

caused by fibromyalgia. My best relief is swimming.

If you find the right meds, it is very possible that it will get much

better. This list is 6 years old and I've read a lot of personal

stories. We've lost many members after they find meds that work and

no longer need support. I wish they would hang around and encourage

others. I've also read stories of people that are resistant to every

medication on the market. Until Enbrel in 1999, I was classified as

medication resistant. There are lots more options available now, but

many find the old standards also work. Combining the old and new

medications has had great success. But until they find the cause of

rheumatic diseases, they will never find the cure.

No you don't have to buck up LOL! Everyone copes with this wretched

disease in different ways. Whine and cheese are served daily here, so

bucking up isn't a necessity. We all need someone to vent to.

a

On Oct 19, 2005, at 12:48 AM, Carol Zwald wrote:

> Wow! 25 years you have been dealing with this......... guess I need

> to " buck up " huh bucky??? I just don't do well when I'm " told " to

> take

> something with no explanation or very little at any rate. That seems

> why we have these groups....... cuz the people in the white coats

> don't

> take the time. By the way - do you have trouble writing with a pen???

> I sure do and have for the past 2 or 3 years...... does it get better

> with medication?

> Here's to you a! Thanks.

> Carol

[Guest guest]

Carol,

Welcome to the group. The first time I took mtx I was

sick to my stomache and throwing up. But after that

first dose I didn't have anymore problems. It was a

wonder drug for me. I just recently started taking

Enbrel along with the mxt. I hope this helps.

Beth(AR)

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> Hi everyone:

>

> I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> RA. My doctor first prescribed

> Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. This was

> working for a short time then

> inflamation and pain started again. Now she has

> added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> week. I picked up the meds last week and have not

> taken any yet. I'm afraid. I live alone

> and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> Anyway, can anyone share stories - good

> and bad experiences about this drug?

>

> Thanks so much.

> Carol Zwald

>

>

>

>

>

>

__________________________________

Music Unlimited

Access over 1 million songs. Try it free.

http://music./unlimited/

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol,

Just wanted to say I too like have had no problems ever on

MTX. I started in about 1988 when the gold shots stopped working

and was up to 9 pills per week. they, along with Voltaren were my

mainstays along with various forms of codine til enbrel arrived on

the scene. Now I just take MTX (4 pills per week), enbrel &

voltaren as needed. Different people react differently to meds.

Maybe MTX won't bother you at all. At least I hope not!

Hugs,

Lori

>

> > Hi Carol,

> >     I have been taking Methotrexate since July - currently

taking 10

> > pills one time a week.  I have had no problems with it at all -

it has

> > not bothered my stomach at all.  I don't tend to be sensitive

to

> > meds. 

> > My only problem is it's not working well, but I am adding

another

> > medication to my list.   Hope it works for you - I know these

meds

> > sound scary, but the alternative is not so good,  you know? 

Hang in

> > there.

> >                            - NC

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Sandie,

I'm sorry that you're having such a bad time. If I were you, I'd ask

him if he doesn't think the low wbc count was caused by methotrexate.

It certainly can cause it in some people, and I was one of them. After

all, it does suppress the immune system. Why don't you ask him about

Enbrel or Humira? They suppress it in a different way. You should ask

him for an anti-depressant, too. Chronic pain is enough to make anyone

depressed. I take two triclycic anti-depressants to prevent migraines,

so I don't usually get depressed. But I certainly did back when I

hadn't been diagnosed correctly and was having unbearable pain. I hope

you soon get some relief. Let us know how your appointments go.

Sue

On Wednesday, October 19, 2005, at 11:20 AM, slmcc93@... wrote:

> Sue,

> I am just disgusted with this whole stinking disease. I have tons

> going on

> personally and my hubby has been having trouble with hypertension.

> along with

> that and taking care of the kids daily we have also had 2 deaths in

> the family

> in the past 2 months. now it looks like this silly hurricane is headed

> my way

> and i just cant take it anymore. I honestly cant tell you when I felt

> good.

