Methotrexate, Rheumatoid arthritis.

[Spearos]

Hi

Thank you in advance for any replies to this post, I had been taking Methotrexate tablets for around 4 Months and around 12 weeks ago was moved to self administered injections, I don’t feel any better than I did at the start of the medication, and I have noticed that my condition seems to flare up the day after I administer the injection, my main concern is that my problem may have been misdiagnosed, has anyone else suffered with this problem of flare up after taking their medication?

[Happyrosie]

I haven't got a clue, Spearos, but wonder if one of the specialist charities might. Start off with Versus Arthritis and if you don't get help there google "arthritis charities UK" . When you speak to them have handy a copy of your blood test results. If you don't have these speak to your GPs surgery and ask them how to access these - they are on your medical record electronically.

[Spearos in reply to Happyrosie]

Thank you for taking the time to respond.

[Thomsen]

I remain on Methotrexate by mouth for RA now for 7 years without any flares. However, I usually feel more stiffness in my hands the day after my "Methotrexate Day." My daughter, also on Methotrexate for Uveitis, was changed to injection for a few months, and felt the same as when she was taking it orally.

[kevg]

i have as well . I have stopped all meds and chosen to eat a better diet and reduce stress. Stress is the number one cause for flare-up. I have the wonderful RA for about 5 years now . Methotrexate is a cancer drug which eventually affect your liver and kidneys .also you will feel bloated all the

[Lynzyfitz]

my rheumatologist misdiagnosed me for 2 years telling me I didn't have rheumatoid arthritis , it was only down to me waking up one night paralysed in pain. The ambulance took me to hospital and I was in there a week. My inflammation markers were over 200. I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I went through all that pain for 2 years , first time I was given steroids was when I was in hospital, it was absolute heaven as 90% of my pain had gone. They waited 4 months to put me on methotrexate, it did nothing for me except give me inflammation of the lungs. Im now on sulfasalazine and have been for 4 weeks. Nothing has changed and I've currently been in bed for nearly 2 weeks as I cant walk because of the pain. If you have any doubts about your diagnosis please get a second opinion

[Lynzyfitz]

check out Manuka honey and the amount of people who rate it. It is expensive but apparently its supposed to work wonders for inflammation. I've just ordered some off Holland and Barrett , will let you know how I get on with it

[Mlagypsy]

Hi Spearos, sorry for a late reply. While it can take a while for meds to calm the system, I would say that if your symptoms seem inflamed after the injection that maybe it may not be the optimal choice. I had to fight with one of my practitioners to change from biologics that created rashes- isn’t it common sense that to irritate an already inflamed system is contradictory? Those are just my thoughts. In addition I would highly recommend attention to your diet and using a journal to track your symptoms as that can help pinpoint some of the things that May exacerbate your symptoms, changing my diet has made more of a difference than medications have.

[Spearos in reply to Mlagypsy]

Thank you for taking the time to reply , it just feels pretty hopeless atm, I have spoken with other people who have given up on the medication and just manage from day to day, I am debating maybe trying this for a while due to that fact that I have had so much pain after the injection.

[kevg]

i went off the methotrexate . Reducing stress is huge . Eat more roasties

[kevg]

methotrexate is good for the short term

change in lifestyle would help. But I can't put down the roasties or mince either