Methotrexate injection

[Debbiecoops]

So I've been on 15mg injections for the last 6 weeks ( previously took the tablets for around 4 weeks ) initially I had great results . However I injected on last Friday as usual and it's like it hasn't worked. My hands and feet / ankles are really swollen and painful.

Just wondering if anyone else has experienced this? Feeling a bit anxious that I'm suddenly immune to it 😂 .

Also does anyone else have bulging veins in their hands while they are swelling ? Mine look like the incredible hulk 🤔

Thanks 🤗

[oldtimer]

Sounds as if you're having a flare despite the methotrexate. Can happen unfortunately. You should contact your health care team for advice on how to manage it - do you have a telephone contact system? And take photos of the swollen joints for the record.

[Debbiecoops in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you, I was thinking I'll ring today 😁

[Mmrr]

I would keep taking MTX injections in the meantime, but contact your rheumatology team for advice ?

[oKerrio]

It can take 12 weeks to reach full potential of relieving your symptoms the rheumy will probs tell you to stick at it for another 6 weeks.

[Debbiecoops in reply to oKerrio]

Ah thank you, I didn't know that 🙄 my rheumy is on Maternity leave . I saw the specialist nurse instead. She mixed up my appt at first and then managed to squeeze me in another day . If was all a bit of a rush, I was thinking , I'll just read the information booklet.

[helixhelix]

I found that for the first 6 months to a year I was still getting flares, slowly reducing in ferocity and But even tho’ it started working after 9 weeks it took much much longer to stabilise.

[Debbiecoops in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you for your reply . I think because it's worked so well up until now. I had this sinking feeling that it suddenly stopped working for me 😣

[helixhelix in reply to Debbiecoops]

Did you have a steroid injection just before you started MTX? As that makes a difference.

[Debbiecoops in reply to helixhelix]

No I didn't, I've only had one steroid injection and that was last Sept. Would that be something people usually have as well as methotrexate injections 🤔 thank you 😁

[helixhelix in reply to Debbiecoops]

Not necessarily, but sometime people have them just as they start on MTX to tide them over until the MTX starts working....but the steroid can wear off before then so you feel as if you are going backwards!

What were you one between September and starting MTX earlier this year? And did you stop it when you started MTX as that could be having an effect still.

[Gnarli]

Those huge gnarly veins have always been a sign of active inflammation for me and, yes, they do look grim. Things should settle down once the MTX really starts to kick in

[Debbiecoops in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks for your reply. I am hoping it settles down with time 🙄