Re: MTX is really working!

[Guest guest]

>

> I was halfway to work today when I realized that I left my meds

> (Plaquenil & Celebrex) at home! I felt a surge of fear. What would it

> be like at work when the pain moved in? I decided to keep going and

> take the meds when I got home. It's been a rainy day, which made me

> even more concerned. However, I did just fine! Made me think that the

> MTX is doing its job. I'm grateful.

>

> Sierra

How long have you been taking it and how much do you take? I just started and

wonder how long before I know if it helps.

Sharon

[Guest guest]

That's great, but now you need to talk to your rheumatologist about maybe reducing some of your medications. I am a firm believer in taking whatever medicines we need to function, but I also believe that we should not take any more medicines than are truly necessary. I'm on Remicade (6 mg/kg) and Methotrexate (12.5 mg) and until a few months ago I took Remicade every 6 weeks and Methotrexate at 15 mg. I was doing so well my doctor stretched out the Remicade to 8 weeks and cut the Methotrexate, I'm still doing well but occasionally I start to have troubles so I take 1 or 2 mg of Prednisone for a few day. I think the reduced amount of medication works for me and perhaps it will work for you also. God bless.

----- Original Message -----

From: snowdrift52003

Rheumatoid Arthritis

Sent: Thursday, October 28, 2004 2:57 PM

Subject: MTX is really working!

I was halfway to work today when I realized that I left my meds (Plaquenil & Celebrex) at home! I felt a surge of fear. What would it be like at work when the pain moved in? I decided to keep going and take the meds when I got home. It's been a rainy day, which made me even more concerned. However, I did just fine! Made me think that the MTX is doing its job. I'm grateful. Sierra

[Guest guest]

> > MTX is doing its job. I'm grateful.

> >

> > Sierra

>

> How long have you been taking it and how much do you take? I just

started and wonder how long before I know if it helps.

>

> Sharon

Because I was nervous, I started with 5 mg. in May. I increased

gradually, as I gained confidence in my body's ability to handle the

med. I just took my fourth dose at the 20 mg. level about an hour ago.

I believe 4 weeks is the length of time it takes to look for results.

S.

[Guest guest]

> That's great, but now you need to talk to your rheumatologist about

maybe reducing some of your medications. I am a firm believer in

taking whatever medicines we need to function, but I also believe

that we should not take any more medicines than are truly necessary.

I'm on the same page, Harold.

Sierra

[Guest guest]

>

> Because I was nervous, I started with 5 mg. in May. I increased

> gradually, as I gained confidence in my body's ability to handle the

> med. I just took my fourth dose at the 20 mg. level about an hour ago.

> I believe 4 weeks is the length of time it takes to look for results.

>

> S

My Rheumy started me out at 12.5 mg per week and so far I have tolerated it

well. I have only taken one dose, and had a little upset stomach, but not

enough to keep me from eating regular meals. (I did give that nice seafood

salad in the frige the pass, though <G>.) I was tired, but able to function.

Sharon

[Guest guest]

I have problems keeping weight on

> (don't worry - I don't expect any sympathy for this problem

>

>

>

>

Actually, I can sympathize. For thirty five years I fought to get my weight up.

I was 5'8 " tall and weighed between 111 and 119 lbs. Then I turned thirty five.

My lifestyle changed about that time, too, as I started working at a desk job.

The combination of a change in my metabolism and less activity meant I started

gaining weight. It was a real shocker to me. I had always been very active (If

I were a kid today, I'd have been on Ritilin, as it was I was a " handful " ) and

could eat as much of anything as I wanted. Also, about that time, I started

having a problem with hypoglycemia. All of a sudden I had to start watching

what I ate, I gained weight! I had to DIET! What a shock.

Now I control my wieght with a low-carb lifestyle, since that controls my

hypogylcemia better than any other way of eating.

Sharon