I got methotrexate injection in March and I had really severe nausea after it. It lasted for 4 weeks. My rheumatologist said that she didn't want me to take it again and sent me to gastro doc to investigate my stomach. So had a colonoscopy and gastroscopy. It showed stomach inflammation (the prep for that really wiped me put). I've stopped coffee and most other foods that cause me nausea.
So I'm back to rheumatologist next Tuesday. I'm just in the middle of another flare, this one really bad and includes all my joints.... my hips and shoulders too which is new for me. Also the fatigue feels doubled this time. I really need to find a treatment that doesn't upset my stomach. I know the rheumatologist will recommend something and I have to go with that.
Have anyone else had a stomach issue. Any recommendations would be great please.
Thank you.
Nelly
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Nellies47
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Hi Nellie! Sorry to hear all this! Tbh when you first start taking this medication it is the worse experience ever! Constantly tired and feeling sick but regular blood tests … and seeing the Rheumatoid doctor… hopefully they can lower your dose.
I stick to the 10mg tablets weekly- I was on 20mg and I suffered- having ginger drinks or anything with ginger will help your sickness… try taking Iron tablets/B12 or liquid form which will help with energy. Go for walks and exercise to keep you refreshed it will get better x
Hi thanks but my rheumatologist stopped it so..... she wanted to wait for the nausea to settle and try something else. She was reluctant to start methotrexate anyway because I have an autoimmune liver disease and she was concerned it wouldn't suit me.Thank you
Can they not give you steroid injections when you feel up to it as that will help with joint pain? Sorry to hear that you have been diagnosed with liver disease but yeah I don’t think methertrexate would suit - just recover and take it easy as possible and I hope they find something alternative which better fits
I had bad nausea from methotrexate (although mine only lasted 5 days each time) and my daughter tried it too and threw up constantly for 3 days after it. We both take leflunomide with no problems now. However, I know leflunomide causes stomach issues for some people. It might just have to be a case of trial and error to see which works for you. I would go with the advice of your rheumatologist as they know these drugs well.
Good luck. I hope you find the treatment which works for you quickly.
Hi, thank you. Hopefully some thing will suit me and I'll get some relief. Sorry to hear both you and your daughter have been unwell, that's very tough. Hope your both comfortable now.
Hi that’s a tricky one.... all I can think of right now is that might be worth taking a look at the chat on the Crohn's site as there maybe some chat that offers up ideas which might be worth trying re the stomach inflammation aspect.... I know that’s inflammation of the bowel but my thinking is same body system so maybe some of the self-help things they do may also help you!
When you are first diagnosed it’s always a bit of a lottery to find a drug that will suit you…but don’t worry too much….just listen to your rheumatologist.I know that sounds bland….but it really is the only way you are going to find some relief….I’m afraid there is no fast track with RA.
You say you are in a flare at the moment……seeing how you are when flaring will help your doctor decide on the next medication to try….just don’t try buying OTC remedies that you think might help…..….anything you take on top of your prescribed drugs can skew the effect of your prescribed meds. No doubt your doctor will have been in contact with your gastroenterologist….& between them they will decide what will suit you.
Unfortunately it might take a few months to get sorted….but it sounds as if your doctor is on top of things.
Morning 🌄 I'm on mtx 25mg injections 💉 when I started out I had a lot of problems with my tum, I now have given up all caffeine and make sure I am always well hydrated especially before taking my injection 💉 at the start I was on prednisone and omeprazone twice daily to ease my tum. 4 years on I have come off prednisone and only take one omeprazone daily. Good luck hope you get sorted out.
Hi Nelly I’m really sorry that you are having such a tough time at the moment but I really understand. I hope your doctor does find you treatment that improves things for you. But sometimes it is just a case of being patient. Good luck, the only thing I could suggest is
Cod liver oil capsules- great for taking care of your joints
Glucosamine and Condroitin - also great for taking care of your joints .
Finally Coenzyme Q10 which improves your energy levels and can help with fatigue but you might want to check with your GP OR Rheumatology service for any incompatibility with your current medication. Just a thought Ben
I had terrible nausea, sickness and overactive bowel from methotrexate. Still nausea with azothioprine but less since I've been able to reduce the dose since SUCCESS with adalimumab injections.
It's unfortunate that currently it's trial and error. Work is in progress at trying to pinpoint what suits which people with genetic studies, but it will be years before that can be of help to us.
Had nausea for many years with MTX - from 1-2 days a week to full time the last couple of years and a lot of constipation (mainly due to the Tramadol), but no stomach/gut inflammation as such. Increasing Folic Acid wasn't mentioned to me, though others say that helps! I went onto Leflunamide for 6 or 7 years then without any issue, until it stopped working for some reason! Very sorry to hear about your issues & stomach inflammation. Hope things can improve for you very soon X
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it will get better x
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