My partner is starting on methotrexate this weekend for the RA which suddenly came crashing into her life some months ago. She will be taking a weekly dose and getting a blood check every two weeks. There is much uncertainty along with the pain.
We have two week-long trips organised - one to a conference in the UK in two weeks time, and the other (planned in the past couple of weeks to raise spirits) is to Croatia at the end of October. Now that treatment is at last available, there is concern that the treatment, or the side effects, mean we should be thinking of cancelling these trips.
What can be expected in the early weeks of taking methotrexate?
I think it all depends on how she is right now. If she's able to travel at the moment then she should be able to travel in a couple of weeks time.
Basically most people don't get many side effects from the treatments, but the people who don't have problems naturally enough don't post on these forums as they have nothing to say. So it's easy to get the impression that it will be awful to start with, which often it isn't. For me the first nine weeks were a bit 'blah' as felt slightly nauseous and woozy - but at that point I couldn't have got on a bus let alone travel further, and was in too much pain to even think about enjoying myself on a holiday.
The main consideration is that the drugs can take months and months to work, so you won't get rapid improvements. So if she would struggle to travel right now, then she'll probably struggle to travel over the next couple of months.
There is another option as well, which is for her to talk to her doctor about a steroid shot, as they can give temporary relief for several weeks. Not to be used lightly, and you can only have a couple a year, but something to consider.
Hi, after many years on methotrexate, I personally suffered no adverse effects. Depending on the severity of your wife's RA, I see no reason why she should not be travelling. On the rare occasions I have taken long flights to visit abroad, my Rheumatologist put me on a course of prednisolone and it made a significant difference. I would speak to your doctor who should be able to assess her condition and prescribe some relief. Hope all goes well for you both.
I agree with everything Helix says! Your partner is lucky she had support from you as it will make a huge difference to her.
I tried to keep going and live my life , so I would try to go even if for example you need to get assist to the plane , it will be worth it when you are relaxing in such a beautiful country . Xx
I beganMtx a few months ago and apart from feeling sick the day after taking it, have not had bad side effects. I find it best to distract myself with something else! A holiday sounds just the thing to do that
To prove that there is life after MTX I am off to India for three weeks - touring around. Maybe some days will be difficult but hey, there will be just as many good ones I am sure
Many thanks helixhelix, alanah, and Pat9442 for your thoughtful and positive comments. We're seeing the big doctor in a few days, hopefully he will be reassuring on this question too.
It is so great to have you to support your wife at this very critical moment of her suffering. She needs all the support from you very much at this very moment. I do agree with helixhelix , it depends very much on her situation. She should know if she can handle the traveling at this moment?
When I was diagnosed with RA, it hit me aggressively. I was flat basically and I could not walk properly and I could not do what I normal could do. Below was what happened to me and I hope it gives you some idea what RA could do to a very healthy person like me. I believe from there you can understand her suffering better.
I did have some side effects after taking mtx initially. My hair was thinning, I had rashes and they were very itchy. I vomited and had diarrhea, basically sitting next to the toilet and holding a small pot for 2 days after the GP gave me some medication to stop that. I did feel nauseous for many weeks. All these side effects were gone after a few months for me.
I found 2 very well orgnaized and informative videos about RA for your reference. It explained clearly on what RA is all about, the available treatment at the moment and the possible side effects that may come along. These help to clear most of my questions in mind.
I started mtx on 5 mg then added 5 each week until I got to 20 mg. This is to reduce side effects I think and it's possible your wife's Rhuemy might do this too?
I didn't notice side effects until I had been on that dose for several weeks. Then occasional nausea and feeling tired a couple of days later. But agree with the others that most don't notice improving condition for quite some time either, so would depend on how she is currently feeling and can she take pain killers and anti inflammatories.
Firstly it's great to know that your partner has such support and you describe how RA literally comes crashing in to a persons life so effectively (hers and yours).
As far as the trips go you've definitely had good advice from others and all I would add is ensure that rest periods are built into each day - even if it's just a 2 hour stop in a coffee shop that has sofas where she can curl up next to you and snooze as you sip coffee/tea.
Try and have fresh foods and avoid sugary deserts as they will probably add to the fatigue drag on the body.
Some sort of recoding devise (dictaphone or IPad/tablet) at the conference may help if there are lectures as then she doesn't need to worry about note taking.
I don't know if I am the exception that proves the rule...but I took Mtx (+ Folic acid 6 days a week ) & had no side effects at all. I stayed on it for years & apart from the odd ache I felt really good. I did have to stop after 7 years as I did then start to get side effects......but I had a good run on it!
I used to take the Mtx after dinner .....my theory is if you feel 'off' whilst you're asleep you don't know about it! It worked for me......
Do try hard to go on your trips it will be a boost & they say a change is as good as arrest...so just go......& enjoy!
I would say go ahead with your travel arrangements. There is no point waiting for side effects, it will be better for you to be occupied and you will enjoy your trip. Have a lovely time.
Special thanks to everyone who has posted advice and comments on this thread. This is a good community to be part of.
Dugald
Hello, although I'm sure everyone reacts differently to a host of drugs, in my hubby's experience, the first month of taking MX left him very very tired and feeling nauseous, but he now seems fine and doesn't seem to get any side effects. I guess any medication will take a time for the body to adapt to. If your partner feels fine, go with it, don't put your lives on hold. Take care :))
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Newly diagnosed with RA, and received methotrexate prescription today. When and how should I start taking it?
Humira and methotrexate
New to RA
