Back on methoextrate

[Hunter134]

Talked to my reumy about my flare and high CRP of 22 which he was concerned about.He made me feel like I was the only one that flares.He wants me to get down off the prednisone soon.Like we all don't want that.He made me feel I ve caused this.Not to thrilled with the methoextrate either.Feel so defeated.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

What dose of pred are you on at present? Did the methotrexate help at all before?

[Hunter134 in reply to PMRpro]

Iam on 20mg and I feel really good now.The methoextrate did help me but it did make me nauseated for a few days .I worry bout it affecting my liver as iam older now.He didn't even mention if I should taper now.I don't have a reumy that is familiar with this disease .

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hunter134]

There is a lot from MrsNailsin the FAQs - and if you have nausea with it, the injections are said to help that a lot.

[SheffieldJane]

How long have you been on Methotrexate? It does take about 3 months to kick in. However, there isn’t much evidence that it works well as a steroid sparer for many people and it adds in significant side effects. In what sense does this Rheumatologist believe that the flare is somehow your fault? A rapid taper ( too fast) makes a flare likely. Don’t feel defeated. Have you looked at FAQs on here to arm yourself with lots of knowledge. With me my stubborn PMR turned out to be GCA/LVV. Has he thought to look further to explain your difficulties? GCA is very closely related and doesn’t always present with the typical headache, jaw claudication, and eyesight symptoms - mine didn’t - more like PMR. It was Peripheral Artery GCA/ Large Cell Arteritis diagnosed by a specialist ultrasound that showed the typical halo effect in the arteries. I would not stay with such an energy sapping doctor, I would be looking for a wiser one. X

[Hunter134 in reply to SheffieldJane]

I haven't started the methoextrate yet.I took it ten years ago when pmr first came.He was very upset over my crp level of 22.I did think it could be giant cell because u can't chew without pain.Only if it's soft food.Iam just coming out if a bad flare. It took 20 mg of prednisone and a week to be out of pain.Can a flare cause a high CRP level?Sed count is fine.He mentioned nothing about tapering down yet.The dr just made me feel iam the only one that's not getting control.I feel he didn't start me off in enough prednisone.He gave me 25 mg ten years ago and 15 mg this time but I never felt it went away.Soon as I d start a slow taper my symptoms would return.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Hunter134]

Your jaw symptom needs to be investigated. Perhaps start with a dentist then move on to a new Rheumatologist.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hunter134]

Tell us more about that jaw pain please.

He obviously thinks his prescence will ensure the disease activity will drop - he isn't god ...

[Hunter134 in reply to PMRpro]

I assumed it was because my teeth have shifted.It only hurts me if I eat popcorn or nuts.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Hunter134]

Not a dull ache when you chew things? If so, that's probably OK

[Hunter134 in reply to PMRpro]

No it only hurts next day if I chew hard things like nuts or popcorn.Thank you for making me feel better.You re always there for everyone and I really appreciate it as iam sure all do.

[piglette]

I wish my doctor were worried about a CRP of 22, mine is currently 49 which to him is SATISFACTORY, he only worries when it goes over 100! My ex-rheumy made me feel it was my fault my inflammation readings were so high, so I think they may just blame us for things that are out of our control.

[Hunter134 in reply to piglette]

Thank for letting me know iam not the only one with high CRP level.He made me feel I had some other condition but I was in a bad flare.The last time it was 14.The truth is I've struggled with this the last two years.My first time with this disease I had no issues coming down.My reumy didn't put me on calcium and never mentioned adrenal issues.Thank god I didn't have any.

[Hunter134 in reply to piglette]

Thanks for your reply.I think sometimes we know more than some reumys do.

[Sharitone]

Well of course, if you're a specialist who knows everything, even the things that haven't been researched yet, then if anything is not going according to plan, then it MUST be the patients fault, mustn't it?🥴

[Hunter134 in reply to Sharitone]

Funny thing is I requested to try the methoextrate like I was on when I first got pmr years ago. He had no clue and thought it was a great idea Sad when we don't trust them to make the decisions on our behalf