Methotrexate : Hi I’m a newbie.Being on methotrexate... - NRAS

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Methotrexate

Nuttyshirlz profile image
24 Replies

Hi

I’m a newbie.Being on methotrexate for few months for my arthritis.Ive had both winter jabs to but last few days feeling like a cold coming over me.what do you take.Im also on painkillers and don’t like to keep emailing the nurses incase get fed up of me.Messaging all time.

Thanks

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Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz
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24 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Sometimes a cold is just a cold. Honey and lemon, ginger and things like that will sooth. Take paracetomol as long as nothing else you take has it in it. Personally I go for night nurse as it completely knocks me out.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply tohelixhelix

Thanks

I can’t take paracetamol due to other medication think night nurse has it in too but I’d have to check thanks for your feedback 🙂

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix in reply toNuttyshirlz

I think it does, so that's out! Back to honey and lemon I guess...although I have been known to pop a bit of whisky in too despite taking MTX.

sylvi profile image
sylvi in reply tohelixhelix

I can't take night nurse due to high blood pressure,go to your chemist to check what you can take. Honey,hot water with a bit of sugar will be the best.xxxx

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz

No I won’t do that my body keeps fighting it has it is lol

Scottishlad profile image
Scottishlad

During the early stages of treatment don't be afraid to contact the nurses. The will be used to this. As you gain more experience you will not need to get in touch so often. This forum is not supposed to give medical advice but to share experiences. If you have any serious concerns please contact the experts.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply toScottishlad

Don’t worry I’m only asking what ppl do.I won’t take anything without asking the experts 😳

oldtimer profile image
oldtimer

I find the pharmacist is very helpful with this type of problem - they know what is in what. But don't just ask the pharmacy assistant, ask to speak to the pharmacist - they usually have a private room too where you can speak to them in private if you would rather.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply tooldtimer

I agree .. The two main pharmacists I go to are excellent.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply tooldtimer

My local pharmacist did say when he issued me my first pills.If I need to ask him anything about them to pop in anytime.Hes old school

Joy_1 profile image
Joy_1

Hi

I posted remedies that work for me just yesterday as someone was asking about remedies.

I'll copy and paste ......

"Unfortunately it is that time of year again when we are bombarded with cold viruses.

I have learned through trial and error what works for me:

1 - and this is the main one - REST REST REST

2 - paracetamol

3 - a slice of ginger in hot water - drink it like a tea - couple of times a day

4 - gargle with salt water as soon as you feel a sore throat coming on and keep it up approx 5 times a day

5 - if I feel the catarrh building or a cough getting chesty then steam inhalation (nothing in the water - advice from my pharmacist) 3 times a day

6 - half a teaspoon of turmeric in a glass of full fat hot milk - twice a day - do not have anything to eat or drink for at least 30 mins after having you turmeric milk

7 - and lots of liquids"

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz

Thanks for all reply’s I did contact my nurse she said more or less what you’s all said.Its my first winter .So still all daunting to me.I do try and read all information I can has so much out there..but it’s nice to no I’m not alone.

😳

Biscuitman profile image
Biscuitman

I was on Methotrexate for quite a number of months. I started off on tablets but had a few side effects and generally I didn't feel that good, although the RA was kept in check.

Had stomach problems and some hair loss, so went on to injections which were better, but after a while the injections caused small bleeding on my thighs (stomach injections were ok) so I decided to try something else.

Moved onto Sulfasalazine tablets which I've found much better for me. Hair loss has stopped, RA seems just the same and no stomach problems so far.

I've learnt it's all about personal choice and experience and not necessarily what the medical profession thinks best. So, if you have real trouble with the MTX don't be afraid to try another med - you can always go back to the one that suits you best - nothing is ideal though. Don't be afraid to speak to your Consultant, Doctors or Nurses they'll have heard it all before anyway. Remember you're not a nuisance, just a patient who needs help with a new life experience.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Honey, lemon, grated ginger in boiled water. Neal's Yard has some very natural throat remedies online which are less loaded with chemicals and more with herbs/fruits. Lots of fluids both hot and cold. I inhale essential oils in boiled water. Eucalyptus and Frankincense are my favourites. Also I've a fine mist diffuser for the oils as well.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Giving advice re simple natural home remedies/drinks is fine I am very sure. Most people know that ginger can affect blood thinning medications and it can affect menstrual issues (the guideline says no more than four grams a day) but grating a little into hot lemon and honey should not affect anyone over a few days. Neither should inhaling a few drops of essential oil in a diffuser or mug. Common sense always says just check what to buy with your pharmacist anyhow to see if ok to take. I never take powerful medicines or Lemsips as they make me have a bad stomach.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply toNeonkittie17

I don’t have that problem but think will pop into boots see what there say.Ive message my nurse just waiting for her reply. 🙄

Damaged profile image
Damaged

Remember, not all bugs need drugs. Chicken soup with lots of pepper. It may also be side effect and not a cold. I often felt like I was starting cold or flu but did not.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply toDamaged

Yes peppery chicken soup is divine when you've a stuffed up nose and sore throat. I've suffered post nasal drip and catahhr for a few weeks now and have been doing the natural remedies with homemade soups and smoothies and inhaling essential oils. I've had to resort to some natural cough sweets (ugh taste very herby!) as otherwise I'm barking like a crazy dog till this catahhr disappears. It always hangs around for quite a while if I get any autumn sniffles or sinus issues which I'm prone to. Chicken soup ... could eat it every day! Yummy.

Kai-- profile image
Kai--

.

If interested, Nuttyshirlz ( 🥜 🐿 ), additional thoughts are over at Juliachoo's post, 'Cold or flu on Methotrexate?' ( healthunlocked.com/nras/pos... ) that might be of use? 🤔

Hope you feel better soon, 🥜 🐿 .

🙏 🍀 🌺 🌞

.

Nuttyshirlz profile image
Nuttyshirlz in reply toKai--

Thank you I will do.Ive being on it 6 months but it’s first time I felt like cold coming on 😳

Kai-- profile image
Kai-- in reply toNuttyshirlz

🙏 😌

ballyboy profile image
ballyboy

i am trying to comeof steroids for one year down to 3 mg .but can not get any lower.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17 in reply toballyboy

It's tough I know. I was on them ten months. Hope you can do so soon. Good luck.

I find a hot homemade chili con carne knocks my colds and sore throats back.

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