MTX for RA Update

[Guest guest]

I know we all fear side effects when told to begin MTX. I am early in this

process, but just wanted to post my experience. My dosage has been 3 pills on

Friday night for 2 weeks and then 5 pills on Friday night for 2 weeks, the

second dose of which I took last night. Next Friday I will go to 7 pills and

that will be my plateau.....at least until I see the rheum again and he tells me

what is next. I am tapering off pred. I started at 15 mg. and have been

reducing by 1/2 tablet every 2 weeks. I went to 2 tablets (10 mg) this past

Tuesday. I have some minor aches, but I think they may be more related to the

yoga classes I have started than anything else. I have a minor soreness in my

upper back that is just " there " and I do wonder what is up with that Other than

that, I don't think I am having any side effects. No nausea or noticeable

fatigue. I am nervous as heck with every dose change, but so far, so good. I

read on blogs about taking MTX on Friday nights before bed and on a full

stomach. That way any minor effects can occur during sleep. I think that is

good advice. I was barely able to walk in January with a sudden onset of RA

symptoms and I am now virtually free of stiffness...walking the dog and going to

the health club. I am anti-CCP positive. Hope this helps someone else who is

newly diagnosed and trying to decide what to do. I am not a person who likes

pills. I have always been a healthy person. But from researching, I believe

you have to address RA quickly to prevent joint damage and I am going with that

plan. I am also sticking to a low-sugar, low-sodium, no junk food healthy diet;

I should buy stock in Bolthouse Farms for all of the carrot juice I am drinking!

I am 54. Best to all of us in this fight!

Janice in GA