Seronegative

[Jacki08]

Hi--I might be being a bit thick but how do they assess what dosage of the methotrexate and hydrox to give me when my bloods are normal? I'm picking my meds up on Monday---.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Jackie. Blood results are just part of the jigsaw. Your Rheumy will (or rather should) have conducted a full body examination to check your joints, had your height & weight checked to work out your bmi (body mass index) & those together with any images he ordered be it x-ray or any mechanical scan will determine which meds & doses he prescribes.

Hope this clears things up for you.

[Jacki08 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks NMH---- nope- not had that done yet- I rang and spoke to a lovely girl at the hospital today and asked her to check what my DAS was-- apparently I've not got one yet. Im just hoping things will be clearer after I have my app with the meds pharmacist on Monday. I hope he/ she is ready for all my questions lol!!!! Fingers crossed I don't get many side effects- ive a full diary next week. Thanks again x

[nomoreheels in reply to Jacki08]

I'd write a list if you've not started one already, so easy to forget things when you get there & talk about other things. Hope all goes well & the steroid continues to cover you until the MTX & HCQ take over. Might be an idea to question about an NSAID if one isn't prescribed given your job. If you explain what you do they may consider it necessary, you can't afford to be turning down clients can you? Has the carpal tunnel eased since having the jab?

[Jacki08 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks--- my list is like an essay already lol!!! Really struggle with anti inflams , even with taking a PPI-- they set ibs off which is controlled well until I take them.Thats why I'm going to ask for mtx injection( its worth a try). Steroid injection was brill-- pain free totally-- haven't felt that well for 4 years. Shame they wear off! Think my job helps actually-- although painful it does keep my hands nimble. The swelling and pain really go into overdrive halfway thru writing med notes up in an evening and I have to ice them for an hour. . and again before work . Cant wait for the meds to work. Having those pain free few weeks made me realise how bad it really is!! But--- theres a lot worse things xx

[nomoreheels in reply to Jacki08]

Oh good, you're organised! It might be worth asking your GP to bear in mind your IBS & ask if there's one he can suggest that won't inflame it, or an increase in ppi if you've only had a low dose before. Anything to help you really! x

[Jacki08 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks- will do. Get meds Monday- starting Thursday- mega busy at start of week and only short day friday!! x

[nomoreheels in reply to Jacki08]

Hope all goes well on Monday & they do the trick. Don't expect any changes straight away though, you probably know but it's worth a reminder, neither give the quick fix a jab does & hence the possible need for some little extra help in the meantime. Hope you're ok on Friday, but you know we're here if you're struggling. x

[Jacki08]

Thank you-- I'm just hoping to get ME back to something like a used to be xx

[mistymeana]

Hiya, I don't know about methotrexate but I was told hydroxy dosage depends on your weight. I had my dose lowered when I lost weight.

[Jacki08 in reply to mistymeana]

Thanks--- any info is gratefully received x