New to RA and osteo arthritis

[Rhinda]

Having a hard time with the medicine methotrexate 9 pills once a week. On steroid injections in my back from bone spurs and on prednisone. Combine all this with pain patches and ibuprofen. This is the start of my third month. I have no energy and losing hair. When will the medicine start working. 

[claretandblue1]

Hi Rhinda, You say that you are taking pills for the Methotrexate, is that right ?

[flow4]

Hi Rhinda, I'm on my 3rd month of methotrexate (mtx) too. Mine feels like it is working, though I have about 48 hours of low energy and nausea after taking it each week. You need to talk to your rheumatologist - it might be that your meds need adjusting - they usually do, at least once or twice. Maybe you need a lower dose of mtx, or more folic acid, or another dmard as well as the mtx, or instead... Or maybe you could reduce your pain patches, because they are bound to affect your energy levels... Anyway, it's a conversation to have with your rheumy asap. It's horrible to go on feeling so lousy so long, and I hope you feel better soon.

By the way, there aren't many people with RA here. You'll get more of a response if you join and post on on the NRAS group: healthunlocked.com/nras Hope to see you there.

[Jantie]

Hi Rhinda, I have RA have been on Methotrexate for 10 mths 8 tabs once a week,but I also have sulfherzalazine 6 tabs once a day as well for the RA and Naproxen as needed and 1 folic acid a week usually 4 days later I have been very good since I had these just the odd flare when I have prednisolone,suggest you go back to consultant.