Methotrexate

[Suziib]

Been offered Methotrexate reading about the side effects has got me so confused Any advice.. plus I will still be on steroids..

Help!!

[jacroth1]

Been on methotrexate for two years with no apparent ill effects, other than a ban on drinking alcohol by my doctor. Sometimes I think it makes me tired on the day I take it, but I'm not really sure of that. It helps reduce the amount of pred. I'm taking.

[Suziib in reply to jacroth1]

This is just because when I have a flare up I self medicate and the rheumatologist has suggested the recent excessive weight gain could be the result of up and down use of pred.

Currently on 2 mg of pred (not without some stiffness I might add) but not sure I want to be taking methotrexate as well as..

I know there is no miracle cure, but iI am unsure that this is the way forward. Although he was quite concerned about the amount of fluid in my legs.

It's the continual blood tests that I am not fond of..

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Suziib]

If you are at 2mg - you don't need methotrexate.

If you have a weight problem - have you tried cutting carbs drastically? It has worked for many of us. I lost 35lbs while still at between 15 and 10mg.

If you have fluid in your legs have you ever tried manual lymph drainage - worked a minor miracle for me. And used carefully, the right diuretic can help - there are some that must not be used with pred without close supervision and monitoring that your potassium level remains OK.

[Suziib in reply to PMRpro]

My diet has never been healthier, virtually no carbs, mostly oily fish, fresh vegetables and fruit. I excercise regularly and my work is very active (walking between 5-6 miles). The weight gain has been in the last few months as I have reduced the pred, some weeks a gain of 1-2kg. I have gained more weight in the past 6 months than through the whole of the treatment.

My rheumatologist knows my dose of pred, knows when I had my last flare..

Not sure why he suggested Methotrexate, after reading up on this I don't think it's the right choice for me.

As for manual lymph drainage this eludes me. Where do I find out about this?

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Suziib]

Massage therapists and physiotherapists often do it. There may be a directory via CancerresearchUK or Macmillan as it is often used by breast cancer patients.

mlduk.org.uk/

How bizarre you are gaining weight now - but one or two people have experienced that.

[Hindags in reply to Suziib]

I'm curious why up and down on Pred would cause weight gain? Did your MD explain the mechanism behind that?

[Suziib in reply to Hindags]

I have no idea, hence why I posted what I was told, someone would surely explain everything to me, I think I just came out of the appointment more confused than ever. I however spoken with my GP and told her I would not be going down the Methotrexate route. This week I have dropped to 1 mg for 2 days and 2 mg for the remainder.. aim to be steroid free by October. But as most the fatigue kicks in early afternoon but I am using my power nap skill.

[Sallyaches]

I was on Methiotrexate injection for a year but I was having great difficulty reducing my Prednisilone . When I stopped it I did flare and have to go up to 15mg, I had got down to 10mg.

If I was on 2mg I would want to be told a good reason for going on it. I suffered some hair thinning and nausea. Blood tests may be monthly for a while when you start taking it. I have now been put on Azathiprine which suits me better and have no significant side effects. Both these drugs though do affect your immunity, I have had a couple of very nasty infections whilst on them.