stopping methotraxate

[fluffness]

Hi all, so my husband and I are hoping to start trying for a baby. My RA is controlled (not sure if in remission or not, I think so). My Rheum told me to stop methotraxate for 3 months. However, I'm scared I will flare. Anyone have any stories they can share on what their experience was with stopping Methotraxate while controlled? Hoping for some good news 😔 Really panicked right now

[nomoreheels]

Not for the same lovely & exciting reason but when I returned to the UK from living abroad because of an admin error (not on my part) I was without all of my meds for 3 months. This included MTX but also my NSAID & low dose steroids so not quite the same but I was controlled & I'm afraid I flared, badly. So much so my normally well behaved hands swelled so much I had to have my wedding ring cut off.

As I say, not quite the same but there is the likely chance you won't be as controlled, it's a matter of how much as each person's experience will differ. Did your Rheumy not recommend an alternative, one that is safe(r) agency trying for a baby for as long as you need it, with the hope you'll experience the 'remission' pregnancy can often bring? I believe whilst trying some class of NSAIDs can be taken, though not once you're pregnant, both DMARDs, sulfasalazine & hydroxychloroquine, too. I'd discuss options with him, tell him you're concerned & would like more advice. You may have seen this on your searches but it's worth another read or if you haven't nras.org.uk/rheumatoid-arth....

Exciting times!

[BoneyC]

I had to stop MTX before having both my children. The good news is, after about week 18, I felt really good, as if the RA had taken a back seat. This continued until just after the babies were born. Good luck.

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

Hello there. We do have a number of telephone volunteers who have been where you are now and you may find it helpful to have a chat with one of them. We also have some information on our website and past magazine articles on this topic- so why not give our helpline a call on 0800 2987650 and we can give you a lot more information and support. here is the link to the relevant section on the website. nras.org.uk/pregnancy-and-p...

[fluffness]

Thanks so much guys! It's helpful. I'm just panicked about staying off methotraxate for three months 😔 Don't want to lose all the progress I've made in the last year.

[Rossco87]

Hi there. I too stopped MTX twice to have my 2 daughters. It's natural to be frighted but stay strong. If you haven't already you should speak to your rheumatologist. I was able to carry on with salazopyrin & steriods whilst trying to conceive & during pregnancy. I would just make sure anything you continue to take is not going to stop you getting pregnant & is safe. I was taking a cox-2 inhibitator for pain relief & little did I know it was preventing me from conceiving. I would strongly recommend getting a decent ovulation kit to limit your time trying. Whilst they aren't fun it will help limit the time off your meds by conceiving quicker.

All being well after bump arrives they normally reccomend restarting MTX after about 5 weeks. This way you will be in a better place to look after baby. This is more important than breast feeding so don't be hard on yourself. Babygrow presstuds & little buttons are hard on hands. Try to get Velcro babygrows if possible. Use the pram when you can & carry the car seat as little as possible. You & baby will be fine.

I hope this long response helps a little x

[fluffness in reply to Rossco87]

Thanks Rossco! Just trying to wrap my head around everything. The rheumatologist said to keep taking sulfasalazine, and if neede stereroids. But I heard stereroida can cause some hormonal changes so would like to avoid at all cost :S

[fluffness]

Hi all just an update. Since I've missed 2 injections I've been doing well. No pain or stiffness... yet. However, I've been having some pressure right below my rib cage. Just wondering if any of you know what's that's related to? It gets better when I walk. Any suggestions would be very welcome.