Re: New and going to the doctor today

[Guest guest]

,

Welcome. I understand your concerns about MTX. I don't like taking it either but

it was either that or not be able to function. You will know when you need to

take something. There comes a point when the risks outweigh the benefits and

that is different for everyone. Have you modified your diet at all? Do you know

what triggers bother you? I have found that I need less medication for the same

benefits if I cut out the foods that I know cause inflammation in me. Also, get

plenty of rest/sleep, exercise often (every day if you can) in a gentle way, try

to minimize the stress in your life. I also have had to give up hard physical

labor as that tends to cause inflammation in me. This is a bummer as I love

outdoor physical work, but again the benefits of not doing it outweigh my

enjoyment of doing it.

 

Lastly, prayer has been invaluable to me. We cannot see into the future and know

what side effects we may experience. When I pray about my medical decisions I

find peace and direction. God bless, Patty

[Guest guest]

What is methotrexate? Is it a chemo treatment? I've never heard of it. Is it a

bad thing to take for PsA?

deb

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

It sounds like you have concerns.

It also sounds like you may be new to having PA. It would be helpful to know

more about you, your disease/diagnosis and a bit about you to answer questions.

I don't mean to make fun, but your question is kinda like saying,

" What does a car cost? Don't thousands of people get killed in car accidents

every year? "

The answers aren't clear without knowing more info. What kind of car? New or

used? High mileage or low mileage? Yes, people get killed in cars, but it's

relative to the circumstances and most people do NOT get killed in cars.

It's the same with methotrexate. The answers are not clear. There are many more

questions to answer. Yes, it can also be used as a chemo drug but in MUCH higher

dosages and concentration. No, it's not necessarily a " bad " thing for PA.

Knowing more about you would help.

I hope you can give us more info and then we can answer your questions and

address your concerns better.

Stay Well,

[Guest guest]

methotrexate is a chemo therapy drug which is used to treat cancers.  It is

also an immune suppressant which is use to treat PsA.  PsA is an autoimmune

disease in which the immune system is not functioning properly.  MTX suppresses

the immune system and hence helps some of us with the PsA.  I have had success

with MTX but it is a serious drug as most available to us so you need to

research it.  I don't really have other options at this time as I am allergic

to sulfa, plaquenil did not work, and I cannot take biologics.  There is a lot

of info available on the internet but it can be scary reading some of it.  I

believe the risk must be worth the benefit and everyone is different as far as

what drugs will work for them.  God bless, Patty

[Guest guest]

Hi , i guess my question was a little ambiguous.. um, not sure what you

want to know about me but here goes...i've just turned 37 and was diagnosed with

with fibromyalgia about a year ago due to aching joints and lethargy etc...the

rheumy couldn't find anything else wrong bar some slight abnormalities in blood

work. I've also been diagnosed with PCOS and have autoimmune thyroid disease. I

have some patches of psoriasis and recently my joints have become more

painful...in particular fingers, hands wrists, big toes, feet and hips and neck.

I've also had an unproductive cough for the last four years that will not go

away. It was diagnosed as asthma and i was given puffers but they don't seem to

work. Just recently my lungs have gotten much worse...a feeling like a heavy

weight is binding my chest and i've been getting dizzy spells and a lot of

lethargy due to feeling like i'm oxygen deprived. I don't think its asthma, i

think its somehow related to what's going on with my aching joints and tiredness

etc... i've also recently had problems with IBS type symptoms...i feel like its

all part and parcel of the same thing, whatever that is. A bone specialist

thinks its PA but is sending me to an immunologist and rheumy.

What other kind of info do you need? Just ask.

Deb

ps I had septic arthritis in my right hip when i was four years old and had

surgery.

[Guest guest]

: I would guess that most of us were scared the first time our docs

suggested going on MTX or one of the biologics. I know I was and talked to both

my internist and my ortho before going forward with my rheumatologists proposal

that I go on Enbrel. (They all concurred.) If you're still stiff, swollen and

in pain, that likely means that your disease is not yet under control and there

could be permanent damage being done. That's the danger of not going forward

with a stronger medication. So, it's a balancing act and only you can make the

decision. A few will have serious side effects but they're rare and that's

precisely why you will have to be monitored regularly if you go on MTX. Liver

damage is the most likely problem but if blood testing is done regularly, the

drug can be stopped before any real problems occur.

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Hi Deb,

Thanks for clarifying. I'm glad I asked for more info.

I'm one of the lucky(?) ones here. I seem to ONLY have psoriasis and

psoriatic arthritis. And I am very fortunate that I have been very successfully

treating with 12.5mg of MTX per week for over 6 years.

Lot's of folks here have concerns about taking MTX and many are scared after

reading possible side effects and after learning that MTX is also used in

treating cancer.

Yes, it's true that MTX is used in treating cancer, but dosages for cancer

treatment are MUCH higher than dosages that are prescribed for PA. MOST of the

possible side effects do NOT come into play at the low dosages we take. That

said, some folks do experience some side effects and of course regular testing

to monitor liver functions are necessary.

You seem to have other health issues along with your P & PA. Your decisions for

treatment should consider ALL of your issues as well.

I don't know the ramifications of MTX use would have in regard to your other

health issues. I would want to be sure that taking MTX will not cause adverse

affects for the health issues you have. Speak to your doctors to find out. Some

of your choices for dealing with your PA might be constrained by your other

health issues and/or drugs you are taking for them.

Clearly this is not a decision you should take lightly without fully knowing ALL

of the details. BUT, if everything points toward you being able to MTX and there

are NO complications with your other health issues and drugs, PLEASE do NOT be

afraid of MTX.

Yes, be cautious, be vigilant, and know your body. BUT, don't be afraid. MTX

has given me back my life. Before taking it, I had multiple sausage fingers and

toes, many of my joints ached constantly. I was barely able to walk, and had

terrible pain when I did. I slept fitfully and for very few short periods. I was

constantly exhausted and in pain.

Today, I am 99% normal. I'm active and can do anything I choose.

I still have stubborn P on my scalp from time to time, and I do have a rare

flare of joint pain on occasion. But, usually if I have a flare it's because I

have over done or pushed WAY too far while ignoring the smaller signals of a

flare.

I hope this helps you in your decision making.

Stay Well,

[Guest guest]

Thanks for your informative and insightful reply. You've given me a lot to

think about. I'm glad you're feeling so much better.

Cheers and thanks again

deb

[Guest guest]

Joanna:

My doctor has been suggesting it for the last few visits, but I have tried to

delay while I'm still away at college for my last semester. It's nice to know

I'm not the only one who is afraid! I have a choice between MTX, Enbrel, and

Plaquenil; however, I've decided on either Plaquenil or MTX due to my family

history. It's hard still being in college and just turning 21 to decide what to

do.

I will just have to continue doing research and talking to my local pharmacist

who was extremely helpful! Thanks for the support!

" blondmoments55 " <blondmoments55@...>

[Guest guest]

If MTX or Plaquenil will work for you, I think you've made the right choice.

They are - I think - the safer options. Not many with PsA seem to take

Plaquenil but I have a friend who's been on it for years for lupus and it's

worked wonders for her. At one point, there was some concern that it was

beginning to affect her liver so she had to cut back for a while on the amount

she was taking. Pain level increased a bit but was still manageable and

ultimately she was able to go back to her regular dosage. Good luck with

whatever you do. You're young and you're going to have to live with this for a

long time!!!!

Joanna Hoelscher