Hello and advice please

[Hobbitfeet]

Hi, I'm a newbie to group, just found you!! I was diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis when I was 38, I am now approaching 58! During that time I have taken Methotrexate from 5mg upto, and probably for the last 12 years 17.5mg. It kept the bodily psoriasis under control as well as the flare ups of arthritis. Unfortunately it didn't stop the joint deformities, I have all of my toes (except the big toes) pinned. I have recently had a follow up operation on a Trapeziectamy on my thumb that didn't quite go right. I am scheduled to have two of my toes repinned next Thursday 👣.

In June 2016 I was taken off Methotrexate as my white blood count was getting increasingly lower, and having had sepsis I had a steroid injection instead. After a period of not taking Methotrexate I expected a flare up but nothing happened! It has taken nearly a year for my white blood cell count to get back to where it should be. I recently saw a locum rheumatologist who advised me that my PsA had " burnt itself out". Has any body else ever been told that it could wreck your body then leave?

I also had two strokes in 2009 at the age of 49, I have always been a non smoker, have low cholesterol,no history of strokes in family, sound heart . First drug that came under scrutiny was Methotrexate!

[LizzieR]

Hi Hobbitfeet ( excellent name by the way),

I have PSA as well. Sorry to hear it's had such a dreadful effect on you. I've never heard any one say it can 'burn itself out'. I looked it up but couldn't find anything. Here's hoping though!

My white blood cells get low and a few times a year I'm told to stop mtx. Not had to stop completely though- so sorry to hear you are having/ have had such a rough time with it.

Did your drs say/ think mtx could be the cause of your strokes? It's a powerful drug- I've lost my gall bladder and two teeth because of it, but nothing as bad as strokes. Have you managed to recover from them? I hope you are as well as possible now.

Welcome to this site- it is full of lovely, wise and experienced people- it's been a total life saver for me! X

[Trish165]

Hi I'm new to this site and this is my first post. I was diagnosed with PA when I was 25 and I'm 60 now. Since then I've taken numerous anti inflammatories, gold injections, penicillimine, methotrexate, steroids, enbrel am now on humeria and sulfalasine. I was on 17.5mg methotrexate for almost 10 yrs - on and off because of low blood count and eventually had to give it. I was told from early on that it 'could' burn itself out but sadly that didn't happen. Others at my Rheumatology clinic were told that also. My psoriasis is completely clear since I started enbrel. I'm sorry to hear of your other health issues it must be very difficult for you.