MTX so far so good.

[jeanjack]

Have seen my Rheumy today after 3 weeks on MTX. My blood test results are good showing no affect on my liver and kidneys so the MTX has been increased from 10mgs to 15mgs. I have been very lucky as I have had no side effects such as nausea so I'm hoping I will be able to tolerate the increase just as well. The best thing of all is that I was given an injection in my knee ( I have been suffering with swelling and pain for a month) so hopefully by tomorrow I will be able to walk normally again and manage to go up and down stairs without pain!!

Anyway as I said so far so good. I'm feeling good today and have hope that pretty soon I will be back to my old self again. Jean

[trace65]

Hi Jean, glad your results are all ok. Good luck with higher dose. I was fine on 15mg just a little bit tired and feeling off for first few weeks. Now going up to 20 after 5 weeks of 15. Thought my area was quick but yours are even quicker.When's your next appointment?

Tracyx

[jeanjack in reply to trace65]

My next appointment is in 4 weeks at Peterborough City hospital. Rheumy says if I have been okay on 10mgs the chances are I should be okay on 15mgs. Fingers crossed!!

It's great to hear about good experiences on MTX. Jean

[Shell1967]

Hi so pleased with your news.i went straight on 15 mg,with no effect on my blood and now on 17.5.its working a treat and hope it does you too love Michelle xxx

[allanah]

Excellent news, looks like it's starting to fall into place a little and if u r like me the injections work a treat! But you do have to rest for a day to let them work. Hope your progress continues, hugs Axx

[shirlthegirl]

Yes great news, i'm not so lucky as i have now been on MTX for nearly 6 months and still getting a lot of flares, but i am aware that this has worked for many people on here, I also hope that the steroid injection works well for you to, Enjoy XXX

[Hidden]

I'm amazed by how often you get to see your rheumy - wow I will have to check out Peterborough! That's great that all is going so well to date for you - long may it continue. Tilda x

[cazh]

Hi Jean, Great news. I started on 10mg MTX last May and then was increased to 15 after about 4 months. Like you I hardly had any side effects and didn't notice any with the increase.

Keep feeling positive that you will be fine. Are they increasing your dose of folic acid as well? I started off on one a week then increased to 3, but am now back on once?

Caroline.

[jeanjack in reply to cazh]

I am still on 1 folic acid a week but as I have said to Lynn I will check it out again at my next appointment.

Jean x

[lynn-bel]

Hi - good that mtx is suiting you. I am now on 20mg (been on mtx since 2000 and gradually increased dosage) and although I SOMETIMES feel a little tired and nauseous the day after taking it, I havent had any nasty side effects. I do take folic acid every day except my mtx day. Strange how areas and drs. differ - for years, I was taking folic acid only one a week and no-one noticed until about 3 yrs ago that I should be taking it every day xcept mtx day!! I had to bring this up to my cons. after reading on this website and other sites that it should be daily. So I asked the question and my GP said "oh of course, why arent you?" Doh!!! well, doc, because none of you health professionals told me to!!!! My cons. confirmed I should be taking it daily as well. (again, not on mtx day)

So, make sure you know how much folic acid to take as this does help prevent side effects, will you get bloods taken monthly? If your cons. is like mine, they will only increase v. gradually if necessary. I still have flare ups but not many and not very severe.

Having said that, I've had a doozey of one this week!!!

Caroline - check with your doc. about the folic acid as well; just to make sure. sometimes I think although its all there on the computer, the docs. don't look through it thoroughly.

Lynn x

[jeanjack in reply to lynn-bel]

I am having bloods done in 3 weeks time. I did particularly ask if I was to carry on taking only one folic acid tablet and the answer was yes but I will ask again at my next appointment in 4 weeks and point out that many people take more than that. I have to say that the injection in my knee was a miracle. This morning I can walk normally, go up and down stairs without any stiffness, pain or aching. It's great. My husband is warning me however not to get too carried away and overdo it just yet as he knows I am itching to do all those jobs I have not been able to do for the last month. I will be sensible and take heed!! The best thing of all is that I was able to play out in the garden with my grandchildren this afternoon.

Jean x

[lynn-bel in reply to jeanjack]

Yes, take it easy even though you feel great. After my steroid shot I went to California on holiday with husband, daughter and her boyfriend and I was streaking ahead of everyone at the airport but only because I felt so great, like I was whole again and 20 years younger. But dr. said to be careful not to go mad, you feel great but can still do damage.

Doesnt it feel wonderful though? As if life has begun again.

Good to hear you are doing well.

xx