> It seems like such a long time ago and it is so disheartening. I will

> go to

> the hematologist like my rheumy wants but i do see him on tuesday and

> want to

> go over how I am feeling. I dont think I am getting much relief from

> the mtx as

> my hands and feet hurt so much now. when my gfeet start the pain is so

> bad it

> turns my stomach. Ultram does nothing to relieve the pain and my doc

> wont

> prescribe anything else. My primary doc made me sign a controlled

> substance paper

> and then gave me one prescription for lortab. I guess he wanted me to

> kiss

> his feet because i hoarded these meds and only took them when

> absolutley

> necessary and when I made an appointment to have them renewed 3 months

> later his

> nurse called me and very rudely told me he would not renew my

> prescription as I

> did not keep an appointment for a pap test(yup you heard right) so

> therefore he

> was stopping all meds to me. I was so infuriated that I actually

> called my

> insurance company and put in a formal complain against him and then

> switched

> docs. I now have to wait til the middle of november for a new paitient

> visit with

> him. Sorry to ramble on it is just that so much is getting to me and I

> feel

> like no doctor will listen to me or help me.I am thinking of asking

> for my

> rheumy to prescribe something for depression for me. I feel so bad for

> my kids,

> some days I snap at them for the least little thing just because of

> how lousy I

> feel. I cant remember when I got my last good nights sleep and now my

> mom is

> supposed to come for a visit in a few weeks and I just dont feel up to

> " visiting " UGh. If you got this far in my complaining thanks- sorry to

> go on and on.

> take care

> sandie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi neighbor.. I am in Lodi!

I have very minor side affects from mtx.. I take 20mg per week.. was

recently upped from 15 mg. In the begginning my WBC was too low..but

that has leveled out. I have noticed some gum inflammation and some

other minor things ( thinning hair)..but overall I have not suffered

major side affects. It took many months to notice improvement in the

RA ( i started in feb). Today I am about 60% improved from my worst

point, ( was bedridden) I still flare but am doing much better.

Faith

>

> Hi everyone:

>

> I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with RA. My doctor

first prescribed

> Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. This was working for a

short time then

> inflamation and pain started again. Now she has added methotrexate

2.4mg x 4 once a

> week. I picked up the meds last week and have not taken any yet.

I'm afraid. I live alone

> and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old). Anyway, can

anyone share stories - good

> and bad experiences about this drug?

>

> Thanks so much.

> Carol Zwald

>

[Guest guest]

Hello to both of you, I am in Stockton. I could not take MTX pills, they

really made me sick, I would throw up all the next day. But as soon as I

started the Mtx injections things were much better. I suppose now that I am on

disability, it would not matter if got sick, but when I was working they

offered to put my computer in the ladies restroom! I also take Plaquinel,

Prednisone, Celebrex and Enbrel injections. The mix works and other than a lot

of

forgetfullness, I am doing very much better. Please feel free to contact me

direct if you would like to.

Gentle Hugs,

Carol M. in CA

[Guest guest]

Hi, Charlene,

I am from UK. I have been on Methotrexate for 1 year and currently take 20 mg.

per week. I believe it is meant to stop PA spreading, but in my case I still

have considerable pain and swelling in ankle which is where I have PA. Maybe it

has stopped it spreading but hasnt helped with original problem. in UK you cant

be prescribed Enbrel until you have tried and failed with two types of

medication. I have tolerated Methotrexate quite well except on day and day

after I take it when it makes me feel a bit sick and tired. It does take months

to get into your system so you wont notice any difference for several months.

All the best,

Geraldine

========================================

Message Received: Oct 25 2005, 04:03 AM

From: " Keli " <krhoden78@...>

Cc:

Subject: [ ] Re: New

<html><body>

<tt>

<BR>

Welcome Charlene,<BR>

<BR>

I personally have not taken Methotrexate before so I do not have much advice to

offer. I know there are a lot of people in this group that do take it. I was on

sulfasalizne or also called azulfidine for five years prior to starting Enbrel

then for nearly six months after wards. It has been my expeirence that getting

on something to prevent further joint and cartliage damage is your best bet. I

was dx'd with Pa at the age of 21 but suffered between ages 11 with psoriasis

and joint pain from the age of 15 and 16. Good Luck on your journey with

PA.<BR>

<BR>

Keli<BR>

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 10/25/2005 6:50:44 A.M. Eastern Standard Time,

geraldinedullaway@... writes:

I have been on Methotrexate for 1 year and currently take 20 mg. per week.

I believe it is meant to stop PA spreading

Hi Charlene,

There are a few of us around your age, women, on this site who have opted

not to take MTX. The side effects can be scary, but the main reason is being a

woman of child bearing age...it is important to understand that you have to

be off of MTX for quite some time (I can't remember how long) before getting

pregnant. Just something to think about. I, like Keli, started with

sulfasalazine and still take it. For some it isn't as effective as MTX, but

you

should be aware of the pregancy/birth defect issue.

[Guest guest]

Hi, KS,

I haven't been on it myself, but one of my clients (I'm a massage therapist)

is using it with (so far) some success and no side effects. He was diagnosed

with psoriatic arthritis a few months ago, and this is the first drug to give

him some pain relief, a softening of the psoriasis, and a decrease in fatigue.

He is hopeful.

Personally, I think he should look further into Lyme, but his doc has no

interest. He did have a standard western blot (negative), but he has so many

symptoms, and it is so very common here, I just hate that it has been so quickly

dismissed. Oh well.

