Could methotrexate actually be working???: Hi, Let me... - NRAS

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Could methotrexate actually be working???

Jesscap profile image
20 Replies

Hi,

Let me preface this by saying I am in the US, so I take 1mg of folic acid every day. Every US based website I have reviewed said that patients may begin to see improvements within 4-8 weeks, I know I have read on here somewhere between 8 & 12 weeks. I have taken my 4th week of pills this past Saturday, I take 15mg orally. I'm one of the very lucky few who has no side effects to the medicine, I take it at night, wake up the next morning and feel "normal". I was just diagnosed at the beginning of December, and this is the first drug I am on. I was diagnosed very quickly, began having symptoms at the end of September. I had positive rheumatoid factor and negative anti-ccp, I don't know if any of this stuff matters to this conversation, but thought I would throw it in there.

We are having frigid cold temperatures here in the US, yesterday morning it was -15 degrees F (-26 Celsius). And I woke up a little sore, but as the day went on nothing hurt. Usually when I am sleeping it is the worst, my ankles and toes swell up and are sensitive to touch, but last night, no pain. Then this morning, I woke up, no stiffness, and the slightest bit of pain in my thumb (which has never hurt before) but that went away within the hour.

Could it be that the methotrexate is starting to work, or is my RA just playing tricks on me? Either way, I'm going to savor the pain free time.

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Jesscap profile image
Jesscap
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20 Replies
helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Yes it could! So enjoy.... sounds like you are going to do well on it. Just do take a little care not to get over excited and overdo things just yet. When it first started working for me (at 9 weeks) I did go a bit mad and regretted it as I went backwards for a bit.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply tohelixhelix

I have been doing restorative or gentle yoga a few times a week. I am going to continue doing that until I feel like I am ready to take it up a bit more. At least I am getting some stretching in. And for the time being just enjoying some relief! And seeing the positive effects helps keep me thinking positively!

Izzyowl profile image
Izzyowl

Hi Jesscap, I achieved remission within three months on Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine over the summer last year. The problem I have had, is that Methotrexate knocks my lymphocytes down and consequently I have had a few infections. Third attempt to go back on it started two nights ago, just on 4 tablets. I want so much to be able to stay on it this time, as it works wonders for my RA. I had got all the way up to 10 tablets before having to stop. I just may be very sensitive to it, so maybe I just need a lower dose. Just something to be aware of. I'm actually so relieved to be back on it.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toIzzyowl

I am sorry that you have had some trouble. My doctor has me go for bloodwork every 2 weeks for now, so far everything looks normal, I go again this upcoming Friday, so I hope all remains okay. I hope they find the right combination for you so that your labs come back normal.

Sharrelson profile image
Sharrelson

I had sudden pain and symptoms in September

Got diagnosed in December. Go next Tuesday to see what additional blood work was and doctor set up a plan. Your post has me feeling better on the out come for the future.

Just ready to get started and to feeling better. Happy New Year

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toSharrelson

I am sorry you are going through this. I hope you have okay results, and it's good that your doctor has a plan in place. It seems the medicines take a while to work, or they need to find the right ones for you. So patience is key! My rheumy has been in practice for 40 years, and he told me since we can't be diagnosed in the future now is a great time to be diagnosed because they are making strides in knowing how to treat it. Best of luck and I hope you find some relief, hopefully our 2018 will be much better than 2017!

Cherub198889 profile image
Cherub198889

WHOOP WHOOP!!! I am thrilled that the mtx is working for you so soon :) !! Isn't it nice having your life back?

Enjoy the new you in this New year :)

Sue

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toCherub198889

It has been nice, hopefully it continues to get better! You enjoy the new year as well!

Nik8210 profile image
Nik8210

I think most people who can tolerate methotrexate know that it works to some degree or another. It definitely alleviated some of my symtoms and reduced my general pain levels. Since changing to the injection I also have less side effects so there is hope

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toNik8210

I am glad the injections worked for you to alleviate the side effects.

Ruth12345 profile image
Ruth12345

Great news. Enjoy without iover doing it. ☺

Graceusha1 profile image
Graceusha1

So glad for you! Never thought of taking it at night.

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toGraceusha1

Actually a couple of people on here told me to take it at night because then you hopefully sleep through any side effects. I take it at 8pm after I put my son to bed. Have a cup of peppermint tea, and then go to sleep around 10. I don't know if that helps or not, but I am going to continue what I am doing.

in reply toJesscap

I take it at night too! I have no problem with it. Only two doses are 10 mg so far, but no side effects.

aramire1 profile image
aramire1 in reply toJesscap

I take it at night also! My rheumatologist suggested taking it at night.

aramire1 profile image
aramire1

So glad it’s working for you! I just stared taking MTX in November after being diagnosed and saw results within only 3-4 weeks as well! I haven’t had pain in any joints except my feet in over a month now...and my feet are slowly improving as well! I had pain in my feet and some other joint/s (hands, elbows, ankles) everyday since May...it is a great feeling for the medication to actually work. And, like you, I’ve had little to no side effects...occasionally I’ll have a headache the next day but nothing that i can’t live with.

I’m also in the USA :)

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toaramire1

Oh that is wonderful to hear! I like reading success stories. I hope you aren't trapped in the freezing cold temperatures like me and that you are somewhere warm. We are getting hit with 8 to 14 inches of snow today. I hope you continue to see improvement!

aramire1 profile image
aramire1 in reply toJesscap

I live in MN...so cold here too! We haven’t had much snow this winter at all but it’s been in the below zero temp range for the last 2 weeks or so! The high the other day was -7! Ugh!!

Jesscap profile image
Jesscap in reply toaramire1

Ugh, I am in Connecticut. This weekend with the wind chill they are showing -30. That just crazy! Well try to stay warm.

AgedCrone profile image
AgedCrone

Sounds like you are one if the lucky ones!

Don't question...just enjoy .....long may it last!

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