METHOTREXATE

[catwoman4]

Been on mtx by injection for about a year following tablets which made me feel unwell, also take Hydroxy and Folic.

Hasn`t been perfect, but better, but now it has all started again, have to write Tuesday off each week as if I don`t feel sick, I am dashing off to the loo.

Anyone else had the same thing?, am getting depressed now

[Sharonbernt]

I too was on the same medications as you are unfortunately I had to come off the methotrexate as I felt permanently sick I have tried a couple of different meds since but they are not working as well as the Meth did I hope your symptoms settle for you

[calflo]

Hi Catwoman I have been on mtx since 2010. I am exactly the same as you on a Tuesday and I usually just stay in!!! (Fortunately I took early retirement so I can do this)

I hate the thought of a Monday night and dread taking my injection. ( In my head I think I have 52 days of the year feeling like this which can be very depressing.) But the alternative of constant pain is the driver for me to continue!

The other problem for me is that I continually want to eat on a Tuesday because I feel so nauseous!!! I cant face tea or coffee on this day either! This doesn't help with the weight! Lol.

Next week I am going to try something different I'm going to go out for a wander round the shops for the day to try to take my mind off the nausea. I'm going to take a bag of chopped veg carrots, turnip, peppers etc. To snack on while I'm out and see if this lifts my mood too.

Currently I'm in the middle of a flare and have been in constant pain since end of November, but I put this recent flare down to my not taking the mtx!!! I had quite a few weeks of virul infections so was told to not take it!

I've been back on my mtx for 2 weeks and I know the pain is lessening!

I see my rheumatologist on Monday so maybe he can give me some answers too.

Good luck with how you try and cope with it. Remember you are not alone and there's always someone worse off than us. Xxx

[catwoman4 in reply to calflo]

Thank you so much for your reply, I identify with all of your comments, it`s just a constant battle. I came off my meds and had a flare which was dreadful. Now, I come off every so often, which helps. I guess there is no perfect solution but it does get you down.

I usually make lots of phone calls on Tuesday so try not to think too much.

Best wishes to you

[nomoreheels]

You mention folic acid but you don't say how many you take each week. That can make a big difference in controlling side effects because MTX pinches the little folate we store, usually the reason for the more common ones. I've been on MTX since 2009, the first year tablets then like you injections because of side effects. At the time my Consultant only liked his patients on 2 a week but my latest prefers hers to take 6 a week, just not MTX day & I basically don't have side effects, I'm just more tired the day after & more picky about food, less appetite but the following day I'm back to normal.

Of course we're all different & what med suits one person doesn't necessarily suit another or side effects are such that they determine a change in med but if you don't take enough folic acid when on MTX then side effects will continue usually. By injecting it enters the blood stream so unlike tablets bypasses the gastro system & often nausea eases. Eating a bland diet the day before you inject can often help but if you're on max dose folic acid have a word with your Rheumy nurse, see if she can help or offer more advice.

[catwoman4 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for comments, I take folic 6 days a week, so can`t do any more of those, I will speak with them at my review next month. The routine does control the flares so am not keen to start something new, it`s a problem, but working on it!