Best,

Pansyrip@... wrote:

would like to hear from anyone that has been on methotrexate. (snipped for

brevity)

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Go see a lyme literate dr, not a rheumy.

[ ] Methotrexate

> would like to hear from anyone that has been on methotrexate.

>

> My hubby has had lyme since 92. got better after 4 relapses.

> now rheumy doc wants to try methotrexate. he does not believe in lyme

> we are going to try another round of doxy first. but in the meantime would

> like to hear from

> anyone who has tried or knows firsthand any complications from

methotrexate.

>

> thanks

> KS

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

>

> Go see a lyme literate dr, not a rheumy.

>

>

> [ ] Methotrexate

>

> I AGREE with , You need a lyme literate DR!

Lizzie

> > would like to hear from anyone that has been on methotrexate.

> >

> > My hubby has had lyme since 92. got better after 4 relapses.

> > now rheumy doc wants to try methotrexate. he does not believe in

lyme

> > we are going to try another round of doxy first. but in the

meantime would

> > like to hear from

> > anyone who has tried or knows firsthand any complications from

> methotrexate.

> >

> > thanks

> > KS

> >

[Guest guest]

I dont know anything about MEN taking methotrexate, but I would highly caution

WOMEN who could possibly be pregnant or might become pregnant to REFUSE this

med! This is the med they use to terminate pregnancies in early gestation or in

ectopic pregnancies...it is a type of chemotherapy and they suggest you not get

pregnant for up to 4 to 6 months AFTER using methotrexate because it lingers in

the system that long.

Dawn

[Guest guest]

YES! After being on the AP for six years, having sustained some pretty

severe damage, and never feeling that my pain had really " left " , I started

MTX three months ago.

It is like a miracle . My once, " forever " swollen ankles, golf ball ankles,

are now flat, my hands are no longer boggy in the knuckles, and my pain is

gone. I haven't felt like this in twelve years. Also I was anemic the entire

time on Doxi and had some really off blood values on my CBC ( usually at

least 6 items were flagged) and now that has also returned to normal. A

month of MTX reversed my bloodwork to normal. The only thing flagged now is

a slight elevated RBW.

I thought I was going of have to have a wrist replace and and one fused from

the damage as they hurt so badly and I could barely use them. By doing OT

with Thera-putty I gained strength and the MTX knocked out the pain. I

actually lifted weights using my wrists yesterday for the first time in

years where it did not hurt nor did I hurt this morning.

Also I have gone from taking two 7.5 Mobics a day to only taking 1/2 of a

7.5 at night.

I fought long and hard not to take this drug and now I am sorry that I did

not start it sooner. Maybe I would not have had the severe damage that I

have now and would have had more pain-free days. I just kept thinning I was

herxing on the AP where it actually was the disease becoming more

aggressive.

I am only taking 7.5 mg of MTX now down from 12.5 that I started on.

I know the AP has helped many, but I guess there are some of us that it just

wasn't meant for.

My advice to those on AP that still have pain...Keep up with the Xrays!

.. ---- Original Message -----

From: " sunriselops " <sunriselops@...>

<rheumatic >

Sent: Friday, January 27, 2006 9:16 AM

Subject: rheumatic Methotrexate

> I have been taking Methotrexate for 4 months -- 8 tablets a week --

> now I have an perforate ulcer that I am now taking medicine for -- my

> question is has anyone had good luck with Metho?? My pain level is

> still at an all time high -- I am a 36 year old active (when I can be)

> women with 2 small kids -- my RA is attacking my lower limbs more than

> my hands -- I guess I am at the point that I want to give up all

> treatment if it is going to make me sicker and not do any good!!

>

> Hollye

>

>

>

>

>

> To unsubscribe, email: rheumatic-unsubscribeegroups

>

>

[Guest guest]

Methotrexate is a DMARD that has helped many of us. It is usually given for

problems that come with a spondy disease. It has been known to help with

iritis, psoriasis, IBD associated with AS, and peripheral disease, like

arthritis

of the knee, shoulder, ankle, etc.Some eye doctors swear by the high doses of

Methotrexate for chronic iritis (Mass General eye dept). It can cause hair

loss, but here again, if it helps with the inflammation and helps with pain

levels, it may be worth it. It was to me. I was able to take Methotrexate and

Humira at the same time. Plaquenil and some of the anti-TNF drugs can cause

hair loss, also. It may settle down as your body gets used to the drug and it

also depends on the dose levels. Lower doses, cause smaller side effects.

Most of our drugs are individually effective/ineffective. Some have good

results, some do not. Some of us have been on Methotrexate for many years.

