6 weeks on MTX

[IrishColleen61]

What a scary, sudden onset to Psoriatic Rheumatoid Arthritis . For a while I thought I had Frozen Shoulders and pain from carting heavy cases. And working hard. Then in agony I went to my GP and was quickly diagnosed. It was a huge shock!

Just been given a script for Duloxetine for pain, I think I need them, but a bit scared to start on them . Anyone else on these? What do you think?

[popsmith1874]

Hi Colleen it's certainly a shock to the system, I was diagnosed with RA 4 years ago and was pensioned off medically at 54 and it took me about a year to come to terms with the disease, now I just go with the flow and am more stable being on Methetrexate and Humira, you will get there but it will take time to get you on the right meds that are for you but everyone on here is great and a shoulder to lean on because we all understand what we're all going through, good luck and don't push yourself too much xxx

[IrishColleen61 in reply to popsmith1874]

Thanks popsmith, it is great that there are people to talk to, I don’t like to worry the kids too much, and my husband is helpful with practical things.

I need to look for gadgets to open bottles and making cooking and normal easier. That will help a lot I think.

Xx

[AgedCrone in reply to IrishColleen61]

Google the care shop.....they have loads of gadgets......most of them are now in my kitchen.,

[IrishColleen61 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thanks, I will do that. It’s so frustrating not to be able open jars and things!!

[AgedCrone in reply to IrishColleen61]

Tip to open screw top jar.

Take a knife with a rounded tip on the blade (not a steak knife with a pointed tip) .

Hold the jar steady & just push the tip of the knife under the lid vertically...you wil hear a slight pop.....the seal has been broken.& you will now be able to undo the lid.

I'm in my 70's & was only told this tip recently.......it's free & better than all the fancy gadgets that are advertised...most of them you need two good hands to use!

For tins I find any cheap electric opener works well.

Happy opening!

[IrishColleen61 in reply to AgedCrone]

I have just tried this on a jar of Jam! Yay great tip! Thanks

[Gigi71]

Hi IrishColleen. Welcome to this very friendly helpful forum, I have recently been been prescribed Duluxetine, but for lumber back pain and Sciatica. I was given a leaflet and also have looked up any reviews, mainly on the Pain Concern site, I am on RD meds and Naproxen an anti inflammatory. I have decided it's not for me, as worried its addictive. Can't take opiate drugs either. We are all different in how we react to drugs so all the best if you decide to take it. X

[IrishColleen61 in reply to Gigi71]

Hi Gigi71, I started 2 days ago and I think they helping already. I would not ever want Opiods, they scare me, but the Duluxatine seem to help already for the pain. Today is my MTX day, and it seems easier? I only take one pill a day. Though the doc prescribed 2 a day, I’ll stick to one.

Thanks for the help, it’s wonderful to have a place to chat!

[Gigi71 in reply to IrishColleen61]

Thanks for your reply, I now have an MRI this Saturday, so will hopefully have an injection for the pain in my back and possible trapped nerve. If this isn't successful I may reconcider, it's just the reports I had seen said very hard to come off. Wishing you all the very best and hoping your meds will help you. X

[IrishColleen61 in reply to Gigi71]

Thanks hope it all goes well for you with your MRI and you can ease your pain x

[sylvi]

I am taking them without any problems.xxxx

[oldtimer]

what other treatment have you been given? (And specifically to reduce the inflammation in the joints? )

[IrishColleen61 in reply to oldtimer]

I’m just on MTX and paracetamols basically. I was told I shouldn’t ibuprofen alongside MTX. But I hear some people say they take both?

[Maggiemae58 in reply to IrishColleen61]

My rheumatoid dr is the one that suggested that I take Advil whenever I needed it. And I’m on Methotrexate.

[helixhelix in reply to IrishColleen61]

Yes, if you can avoid it then its best not to mix anti-inflammatorys with MTX. However many of us have no choice but to do so - so I am prescribed both.

You need to discuss with your own doctors tho' as there may be things about your medical history or physical condition that mean this is really not a good idea for you.

[IrishColleen61 in reply to helixhelix]

Its early days for me, Lots to learn as I go.. thanks very much

[oldtimer]

It's a good idea to check with a pharmacist/your medical team for accurate advice but I know lots of people do take non-steroidal anti-inflammatories with methotrexate.

You might like to look at the treatments pages on the NRAS site for sensible information about treatments.

[IrishColleen61 in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks for the info, it’s great to talk to people like me!

[mirren]

As long as your kidneys are i n good shape you should be able to take NSAID with methotrexate. The reason its recommended not to is that nsaids can reduce kindney function and then cause a build up of mtx. My gp was wary but rheumatologist reassured him. Try to do with out them as soon as you can. But im on mtx 20 and still take meloxicam 15 every day for last 2 years with no problem. Good luck x

[IrishColleen61 in reply to mirren]

Thanks Mirren, right now I feel like I’m stepping into a whole new world.

[Cheylann]

Never heard of it. My Psa also started with a frozen shoulder and I've been prescribed methotrexate.