Winkles

[Winkles]

I became immobile 4 years ago at 62 and was diagnosed with RA. Within a year I was back to near normal using methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and folic acid. I have this year started getting very itchy hot spots on my arms and want to try something like Piriteze containing cetirizine hydrochloride but feel sceptical. Had anyone any advice?

[Gnarli]

Hi Winkles. I have been taking cetirizine for years for many and varied allergies. Only diagnosed November last year with RD, started MTX in January and added in Hydroxy last week. Rheumy has never mentioned any problems with the mix of meds and I reckon I'm as normal as I'm ever going to be. Hugs

Jan

[Wyaatch in reply to Gnarli]

Hello Jan, wrinkles and others on MTX--I had such extreme fatigue from trying MTX first at 7.5mg/week, then lowered to 4---still fatigue. I was never offered hydroxy and sulfa with MTX--does that help with fatigue? Why do domevwsit a day after tontske folic acid? I wonder if MTX would work with the 2 others you guys are on? Wyaatch

[Gnarli in reply to Wyaatch]

Hi Wyaatch. So sorry but cannot read part of your post. I was originally given MTX but unfortunately I needed something added in to decrease the inflammation. It never caused me a problem with fatigue though. The sulphasalazine really didn't suit me and had to stop after 3 weeks. The fatigue while on sulpha was awful, I was sleeping about 12 hours a day. I'm currently on MTX and hydroxychloroquine but the hydroxy is bringing its own problems so the Rheumy and I will have to have another think about the meds. I hope this helps a bit and I wish you all the very best. Hugs

Jan

[Wyaatch in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks Wrinkles--I have high inflammation as well and wondered what you were given for it? Thx,wyaatch

[Gnarli in reply to Wyaatch]

It's 25mg MTX and hydroxy at the moment but hydroxy is giving me horrible nausea amongst other things so things could change after my next rheumy appointment. If I were you I'd tell the rheumy about your problems with MTX and let him/her decide what's the best treatment for you. They are the experts after all. I hope this helps

Jan

[determined4321]

Hi winkles. How long did it take for your RA pain to go away after starting methotrexate? I'll be taking my 3rd weekly dose this evening

[Winkles in reply to determined4321]

Hiya, pain decreased over several weeks until finally free of pain. Initially had steroid injection to help. Four months on and practically back to normal and have stayed stable since. Medication works for me.

[determined4321]

Thank you for reply. I'm crossing my fingers with hopes that I won't have to start biologic meds.