Update from a newbie

[Abycat]

Hi everyone, just an update from my first post a little while ago. Ie recently diagnosed with RA in wrists/hands and started MTX (10mgs). I previously asked for advice re nausea and received many replies with great advice and tips.

Just taken my 7th dose of MTX and still suffering nausea/fatigue for most of the week. Did contact rheumatology helpline and was advised to increase folic acid to a further 2 tablets (initially prescribed 2 tablets once per week). But didn't feel this made much difference. Thanks to this wonderful site i learned that we can take folic acid 6 x per week, so asked yesterday at my 2nd rheumy nurse appointment if i can do this and she agreed, really hoping this will help. Interestingly, my rheumy nurse suggested I move onto injections. Was a little hesitant and said I would try one more week on tablets with further increased folic acid and if no improvement I will ring rheumy helpline to ask to move me onto injections, so that is the plan.

I have noticed though, that already there is a small improvement re hands/wrists so MTX is beginning to work! I thought it would take longer to feel any improvement so delighted that something is happening in a good way.

Any other newbies reading this ie are just starting their RA 'journey', have confidence in the medication prescribed as that you will be monitored, any issues can be discussed and hopefully solutions found. I am just unlucky having nausea and fatigue, and thankfully they are the only side effects I have, my rheumy department are on the ball and are looking at solutions to this pesky nausea.

I have learned so much from this site, I usually pop in every day and read all the latest posts and if anything else in particular I would like to learn more about, I just search through the site. Thank you so much everyone, it's really great to know that I am not alone and to know that there is always someone there to offer advice or to just listen! X

[Lolabridge]

So pleased to hear you are beginning to feel the effects of your meds and hope the nausea and fatigue begin to improve soon.

I agree that this site is excellent, with loads of helpful tips and support.

A while ago I was suffering from fatigue and someone recommend taking a vitamin B12 supplement. It worked for me so you might want to try it too.

[Abycat in reply to Lolabridge]

Hi Lolabridge, thanks I'm keeping fingers crossed that things will improve re nausea/fatigue and good tip re B12, fantastic that it has helped you. I've read a few posts regarding this and will run it past rheumy nurse, see what she thinks.

It really has given me boost that the MTX is beginning to kick in, I know it's early days yet but I think there is a light at the end of that tunnel!

[Eiram50]

Well done! Hopefully, this is the start of much better things to come. Really pleased your feeling some difference. Wishing you the best, going forward.

[Abycat in reply to Eiram50]

Thank you Eiram50, yes, start of better things to come. Appreciate your support. All the best to you too.

[allanah]

Fantastic. Good luck xxx

[Abycat in reply to allanah]

Allanah, many thanks.

[Hidden]

So glad things are more positive. I love to hear about people who are doing well. If you do go on to injections don’t worry they are painless and easy to do. I. Was on oral methotrexate for over 3 years no problems but Rheumy felt injections are better absorbed as some of the medication can be destroyed by our digestive system. I much prefer the injections and feel they work better for me. Well done you have a great attitude towards this disease.

[Abycat in reply to Hidden]

Hi J1707, so glad to hear injections work better for you and thank you for advising they are easy to do. My rheumy nurse showed me the 'pen', not sure what it is called yet! But she demonstrated how it works and I had a go, (was not filled!!). I have a feeling that this will be the way forward for me.

[Hidden in reply to Abycat]

Keep us posted

[Abycat in reply to Hidden]

Will do!

[springcross]

Hi Abycat. Glad to hear that you are happy with the way things are going - long may it continue. I was prescribed MTX but as I have a super sensitive stomach, my Rheumy doctor thought that the injections would be better for me. I do this with no problems at all and find it so easy. Good luck. x

[Abycat in reply to springcross]

Hi Springcross, thanks for advising you have no problem with injecting, its encouraging for me to know. I think it was just the thought of injecting myself that made me hesitate when asked if I wanted to change over to injections! I know I can do it!!

[springcross in reply to Abycat]

I must admit I was very nervous at first, but once you have done it, it comes easy. 👍

[Abycat in reply to springcross]

Hi, I must admit I am nervous but anything is worth a try , thanks for advising you find it easy.

[Hidden]

Abycat you have to stay positive and keep challenging the day to day stuff so fab news if this is reducing your pain and great to hear too¬!

[Abycat in reply to Hidden]

Hi Deeb2908, yes staying positive even though today I feel so nauseous and totally wiped out, ( I take my dose of methotrexate monday nights) so having a day of total rest and hoping tomorrow is a better day!

[Mmrr]

👍good news

[Abycat in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks Mmrr.

[Volney]

I had terrible nausea and fatigue when taking mtx and when on injections. I read that people with mthfr gene mutations don't metabolise folic acid. Folic acid is man made and I need folinic acid. That's not man made and my body can metabolise it..

Good luck. I'm glad it's working for you and that you have a good medical team

[Abycat in reply to Volney]

Hi Volney, thanks for your reply and for the info re folic acid, will mention this at next appointment with rheumy nurse. All the best.