Best regards, Connie

[Guest guest]

While it is true that methotrexate is used as a DMARD, it was first used as

an anti cancer drug at a higher dosage.

It is very potent stuff. That is the reason that ppl who take it end up

with losing hair and all sorts of tummy problems. I know that it helps, just

like prednisone help,s but when considering having a family, it is a good

idea to know that there are possiblities that need to be explored.

GA

[Guest guest]

Hi,

I am very behind reading e-mails, because I had a Fibro flareup the last

couple of months. I have been on Methotrexate weekly injections( 2mls) for

the last two years, I have had no side effects or hair loss. Metho. does not

help Fibro - I take small dailoy dose 25mg Endep which works, in very high

doses Endep is used for depression but you have to take up to 100mg and over

for that to set in.

I have been Plaquenil and try some of the anti-TNF drugs, many other drugs,

to many side effects.

My last resort was Metho. so far so good. I have blood test to test liver

and kidney to test for problems, so far so good.

>From: Grannyof9@...

>Reply-

>

>Subject: Re: Methotrexate

>Date: Tue, 7 Mar 2006 15:48:43 EST

>

>Methotrexate is a DMARD that has helped many of us. It is usually given for

>problems that come with a spondy disease. It has been known to help with

>iritis, psoriasis, IBD associated with AS, and peripheral disease, like

>arthritis

>of the knee, shoulder, ankle, etc.Some eye doctors swear by the high doses

>of

> Methotrexate for chronic iritis (Mass General eye dept). It can cause

>hair

>loss, but here again, if it helps with the inflammation and helps with pain

>levels, it may be worth it. It was to me. I was able to take Methotrexate

>and

>Humira at the same time. Plaquenil and some of the anti-TNF drugs can cause

>hair loss, also. It may settle down as your body gets used to the drug and

>it

>also depends on the dose levels. Lower doses, cause smaller side effects.

>Most of our drugs are individually effective/ineffective. Some have good

>results, some do not. Some of us have been on Methotrexate for many years.

>Best regards, Connie

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Oh, don't ever think it is the end of things. I have my right wrist

fused and I am right handed. It just makes things so I have to adjust

things, move my arm and hand differently. People adapt tp things like

this, and I am positive you will too. Even if it hinders you in some

way, you'll be able to find something else to compensate... Be patient

and don't give up. Trust me on this.

michael

>

> I started on methotrexate about 6yr.ago,I started with 4tabs.once a

> week and that is what worked for me until I had a biopsy and was told

> that I had a fatty liver,which could be from being overweight.I was

> taken off of methotrexate and put on sulfasalazine and the scales came

> back and the joint pain with a vengence.I was clear with the

> metho.Some joint damage had already begun in my wrist.I guess I am

> going to have to have it fused,and I am a right handed hairstylist!I

> guess that is the end of me doing hair or much of anything. Has

> anybody else had a wrist fused? To answer the quesstion, I liked the

> metho ,I had no problems with it.

>

[Guest guest]

Patty asked whether some of us had improvement with

Methotrexate alone before adding in the biologics.

I was on Methotrexate 25 mg orally each week with 2 mg

Folic Acid daily and 1500 mg Naproxen daily for about

3 years before flaring up again and needing the Enbrel

added to my medication regimen about a year ago.

Currently since adding Enbrel 50 mg weekly injectable

to my regimen, I have been tapered down to 15 mg

Methotrexate weekly by mouth. I also take Actonel 35

mg once weekly for osteopenia, and 1200 mg Calcium/Vit

D supplement daily. Protonix 40 mg twice a day takes

care of any stomach irritation I may have from all the

medicines.

Before I started the Methotrexate, I was short of

breath all the time and literally could not bend or

walk without the support of two canes. After starting

the Methotrexate, I was able to bend freely again and

breathe easier (it REALLY helped the

spondyloarthropathy and rib cage expansion!) but my

hip was already badly damaged enough that I continued

to require a cane to walk anything except very brief

distances. The reason they added the Enbrel in was

because I am now showing inflammatory changes in both

feet and my right hand as well and they are hoping to

prevent further destruction in these areas....the

spondyloarthropathy is still well-controlled though.

Before starting the Methotrexate, I was on short term

medical leave from my job as a hospital nurse for

almost a year before they figured out what was wrong

with me and started treatment, and was actually

considering applying for disability! The improvement

with the Methotrexate alone was drastic enough that I

was able to go back to work and continue working

(albeit as a nurse in a pediatric clinic instead of in

the hospital setting). I still work full-time (72-80

hours per 2 week pay period) although currently I am

off for a month recuperating from a right total hip

replacement done 6/28/06.

Blessings to all of you! Wanda

Wanda

[Editor's Note: In the beginning, MTX alone also worked wonders on me. Kathy

F.]