Newbie....R.A, does Methotrexate cure R.A, or manage it, will I possibly be taking it for life?

[trenarren]

Hi, my Rheumatology Specialist has said today that I have 90% chance of RA, it needs confirming but she is pretty sure. She has said she will put me on Methotrexate if the results are confirmed. Thanks

[Hidden]

There is no 'cure' for RA but the aim is to get a drug-induced remission. If you stopped the drugs the disease would make itself felt again. Not everyone achieves this (remission) and you might have to try several drugs before you find one that suits you but you can live a happy and productive life with RA.

Hope this helps - and welcome to the site

Cece x

[trenarren in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Cece, gulp!! xx

[Dotty7]

Hi Trenarren

It takes a while to get your head round the idea of something that isn't going to go away, but things will get better than they probably are right now. The methotrexate may take a few weeks to work, which is another thing that can be hard to get your head round, but it's a very effective drug for lots of people. Also they are developing new medications all the time.

As you are new to this, you'll probably be googling like mad. Try to avoid the scary websites! NRAS and Arthritis Care are both good ones, as are the NHS and Patient.co.uk.

When are you next seeing the rheumatologist?

Good luck,

Dotty x

[helixhelix]

Yes, Dotty has it spot on - be careful of Google! RA is a lifetime disease, although maybe if you're young enough they'll be a cure eventually. But it doesn't mean that you will suffer endlessly., and a lot of stuff that comes up with google is based on old style treatment. The modern ones are much better. I was virtually bedridden by the time I was diagnosed, but now thanks to MTX and the other drugs, I am skipping about again. Unless you knew (or saw me first thing in the morning) you would never guess I had RA. And I took to MTX like duck to water, so had none of the scary side effects either.

It's a lot to take in, but take it slowly and think positive. Polly

[trenarren]

Thanks for all the replies!!

I am 58 (so no spring chicken) I've got badly swollen fingers and toes and some other joints which ache like mad, so I am not tooo bad. I also believe I have caught it early.

I see the Specialist next Thursday week for the MTX and official diagnose! Yes, I've seen some scary info from Dr Google, but the specialist had given me some up to date sites also. I have also heard from my elderly ex NHS Matron neighbour about the older knowledge of RA, understanding has turned round a lot for this disease it seems, and as its been said, will continue to improve.

I am a lot happier now, and thanks again for all of your understanding and help.

[Caza in reply to trenarren]

Welcome to this site but sorry that you've had to join. You will get lots of helpful advice & tips on here. It takes awhile to get your head round having a chronic condition & I sill try & kid myself that they've got it wrong! When you read all the posts & hear what some of these lovely people get up to it gives you hope that with the right treatment anything is achievable. I wish you luck x

[summer32]

welcome to the site too xx.. yes the aim is to improve the symptoms and get disease under control x

[lynn-bel]

Hi and welcome!! If its confirmed you have RA and you are put on MTX it prob. will be for life unless it doesnt suit you and they change it. So far there is no cure, but meds. can manage the disease very well, so be patient as it can take up to 12 weeks for MTX to kick in and most likely you will be monitored to make sure the drug is okay for you. There are quite a few meds to choose from so your Consultant should give you the best one for you. I take MTX and touch wood it's suited me very well so far and I've been on it for 13 years. You will prob. be on whatever is prescribed for life but that sounds more traumatic than it really is. After all, people take paracetemol sometimes every day and that doesnt scare them. I know it's not the same thing, but RA needs to be managed and controlled otherwise you will suffer much more and your joints will be damaged. Don't be worried about it.

Don't be worried about it, the disease will be controlled by the meds and if you keep an eye on this site you will get lots of hints and pointers abut managing the disease. Take advantage of all the publications you can get via NRAS as they are a valuable help - remember, knowledge is power!!

All the best to you and let us know what the results say and how you get on with the meds.

Lynn x

[atlantaquilter in reply to lynn-bel]

Lynn, I am newly Dx., what is Touch Wood. My Dr. is starting me on MTX tomorrow, I've read some and she has talked with me, but I'm just going to have to see how the effects and side effects go for me. Any suggestions? Thanks, Jo Ann, Atlantaqulter

[zannie]

Hi Trenarren, I have both osteo and rheumatoid arthritis. Swollen joints, difficulty in walking,

continual backache etc. My consultant put me on MTX with the warning that it takes time to kick in. After a month, the 5mg. dose was increased to 7.5 mg. once a week. I feel so much better, am able to walk long distances, and lead a normal active life. I just hope this feeling of well being continues, as I'm visiting my daughter in America next month.

Best of luck and do try whatever your Rheumy suggests. Zannie. XX

[rheumatoidymummy]

Hi Trenarren,

When I was diagnosed and started on MTX the rheumatologist did warn me that I would have to take medication (of one kind or another) for the rest of my life to control symptoms and prevent damage to my joints. That was 5 years ago and I inject 25mg of MTX a week now - I'm pleased to tell you that my quality of life is very good though, there is life after an RA diagnosis!

Ju xx

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS]

Hi Trenarren

As others have said, there is sadly currently no cure for RA, and most people with the condition will be on some form of medication life-long, whether that will always be the methotrexate (MTX) or another form of 'disease modifying drug'. We have an article about this drug on our website, as well as some video clips from people who are on the drug, and this might be helpful to you:

Article on MTX:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

Videos from people on MTX:

nras.org.uk/about_rheumatoi...

You are also very welcome to call our helpline if you're worried about anything or have any questions. Our standard helpline hours are 9.30-4.30, Mon to Friday, but for the next few weeks, due to illness, this will be 10.30-3.30. Our helpline number is 0800 298 7650.

Kind regards

Victoria

(NRAS Helpline)

[allanah]

Also if you look there is a posts area, in the top bar, if u write a post you will get even more replies and advice,! welcome to the site and hope you find all the answers to your questions and friendship and support here. Axx

[Kittykatxxxxx]

Helllo

It won't cure it but it can make life a lot better and I have spoken to people who have said they almost forget they have ra .

Plus you can sometimes wean off meds

Take care and try not to worry

Katx