New to having RA

[Sice37]

I was just diagnosed in having ra a month ago. My ppc started me on methotrexate 2 weeks ago since my rheumatologist appointment is so far out and want to start treatment. I like that the methotrexate is helping since i can actually use my hands again but god i hate feeling like crap the first few days after taking it.. Does this ever stop? Ulcers in the mouth already started and it feels like my hair is already thinning.. I just dont know what is normal with this med.

[helixhelix]

Were you also prescribed folic acid? That can help reduce side effects. And drink lots of water.

What dose are you on? As if you’ve been started on a full dose it can take a while to get accustomed to it. I found that nausea etc slowly wore off over first three months.

If the ulcers don’t go ask to be swapped to injecting MTX, mine went within days once I changed.

[Sice37 in reply to helixhelix]

Yes i am taking 1mg every six days after i take 10mg of mtx.. Literally my teeth hurt.. Get the use of my hands back but now my mouth is so sore i barely can chew..

[helixhelix in reply to Sice37]

Talk to the doctor about increasing the folic acid. Some of us take 5mg every day.

Salt water rinses help! But sympathy, ulcers are horrid.

[Mmrr]

The side effects and MTX hangover often wear off after a few weeks of taking MTX.

As HH says, injections are less problematic for many, and I found eating carbohydrates useful along with drinking lots of water. Best not to tabs on an empty stomach.

Injecting around 6/7 pm, a quiet eveining and early bed helped too.

[Hidden]

The methotrexate has caused me to have nodules on my lungs and elbows and breathing difficulties, I have been taken off methotrexate now but it's too late the damage has been done. I would monitor it very carefully and stop if you have any breathing problems.

[Sice37 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!