A small confession...

[helixhelix]

I've been doing pretty well over past months, but recently have started the RA dance again - 2 steps forward, 1 back and a little shuffle to the side. You know the one. Problems with my back, and x-ray was inconclusive so now waiting for MRI, bumps popping up here and there, problems with my feet so waiting for new insoles, and so on. But my latest is really irritating mouth sores that are just not budging far, despite endless gargling. Has put me off eating, which may be good for the waistline, but is rubbish for my mood.

I'm on MTX, Sulpha and hydroxy (Plus the usual add ons). And last night was MTX night. But I couldn't manage them. I got as far as taking 6, and then just wasn't able to face the thought of putting the rest in my sore mouth. And I'm usually v positive about my MTX since it has done me so well for so long. And I have to say I've woken up this morning feeling less groggy than usual for a wed morning. Oh dear, I'm going to have to give myself a hard talking to before next week.... Polly

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Polly have you thought of changing to injectable form MTX as many here advised me to try and do? I know exactly how you feel after downing my 7 tablets last night with some hesitancy. Your mouth ulcers sound appalling. It's a question of balancing pain and worsening RA with the nasty side effects and mouth ulcers on that scale combined with what I am experiencing ie a hangover and sick feeling and this is a tall order. So I suggest you go and see your GP and explain your plight and discuss possible solutions. TTx

[bub124]

Hi Polly I also get mouth ulcers with MTX as well as elsewhere (!). My rheumy nurse told me to take folic acid every day excpet MTX day as this helps. Apprently, you can't overdose on folic acid so there's no problem taking it all the time. Give that a go and see if it helps. Also I use Difflam oral rinse which helps a bit.

Bev xx

[helixhelix in reply to bub124]

Oh yuck. Hadn't thought of other warm damp places.....

[sylvi]

I'm not sure if this is possible,but have you thought of taking them through the day. I'm sure some one on here did that. Have a look through the questions or blogs and i think you'll find it. hope you soon get some relief. xxx

[allanah]

Hi Polly

Its not like you to get down too much, so these must really be bothering you. Maybe some anaesthetic bonjela type cream will help for the beginning and the chemist will check them out for you or the dentist could make things more comfortable for you.

Also with the "dance" , do you think you are in a flare cos you sound tired and run down a bit. Dont know if that right but just getting vibes down the internet! So if so sending you positive vibes and cyber hugs back down the line. ((()))

But mainly I just hope you feeling better soon and sending you hugs

Thinking of you Axx

[SALI]

So sorry to hear you are really poorly. I agree that there must be a reason for being bad after you have previously done better. Are your blood tests OK as this could indicate a flare. Is your Rheumy nurse aware of what is happening to you, I can call mine anytime and they will ring back. They may have an idea why you are so bad at the moment.

Folic acid should be given to help with the mouth ulcers and other MTX side effects, I get to take one everyday except MTX day and an additional folic acid tablet before MTX day and after MTX day.

If taking MTX at night, does this suit you - from posts I know that it helps some people. I have found that tablets or injection (which I am now on and would recommend) taken first thing in the morning - using the day to do as much as possible and then collapsing in a heap is better for me and seems to reduce the side effects - nausea, headaches.

Hope you feel better soon.

[helixhelix in reply to SALI]

I've left a message with my rheumy nurse to ask thanks, as at the moment I'm only 1 tab of folic acid a week. Has been fine like that for a few years, but maybe needs changing now. Px

[SALI in reply to helixhelix]

Sure hope you get some relief, it just seems to be one thing after another some times. Luckily I am hitting the good times - hope yours comes soon. x