I started having issues back in August of 2017 and finally seen a rheumatologist today. I have been diagnosed with RA and taken off diclofenac sod er 100mg tab once a day (which helped a little) and placed on Prednisone(temporary) until my labs and xray results come back. At which time if safe to fo so I will be placed on methotrexate.. I'm worried and scared but ready to get on something to help me quit hurting so bad. I need to get to work just got custody of my grandson so have to help hubby with added expenses. My question is is the methotrexate the only meds you guys were placed on or do they prescribe other meds... Forgot to ask doc that bit will as soon as I go back.. How did you guys feel after being placed on that med? Were you able to stay working? Thank you for any and all responses..
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PurpleAnna78
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I had no problems at all with MTX and have been on it for 8 years now. I did have an outbreak of mouth ulcers after 2 years, but changing to you injections sorted that out. I am prescribed folic acid to take on the days when I don't take MTX. It can take several minutes maths to work, but the prednisalone should keep you going until.
You read lots of horror stories about MTX, but remember that people who have no problems with it rarely post about that as too boring! So don't believe tha everything you read will apply to you. Chances are that it won't.
Anyway, be nice to yourself right now. It takes a while to come to terms with this.
RA seems to run in my family (my mom,her granddad and her aunt) all had it/have it.. It scared me when I first read up on the methotrexate but willing to give it a try to feel better.. Having the disease myself is much more scary than knowing folks who have it... Thank you for the response..
RD (Rheumatoid disease - sometimes without the word arthritis people take it more seriously) is an ongoing 'project'. For some MTX alone is enough but for others different meds are added in or they are changed to another drug. The main drug groups with RD are DMARDs and biologics. It can take time to find the right combination of drugs to control the condition. Try NRAS website for further drug and disease information. For me my body does not like MTX but I have had various others over the years (30+) and currently settled with Abatacept and hydroxychloroquine.
I have been on Methotrexate for 8 years now. At the onset I was completely crippled with inflammation in every joint in my body.
Following diagnosis, In the first year my consultant told me it would take approximately a year for the Rhumatoid to get to a comfortably managed state and he was correct. Initially it is a slow process you will be monitored to find the right medication and strength for you and then time for it to gradually build up in the body in order to suppress the immune system, We are all different and along the journey most of us suffer set backs and flare ups, but for me even with my disabilities caused by the Rhumatoid, I am able to carry on a near normal life I have my own limitations and boundaries on what I can and can’t do which prevent me from doing a lot of physical things but on the whole I keep as active as I can, I don’t work because I am retired. But I’m sure with time you would find the right job you can cope with. I too cared for my grandson, I know how difficult it can be financially, don’t know if you are aware, your husband can claim Child tax credits to help you, also Depending on your disability you should make a Personal Independance Payment Claim (PIP) for yourself...Take care. Kindest Regards
If you need more information about medication there are some useful pages on the NRAS website which will help you. Try not to just google the drugs - there are lots of wacky sites with horror stories - but keep to reputable sites like NRAS and Arthritisresearchuk.org. uk.
You couldn't be more scared than me when first diagnosed. I was started on oral steroids which made me feel like superwoman and I was in denial over the diagnosis until the steroids ran out. Methotrexate was my first DMARD, I didn't want to take that first dose and afterward I waited for all the awful side effects I had read about to start. And what happened? Nothing. No nausea, no mouth ulcers, nothing. That was 18 months ago and, apart from changing to metoject MTX because there was some nausea after nearly a year, it's ok. I was tried on hydroxy chloroquine and sulphasalazine but unfortunately they didn't suit me so it's a work in progress. There are many meds that can be used to relieve your symptoms and more being developed all the time. Wishing you well
You have a lot on your plate ! I'm 65 and since my grandson was born I have been the main carer for him ( he's 7 now ). Eat as healthily as you can, exercise if possible in order to keep healthy and rest as much as possible ( not always easy with kids ). I've had a flare up for the last 2 and a half years and it's been challenging and exhausting with looking after my grandson and starting the day at 6.30 sometimes. Going to bed early ( 8.30 ) has helped. Like the others said, you must look after yourself - for you and for your family. I hope you get remissions . I have had about 4 since I was 38 ( with no meds ). There are a lot of us grannies out there doing a wonderful job in difficult circumstances. Wishing you all the best.
I have had Ra for many years. I worked for ten of them, for half that time on methotreaxate. I found that I was not at all well on the day of the week that I took the drug, but I never took time off work, just had this weird feeling of being detached from everything around me, and sea sick. Many people take the drug at the weekend, but I had young children and wanted to have a good time with them at the weekend. The rest of the week was bearable. I did have a constant sore throat. Over the years I became more uncomfortable with the drug, and was switched to Leflonomide, which was good for many years.
Some people do respond really well, and I hope you are one of them.
Thank you all for all your knowledgeable , helpful and encouraging responses. I appreciate the time and thought it took to respond to my question/fear. My mother (lives with us) is so disfigured due to her RA but totally feel its because she refuses to go to see her doctor. I hated hearing I had this disease but will learn to live with it... Once again thank you all.. I feel much better about the med he wants to put me on now after reading your storys.. Have a great weekend..
Thank you.. The 17 year old helps me out and it's different raising a 4 year old today than when both of mine were 4.. Or it just seems that way..lol luckily my hubby lets me have 2 days rest and does things with him.. I appreciate the response..
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