New here - going to start mtx tomorrow

[Dianne123]

I've had RA for 32 years, got it at 19. I've been on triple therapy of gold, plaquenil and sulfasazine for past 14 years but rheumatologist thinks I need to change my meds to avoid any more damage as she feels disease is more active than she would like. I have always stayed on the gold because it turned my life aroud when I started on it. Has the same efficacy as mtx. She thought perhaps a biologic but I have never tried mtx and you are suppose to try mtx before a biologic. I am going to drop the plaquenil and swap it for mtx. I hope the mtx works for me. I hate to mess with my meds as I feel great and haven't had a flare in years but I don't want to risk any more erosion. I also have never had any bad side effects or blood test results. I am scared after reading up on the side effects, just hope I don't get them too bad. Has anybody tried this combination? Probably not

[stbernhard]

Hello, don't be scared even though it's understandable. I have been on MTX for nearly eight years and like many others never had any major problems. The tablets caused some nausea, but that disappeared when I started the injections. I keep my fingers crossed for you. Good luck. P.s Search for Helixhelix replies on MTX posts, they gave me a lot of answers.

[Dianne123 in reply to stbernhard]

Thanks, I'll hope for the best. I'll check out Helixhelix as suggested.

[BoneyC]

Hi Dianne,

I've taken MTX both oral & injectable types for over 30 years. I was started on it at 18, 12 years after dx. It's been the ebst drug for me but, alas hasn't prevented joint damage. I too tried gold but had to stop after 6 weeks. I rarely have side effects from it, but its a subjective thing, some people can tolerate more than others. Hopefully you'll be fine.

[Dianne123 in reply to BoneyC]

Thanks. I like to hear good news stories about it to balance out the scary stuff I've read. My biggest fear is the lung toxicity, seems there is no way to predict who might be sensitive.

[Shadows-walker]

I was the same I can tolerate the first two on your list but could not tolerate sulfrasazine or methotrexate. But unfortunately I am now having problems with hydrochoquinne ( plaqunenil)

Can't help with your dilemma but quality of life is important is the only advise I can give you !

Good luck

Be kind to you and remember it's your body and you know it better than the dr that sees you for 20 mins every 3/4 months .

Shadow x