Depo-Medrone is done with me, but lasted almost a month

[Brushwork]

I had the Depo on 13th November and can officially say the positive effects have worn off. It is weird how you can feel the RA gradually taking over again.

So back to stiffness and hand/wrist issues and the Metoject doesn't seem to help at all. 17.5ml not doing anything worthwhile and I am about to start 20 ml but have little hope of it helping. Add to this, my tolerance of Mtx is not great, the side effects are getting worse rather than better and I am 7 months into this stuff. So, back to the drawing board, me thinks.

Probably 6 years ago I was on the Mtx tablets and after 6 months of severe side effects that left me unable to function effectively for 3 days each week, I developed depression. It was bad enough for my friend to make an emergency trip to help me sort things out. This for a person who is normally strong and in control, who doesn't suffer depression, was a big wake up call. So, I am now getting a little bit concerned for myself and am totally unwilling to allow myself to return to that low.

A call to the Rheumy nurse is needed I think...

[Boxerlady]

You're right - call the nurse! It sounds like you need to add/try something else.I started on Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquine and went up to 25mg Metoject but things really improved with the addition of Sulphasalazine.

[Brushwork in reply to Boxerlady]

I have had adverse reactions to sulfasalazine too. hydroxychloroquine gives me migraines, so am not doing great with the conventional DMARDs.

[Boxerlady in reply to Brushwork]

Well, they can't say that you haven't given it a good try - time for a biologic maybe? 🤔

[Brushwork in reply to Boxerlady]

I’ve already tried Benepali and Amgevita, had allergic reactions and severe hair loss with those. It’s why I suggested backtracking to try the Metoject. Rheumy is concerned as I have quite bad reactions to so many meds.... ah well 🙄😘

[Boxerlady in reply to Brushwork]

I'll keep everything crossed for you 🤞🍀

[Brushwork in reply to Brushwork]

Oh, Leflunomide caused severe mucosal lesions, which after 2 years haven’t healed! Bit of a mess really 😂🙄😬

[oldtimer]

With all the other treatments now available it is worth pushing your medical team for a better solution than this. Making it clear that the adverse effects are outweighing what little benefit you may be getting and being quietly persistent that it's not good enough is what is needed now I agree.

[Brushwork in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you. I have left the requisite message for Rheumy nurse. Hopefully, will find a better solution.

[Marionfromhappydays]

It just totally sucks , the different stages of coming off the steroids and the feeling of it "coming back".

When I went a few months ago for metoject training the nurse said if I don't get on with methotrexate don't be a martyr (I didn't get on with tablets), if after 7 months the side effects are bad I would definitely ask my rhemy team for advice.

I've just had the go ahead for biologics and hoping there is light at the end of the tunnel. The rhematology did listen to me and I felt it was very much a discussion and not them telling me what to do. I hope your team are the same.

You know your own body and mind it's good to be proactive and look after yourself x

It's so hard but as you said you are a strong person, go get on the road to resolving your medication and get that RA to feck off !

[springcross in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

😮🤭 x

[Brushwork in reply to Marionfromhappydays]

Great response, thank you. I like that you were told not to be a Martyr to Mtx. It’s good advice and the kind I’d give someone else.

[springcross]

Hi Brushwork. What a shame that the MTX isn't working for you after all that time invested into it. I would ring the rheumy team and explain the side effects are worsening so what's the point in taking a stronger dose, there are alternative treatments. Good luck with it. xx

[Brushwork in reply to springcross]

Yes, time invested is a unfortunate to say the least. I tried.

[allanah]

Agreed. Its darned annoying though xx

[Sheila_G]

Definitely, call the nurse. You need sorting asap.

[Happy5]

Deffo a call to the RA nurse/dept.Sorry you're going through so much.

😟I am on 20mg Metopen injections (swapped to this instead of tablets side effects of nausea)

find it's better at controlling RA symptoms.

Always have pain in my arms and shoulders, but bearable at present.

Had to miss my injection 2 weeks when having hip replacement surgery, had a flare which we managed to damp down via oral steroids.

Trouble is in my case OA in hands etc not helpful and seem to be the cause of most of my pain.

I have a friend who didn't get on with MTX so they changed him to Sulfasalzine which he responds to well.

Hope you get relief soon

Chins up as my friend says

😀