Methotrexate added after rheumy appt this evening.

[IdasMum]

So my rheumy is less concerned than my doctor about my inability to taper below 13mg.

I am to continue on 13 and add in 7.5mg of Mx per week along with 2 weekly blood tests.

She has also prescribed a flu vaccine and a pneumonia vaccine. I have avoided flu jabs like the plague so far but guess I should bight the bullet.

Will begin new regime when I get back from UK next week...don't want to upset the applecart whilst I am travelling.

I hope it works...would like to get down to a lower dose and shift some of the extra bits of me.

3 sleeps!

[TooSore]

I can't comment on the methotrexate but I get the flu shot every year as I work with preschoolers and my rheumatologist gave me the pneumonia shot. I did not have a problem with either. They are not live vaccines so they are not a problem. The last thing you want is to catch something while already dealing with PMR!

[IdasMum in reply to TooSore]

Thank you. That's very helpful and reassuring

[Hidden in reply to IdasMum]

Hi not sure if you have read any of my methotrexate woes so will recap.

it caused me to feel like I was poisoned and actually dying. I gained a ton of weight due to the hypoglycemic feelings so I ate a lot. after all I was dying so it didn't matter

Most don't have this reaction but if you find you are feeling toxic then this is it. I am super sensitive to drugs so I am a weird duck. just wanted you to know what could happen.

linda

ps have had flu shot n pneumonia this year all ok no side effects

[Akino]

Why do you get MX additionally?

[IdasMum in reply to Akino]

Apparently to help with tapering as I am unable to get below 12.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Akino]

Some doctor are convinced it helps with reducing the dose - it changes the way your body processes steroids and also suppresses the immune system itself. So for some people it allows them to get the same antiinflammatory effect with a lower dose of pred. It doesn't always work though.

[Akino]

Thank you!