Hello. I’m new here.

[L8bloomer]

Hi all! Per SimoneHU’s suggestion, this post is just to introduce myself to the community.

I am a woman in my mid 50’s and live in the eastern region of the United States. I have recently been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. I’m worried about starting Methotrexate treatment because of the horrible side effects that can happen. While I’m trying to educate myself about this course of treatment, I am also looking into other ways to improve my overall health, which has declined astonishingly quickly on the heels of a highly contentious divorce from a pathologically vindictive ex, coupled with being laid off from a 30-year career. I actually see the job loss as a blessing since my job had become increasingly stressful and I was utterly burned out, but it is still a difficult change to navigate through. Soooo…, checking off many major life changes within a span of two years: getting divorced, establishing a brand new household, adult children leaving the nest, losing my job, starting a new relationship AND being peri-menopausal through it all — it’s no wonder my body and mind are exhausted!

I am starting to explore Tai Chi and Qigong and hope to see some benefits (if I can manage to get my hip and back pain under control). I am also working with a really good therapist! ☺️ So glad I have found this community!

[Happyrosie]

Hello L8bloomer. My daughter aged 48 has psoriatic arthritis and takes methrotrexate. She's had no observable side effects.

[kevg]

You blow up and feel tired . They are cancer meds. I quit the meds and reduced the prepared foods all around. I still have pain but no where near when I started

[Niconn]

Hi I have psoriatic arthritis and was on Methotrexate but it raised my liver function test results and i had to come off it. I did have some skin problems that were helped by taking folic acid. I then spent about a year on biological antibody treatments, Humira and Orencia. I had side effects with these and came off all medication but removed all dairy and red meat from my diet, started taking 1,200mg turmeric (with black pepper) capsules and spirulina, which is a natural anti-inflammatory. I've been off all medication for over 2yrs now with no symptoms, unless I accidentally eat something with milk in it. Your stress could have been the trigger for your body to finally become overwhelmed by all the inflammatory food/chemicals you encounter? Read "Inflamed" by Shelley Malone, she cured her own arthritis and the book is full of good advice. I have to point out I got onto medication before I had bone damage and that makes a huge difference. Get it under control with methotrexate first if you are flaring up badly and taper off as you change your diet? I saw a big improvement in 2 weeks but had to wait longer forturmeric to kick in and soothe it completely. Good luck!

[helixhelix]

I have been on Methotrexate for 11 years now. It is my best friend. Before I started taking it I couldn’t sleep because of the pain, couldn’t walk more than 10 metres, struggled to look after myself etc etc. Now I have a full and active life with virtually no pain.

I would fight anyone who tried to take it away from me! I have tried to taper off it, but not been successful.

This drug has been used for about 50 years now. And yes a few people have problems but the majority are fine. So don’t believe that it’s a dreadful drug. In parallel I live a very healthy life (including QiGong) and I personally believe that’s a big reason why I don’t have side effects.