Methotrexate querry

[0312]

Hi I was diagnosed seronegative ra last year and have just taken my first methotrexate this week ! Can the tablets make you feel really achy? Also how do they test for inflammation when it doesn’t show in your blood only on ultra sound scans .

[Hidden]

If you have only taken your first dose, it shouldn't have any effects at all. MTX takes about 12+ weeks to take effect. The leaflet that came with them should tell you what side effects you MIGHT get. I don't get any. What dose have you been given? You might find the following useful.

versusarthritis.org/about-a...

[0312 in reply to Hidden]

10mg a week

[Hidden in reply to 0312]

That's quite low, so when MTX kicks in, you might ot have any side effects (I hope). As for the inflammation, it might be a good idea to take (or get someone else to take) photographs of any inflammation you have, and take them to your next appointment for the nurse or consultant to see.

[helixhelix]

As well as being seronegative on the antibody tests, do you mean that your blood tests for inflammation (ESR and CRP) are also in the normal range?

Anyway, a good rheumy can feel inflammation in your joints as they feel “boggy” apparently.

[0312 in reply to helixhelix]

Yes that’s right but when I had the ultrasound scan it showed a lot of inflammation.

[DebiBodyhatesMe]

I get fatigue for a couple days but better after taking it for over a year. I also get bone pain in lower right leg sometimes a day after but had to go off of it to have surgery and I couldn’t wait to get back on it! The pros def outweigh the side effects for me.