2nd dose of methotrexate

[Derekryanfan2021]

Hi everyone I'm new here I have just taken my 2nd dose of methotrexate really scared of what might happen next 1at dose I was ok just a bit more tired so hard to believe how rheumatoid arthritis can change your life so much and so quickly I had to give up working due to the amount of pain I was in seem to take aged getting pain relief sorted to suit me but I'm on tramadol now which helps me a lot

[Wadebridge]

Oh, hi. I’m new to here but not not new to RA. It’s a journey, but you’ll find your feet. Honestly you will. Arm yourself with as much info as you can from the team around you and NRAS. The methotrexate is accumulative I believe. So it it builds incrementally. It was a couple of months for me before I felt the benefits of mtx and after about 6 months the pain was gone. I hadn’t gained any joint damage so was in almost complete remission then for about four years. Be kind to yourself. I took the headspace app up. But that’s not fir everyone. I always took mtx with a big meal Snd had grated ginger in hot water, drop of honey in to help with nausea. Good luck. You’re not alone. ❤️‍🩹⭐️

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to Wadebridge]

Hi wadebridge thank you for yout reply its so nice to speak to people that understand your situation and how you feel that sounds wonderful you had 4 years in remission

[springcross in reply to Derekryanfan2021]

Hi Derekryanfan2021 and welcome. Wise words from Wadebridge. Good luck on your journey and don't forget we're always here.

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to springcross]

Hi springcross thank you it feels so nice to be talking to such lovely people

[springcross in reply to Derekryanfan2021]

I'm so sorry to hear about your husband, that really is very sad. xxx

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to springcross]

Thank you its been very hard to cope without him

[springcross in reply to Derekryanfan2021]

I can quite imagine. xx

[Runrig01]

I gave ankylosing spondylitis rather than RA, but get a lot of peripheral & jaw symptoms as well as my spine, ribs and pelvis. I find taking my methotrexate in the evening with my evening meal, means I sleep through most of the side effects. I take 25mg orally & tolerate it ok. The one time I took it in the morning as hubby was waiting on PCR results, I ended up backin bed sleeping for 3.5hrs and was really nauseous. Don’t forget if struggling many change to injections to lessen side effects. I’ve been on it 5yr, if I miss 1 dose I can barely walk as I quickly get shin splint pain, and toes get inflamed.

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to Runrig01]

Hi Maureengibson thank you for your reply i have read many times like you take your mx at night i took my first dose in the morning as my husband sadly died in feb and i fear the night time without him so i tend to be awake a lot of the night im sorry to hear you get so much pain in your feet

[Boxerlady]

I've been on Methotrexate since diagnosis in 2019 and have had no real problems either with the tablets or injections. I was changed over to injections last year to increase the dose rather than because of side effects. I do get a fuzzy head about 24 hours afterwards so I currently do my injection early evening so that it usually happens the following evening. Initially I had a bit of low mood/weepiness for a couple of days afterwards but my rheumy nurse increased my Folic Acid to 6 days a week (not on Methotrexate day) which sorted that out.I took on less work (I'm freelance and self employed which made it easier) for the first few months but am now working more again. I do find that I've got less stamina so I schedule a day off after a particularly long day (although that might partly be due to being 61!) but apart from some morning stiffness and the occasional twinges, my joints are fine without the need for any pain relief so it can be done 😉

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to Boxerlady]

Hi Boxerlady thank your for sharing your thoughts with me how wonderful to hear that you dont need to take pain relief carnt wait for that day

[Sheila_G]

Hi and welcome to the group. It is very hard to get your head round at first but you will settle down. Meds can take 3 months to kick in properly and you will be monitored regularly by your rheumy team. You are at the other end of a phone so if you have any concerns, worries or questions, they are there to help you. NRAS has a great helpline and you can call them about anything. I remember when I was first diagnosed, 19 years ago, I was so scared and so upset I rang the nras helpline and talked to a lovely lady. I can't remember anything that was said now, so long after but I remember I cried for 40 minutes and she was lovely. I felt so much better afterwards. You can always come on here too and ask or share anything. We are always available.

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to Sheila_G]

Hi Shelia ...G thank you for those very kind words im having bloods taken tom so im hoping there ok

[stbernhard]

Hi Derek, I am an old hand at living with RA . Diagnosed in 2009 and in remission since 2014.Even though I still learn new things about RA and how to manage and live with it best. A great source for help and information is NRAS. It's well worth spending time on their website and learn as much as you can about all aspects of living with RA. They also have a great help line.

Overcoming the challenges of living with RA has made me a stronger, kinder and overall better person. The silver lining to the cloud!😊

[Nuttyshirlz]

I’ve being on methotrexate for 6yrs all I would say is don’t overthink it. If you think about it you will be looking for things that are not there. That’s what my nurse told me when I started on it . I do also drink plenty same day and day after. Welcome to the club plenty of ppl will give advice

[Hidden]

Stick with it! Your body will most likely get accustomed to it. It takes about three months to feel the full benefit, but it is well worth persevering. Many people achieve remission or something close to it with MTX. It changed my life for the better, from being completely crippled, unable to get up from a chair unaided, to being able to go on long hikes again.

[Derekryanfan2021 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you for your reply Bacharia I am starting to feel more confident I have read more about it and received some very positive responses from all the lovely people on here it has given me a real boost I am so happy for you getting your life back to some normality and doing the things you love all the best to you