Just started MTX

[Maggie69]

Was diagnosed with PMR 18 months ago and have been on prednisone ever since and every time I got down to 6 mgs I would have a really bad flare went to see a rheumatologist two weeks ago and she has diagnosed me as having RA Have had my second dose of MTX 4 tablets and 10 mgs prednisone today but my pains are really bad just wondering if anyone else has been like that plus I have been feeling so depressed xxx

[Maisie1958]

Hi Maggie69 , I’m sorry you are suffering and I’m afraid I have no advice but following this as was fine on tiny doses of prednisolone for PmR for over 5 years then had proper joint pain and about to start on methotrexate for seronegative inflammatory arthritis in the next few weeks. Can you ring the rheumatology help line or your rheumatologist secretary? I know methotrexate can take several months to work but I wouldn’t want to be feeling so bad as you do now. Hope things improve soon.

[Maggie69 in reply to Maisie1958]

Thank you Maisie1958. I was used to being so active and now in pain that it can be so depressing 😢😘

[Maisie1958 in reply to Maggie69]

I was lucky that Pred really controlled my PMR but things changed last winter with actual joint pain. I’m on 5mg Pred waiting to start methotrexate and actually feeling fine but have never been able to get off Pred completely- within days the pain is awful and I’m immobile- can’t turn over in bed or raise my arms, so certainly emphasise, it definitely changes your life sadly. I couldn’t cope with feeling so bad for any length of time but I don’t really know what to suggest x

[Maggie69 in reply to Maisie1958]

Yes Maisie1958 I was exactly the same then rheumatologist diagnosed RA it definitely does change things 😘😘

[Maggie69 in reply to Maisie1958]

Yes Maisie1958 I was exactly the same then rheumatologist diagnosed RA it definitely does change things 😘😘

[Maggie69 in reply to Maisie1958]

Yes Maisie1958 I was exactly the same then rheumatologist diagnosed RA it definitely does change things 😘😘

[Maggie69 in reply to Maisie1958]

Yes Maisie1958 I was exactly the same then rheumatologist diagnosed RA it definitely does change things 😘😘

[ketiv74]

Hi Maggie, Sorry you are in pain, hope Pred + Mtx combo helps you and quickly too. When I began my RA journey, I was started on Pred as well for first 3-4 weeks then Mtx was added on. I chose to go with Inj because they say it can work faster and you can get lower dose compared to tabs because it gets absorbed quicker. So never had experience with tabs. It took me almost 4-5 weeks to start feeling benefits of Mtx. I think I was able to taper off Pred in 8 weeks after starting Mtx. Mtx worked really well for me for past 2 plus years, no pain , no side effects other than some hair loss and elevated liver enzymes a couple of times. But both issues were resolved eventually. So keep faith, you are on right path, once the meds kick in you will be on your way to normal life. Hang in there.

[Maggie69 in reply to ketiv74]

Ohhh thank you ketiv74 r you still on the injections xx

[ketiv74 in reply to Maggie69]

Yes still on 15 mg Mtx Inj once a week. Hydroxy was added on recently- about 6 months back, because it seemed like Mtx wasn't controlling my RA too well. May be your doses need to be tweaked a little? Did they prescribe any pain killers? or may be there is an option to increase Pred short term? I would definitely call the Rheumy and see what they say. Although its too early for you to see any effects of Mtx, but you should see some positive effects in few days, it definitely worked for me.

May be you can try some alternative methods to alleviate pain? Warm bath with epsom salt may be ?

Also diet changes might help like Intermittent fasting. Also staying away from Sugar, Wheat & Dairy seems to help me. Just giving you some ideas for you to think about, keep your brain busy

Feel better soon!!

[Maggie69 in reply to ketiv74]

Ketiv74 thank you xx I have another appointment with rheumatologist on 21st July so fingers crossed 🤞 and thank you so very very much 😘😘😘

[Pink75928]

Hi Maggie. Sorry you are feeling this way. I am recently diagnosed and on my 5th week of MTX. It’s so hard going, and I sometimes feel down about it all too. What I can say is this forum has been a massive help to me. Always here if you want to chat

[Maggie69 in reply to Pink75928]

Pink75928 I hope you are doing ok and thank you 😊 yes this forum

seems to be excellent and everyone so very helpful xx

[fred42]

My RA story was exactly the same as yours to begin with. PMR and pred then sero negative RA, diagnosed by an excellent new Rheumatologist when I moved. I am now taking Cymzia and no pred except for the very occasional depot injection in my bottom if I have a flare, unfortunately I had bad reactions to all of the DMARDS.It took a while for me to be sorted and stabilised so try not to be too impatient, there are many treatments available now but unfortunately no way of knowing which is best for each of us but you will get there.

Hope you feel much better soon.

[Maggie69 in reply to fred42]

Thank you fred42 x

[Angels54]

Yes I have , I put it down to Covid jab fighting off the medication , I have mentioned this and was told some people have experienced a similar thing, hopefully it will get better and medication will kick in again 👍

[oldtimer]

You might need an increased dose of prednisolone for a while until the methotrexate kicks in. That can take 12 weeks or so. Talk to the rheumatology team about how you feel - don't say 'I'm fine'!

[Maggie69 in reply to oldtimer]

Oldtimer thank you yesterday and today I feel.like I done 9 rounds with Mike Tyson ( the boxer) 2 weeks ago I was on 6 mgs pred and nothing else and have got worse instead of better 😪