I went for my 1st rhemotogy appointment yesterday as I have been having a lot of pain in my wrists and swelling on the tops of my hands

[Debbie20]

And also affect the tops of my feet , He said it was a form of arthritis

He gave me a steriod injection in my arm hope it starts to work soon,

Then started me on methotrexate which I will start Friday (had bloods yesterday ) will collect script on Thursday ,

What is methotrexate and why will I have to have bloods every 2 weeks it it a good drug will it keep the pain away as its affecting my life and work i am 52 years old any advice please

Thanks

[Ltinny]

Debbie20, Sorry to hear about your arthritis. Methotrexate is a drug that calms down the immune system, so it stops attacking your own tissues. Most of the medications for arthritis, lupus, etc., need close watch on blood work. Sometimes medications can cause changes in red cells, platelets, white cells, etc., and the doctor just wants to monitor those things to be sure you are not suffering ill effects from it. Arthritis certainly can affect your everyday life, and prevent you from doing daily things; once the med starts to work into your system, hopefully you will feel better and be back to doing the things you need to do and enjoy doing. I have found that Tylenol Arthritis 650 mg, I take 2 tabs at a time, really helps when I am achy and feeling miserable. Wishing you success in your treatment, keep us posted if you would like. Feel better soon

[Hidden]

does this cause raised platelets ? i have arthritis my late father had Rhumatoid arthritis