waiting for lung scan so methotrexate stopped - what next?

[GranAmie]

if weekly folic acid pill helped expel the mtx does that mean i am drug free? Do I still need monthly blood tests? Can i take painkillers? anyone else had same experience - cd be months b4 I get a scan appt!

[Matilda7]

Suggest you have a chat to your GP!

[helixhelix]

It wouldn't be good for us to advise you, as we all have slightly different medical histories. So your lung problem might be different from my lung problem....

But generally methotrexate has a fairly short half life (ie the amount of time it takes to decrease the amount in your body by half, and then half again and so on), so the stuff floating around your blood stream doesn't hang around too long.

But not good that you were told to stop MTX without any advice as to things like blood tests. If the GP can't help the chase your rheumy team. And talking to your chemist's pharmacist can also be helpful re painkillers as they know about drug interactions.

[GranAmie in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you - regretted that post as soon as submitted - of course i shd ask them! But good info from you and thanks x

[Angels54]

Hi MTX increased to 8 over last month, took my last dose Monday felt unwell worth tight pain round my chest, sweat pouring out of me, throat burning . I saw nurse advised to stop for 2 wks , folic acid lo 3.2 , feeling very tired at moment, however it did help control pain. x

Sandie

[Sheila_G]

I was in a similar situation 6 years ago. I am afraid it wasn't a great time for me. I was off methotrexate for 8 weeks while tests were being done, including lung scan. I managed well without methotrexate for 8 weeks and then I had the worst flare up imaginable. Even my rheumatologist was shocked when he saw me. I had 23 joints involved. I don't intend to scare you but the reason I am telling you this is so you will push and push to get your tests done as soon as possible. If, like mine, your tests prove to be due to something else and not mxt you can then go back on it. Obviously I have no idea what your tests will show or if you will react to the lack of mxt, but if I were you I would contact rheumatologist for advice and GP to try and push you along with tests. I wish you the best of luck.

[GranAmie in reply to Sheila_G]

thankyou for that. Am waiting for reply from Rheumatic nurse to find out if i can take painkillers, do i continue blood tests and asking about CBD oil, but think i'll start chasing up the scan. So far doing ok just niggling painsbut have upped the swimming. i'd say cross fingers but i guess many of us are like me and can't manage that nowadays lol. x

[Sheila_G in reply to GranAmie]

I really hope you get your tests soon. x