New to this site

[jeanjack]

This is the first time I have ever written a blog. I have had RA for 3 years ( started at age 60 ) and was doing extremely well on Sulfasalazine until a few months ago when I felt I had gone right back to where I started with all the pain and stiffness but more so. Tonight I am going to start taking Methotrexate for the first time ( 10 mgs MTX followed by 5mgs folic acid 4 days later) and to be honest I am scared. I have read about all the side effects and just hope I am one of the lucky ones who can tolerate it well. At least if it works I will be able to play with my young grandchildren again. Wish me luck!

[petalnumber2]

Hello sender,

A very big welcome to this brilliant site.

You'll find a lot of people here who are having really positive benefits from being on methotrexate. It's only natural to be concerned about the side effects, I was very worried too when I first started on it, but as time went on and I began to feel the benefits, the worries diminished.

You will find lots of support and caring here, and some light hearted banter at times too. I've picked up lots of helpful tips and advice over the months since I joined, and I hope you will too.

I expect you already know that it will take time before you feel any benefit from methotrexate, but just stick with it. I wish you well and good luck with finding some relief so that you can play with your grandchildren again. June xx

[jeanjack in reply to petalnumber2]

Thank you very much for your reply and support. I will try to remain positive and stay strong.

[watson3]

Good luck. I have been on the same drug. It does have side effects. Fortunately I have had little side,nausea and tiredness.

I usually inject at night prior to bed.

Best of luck.

Carole.

[Neverwell]

Hi and welcome this site is very good sorry you had to come on here

because of ra x

[Hidden]

Hello Sender

I recently started taking MTX and like you I was scared... But then I thought it's been around for years, it's proven to work and if it doesn't and the side effects are too bad for me there are other drugs my consultant can prescribed. I had a helpline number to ring which was great especially in those early, over anxious days!

Good luck and I hope it works for you

Maddie xx

[shirlthegirl]

Welcome, I am also on MTX, I have now notice how much benefit i am getting from this drug, It is normal to worry we have all done it, Sorry that you have had to join this site, I have received so much great advice and have made some special friends, which i am sure you will also do, when i was diagnosed i felt so alone, but then i found this site, i really don't know how i would of cope without speaking to others who understood how i felt, Take care Shirley xx

[Hidden]

welcome most people do very well on mtx xx

[Munchkinella]

Hi Sender, welcome Sorry to hear you're going through it at the mo. hopefully you'll feel better once on the MTX. Sending gentle hugs. Love Janet xxx

[_andy_]

hi sender ,, welcome to the site ,, like everyone one else as said most people do very well on MTX ,,( including myself ) with no side effects ... good luck with it ,, and try not to panic the chances are youll be fine ..

take care ...andy

[warthog100]

Hi sender i have also only been on sulfa which doesnt seem to be doing any good at all and am scared as i think mtx is next. I added hydrochloquine but at the moment it is doing no good. This site gives u lots of support. I dont often write but always read

[Hidden]

MTX is a good drug and the most important DMARD to try and hopefully do well with. Its generally well tolerated. I couldn't stay on Sulpha but have done well on

MTX - don't be scared. Tilda x

[bingochristine]

Hi everyone.

I was diagnosed with RA about fourteen years ago and have been on Sulfazaline ever since. On my last visits to RA clinic I had a scan on my hands and the doctor I formed me that I would also need to take MTX as well as Sulfazaline as he could see a lot of damage to the joints, I have to admit after reading lots of online reviews about the drug mI was not happy about it. However, I have been taking it for two weeks now (i have to take 7.5mg once a week) and have to say I can already see the results in my right hand which was very swollen before, I'm really pleased with the results.

Good luck to everyone and enjoy the rest of your Easter

Xxx

[Nantucket]

Hi hope you find this site as helpful as I have found it, This is my second year with r a I started when I was 62 was given methotrexate and as like you I was scared but all the drugs seem scary, I was given the tablets but it caused me sickness so I was then put on the injections, as much as my joints were good I couldn't take it, but unlike you I couldn't take sulfazaline, so it's me that this is the odd one. It takes a while to get into your system so good luck and keep at it its been round a long time with excellent results. I have now gone on humari and It seems to be working I think it is trial and error, Carole

[selina]

Hello - I'm also one of the lucky ones. MTX seems to work for me (+ sulfasalazine) with few side effects. The list of possible side effects can be scary. They can inform us but musn't let them scare us. Worth controlling intake of alcohol to avoid liver damage and never miss a blood test. Mine are down to 4 x year now.

I think we spend a lot of time in shock after diagnosis. Try not to worry and do use NRAS for support & information.

Hope you find friendship (albeit virtual) & support here. Good luck x

[sarah1967]

Hi and welcome to this site it's the best thing that's happened to me, its so informative,helpful and gives you the strength to carry on, am fairly new started writing about Feb time, its really really helped me, good luck with it all. I use to be on metx for 2 years without any of the side effects until it stopped working.

sarah

X

[allanah]

Hi sorry to join in late to your blog. It's great on here and I am so pleased you have got your medication and hope it kicks in quickly for you. I get loads of answers on here to help me through and I am sure you will find the same. Have a good day Axxx