Started methotrexate today.

[Gigi71]

Hi, since my last post, started on methotrexate today, only 10mg, feel quite spaced out, has been a funny month since stopping Azathioprine and also taking Amitripyiline for just 12 days. Back on naproxen, I upped my steroids to 10mg at the start, as was having a flare, now on 6mg and will go back to my normal dose of 5 in the next week. Have chosen today as Monday is alendrotnic day. Humira every other week on a Wednesday. What time of day does anyone take mxt, it only states take weekly after food. Have noticed someone takes it after dinner at night. Your advices please.

[Amy_Lee]

My rheumatologist advised me to take it after dinner. Reason being some people may feel uncomfortable and nausea and so on, so if we take the mtx after dinner, then we can sleep over it after that.

However, I am okay to take it during the day. I tried both after breakfast and dinner. It depends on your convenience. Once you have decided, stick to it.

[Gigi71 in reply to Amy_Lee]

Thank you Amy_Lee for your very helpful response. That does make sense, think I wanted to get it today over today. I did take mxt many years ago for about 2/3 months but didn't find it as good Azathioprine, that was pre anti Tnf days. they didn't make as much fuss then, was struggling with shoulder pain as well as feet hands in the main, just two monthly blood tests, no folic acid tabs. Has been a roller coaster the last 31 years. Will take next after dinner next week.

[Amy_Lee in reply to Gigi71]

Dear Gigi71,

Mtx takes about 12 to 16 weeks to work, therefore you need to be patient. I take mtx since day one in Jul 2014 until now. I was collapsed and I could not walk as normal because my ankles and knees failed to know how to balance my body when I was on a very even but not a perfect road. I could fall over easily then.

Read my link to see how I am today. As long as you believe in your rheumatologist and the treatment, work on your exercise, you will be okay slowly. It takes time really.

healthunlocked.com/ra-warri....

[Gigi71 in reply to Amy_Lee]

Thank you Trixie_Lee again. I'm glad to hear you are in remission. I have erosive RA negative. Have had many operations but coped with a full time job in insurance till I retired 11 years ago. I also have many other health problems but feel a positive outlook on life is essential and take the medicine. I have had many long hall holidays with my partner, always a struggle and paid for it when I got home. When I went on Humira was a wonder drug and kept me going for a long while, however that and Azathioprine have given me small skin cancers. Should have gone on Rituximab at the end of the month, but backed out. Might consider it again when the methotrexate works, I see now takes about 3 months plus. Have had back pain for the last 4 months making walking hard again, waiting for physio as my posture is bad. I have had 5 ops on my feet including triple foot fusions on both feet. Have been lucky not to have back problems before this. The pain radiates to my bottom and back of my legs. And am on the list for a falls clinic as have a few fall the last 3 years. I have a low carb high protein diet no wheat, milk also have herbal and fruit teas. Very little sugar and am not overweight. Always looking for things that help. Hope you stay well.

,

[Amy_Lee in reply to Gigi71]

Dear Gigi71, I am very sorry to know your condition. Yes, to have faith in ourselves and a positive mindset are the keys to a good recovery. We also need to treat RA aggressively at the very early stage to avoid any joints erosion happened. I believe I was very lucky to have been diagnosed early hence treated very early therefore I can achieve remission after 2 years of mtx.

I am a single mother, I was all alone more than 3 weeks during the peak of my suffering before my daughter came back to look after me. She was always with me to avoid me falling over. She took me for a walk after work everyday too.

Being a single mother, I told myself that I must stand up again because I must fail my son, he was/is still in college who depend very much on me to support him financially. I need to keep going and I cannot quit my job no matter what happen.

The very strong positive will power drives me on until today. Just trust your rheumatologist and believe in yourself, you will be getting better slowly each day. Do remember to do some low impact exercise everyday to keep your joints mobile. If you have problem to stand up to do your exercise, you can always look up from the internet for those sitting down exercise. Anything that suit you will be good. Take good care, and I know it is never easy for us, the RA patients.

[Matilda_1922]

I was advised to take just before bed as the symptoms are reduced.

[Gigi71]

Thank you for your reply. Do you have it after food.

[Sophie17]

I take my methotrexate after my evening meal as I was told by my nurse but it has to be at least an hour and half after eating. I hope this helps.

[Gigi71]

Thank you Sophie for your advice. You are given quite a lot of information regarding this drug, it wasn't until I came to take it I couldn't see any pointers as to what time is best to take it. I will certainly be taking the next dose in the evening. Felt very unwell yesterday, slept well and ok today.