Date: 11.01.2012
From: Liz
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Subject: Decided to try methotrexate
Hi, I've had PSA for 6 years, but been in denial. Started with sausage finger and has now spread to 8 of my fingers, one joint fixed. Over the last year I have felt it going into my left hip. Coping with 100g declofenac but feel can no longer be in denial and have contacted rheumy nurse to start methotrexate. Very scared.
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Date: 11.01.2012
From: Paula
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
Hi Liz, my brother was diagnosed with PSA last year and he is on methotexate, and it is just starting to help him. He is in a lot of pain, but the meds are helping with the joints. I have RA and about to look at the meds too, so all i can say is give it a try and see what happens. It is scary, the meds and the illness, but you are not alone, and am sending you a big hug and warm wishes. See what the nurse has to say, and go from there. Take care xx
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Date: 11.01.2012
From: Liz
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
Hi Paula, thanks so much for your reply. Very emotional at the mo. Think it's because the decision about mtx has been made for me as just getting worse. My other worry is my daughter 25 has quite severe psoriasis,(I have hardly any , just scalp) She knows I have arthritis but have played it down as don't want to scare her. I suppose I will have to tell her about the meds, but know she will freak out and think she will get PSA. Makes me feel more positive that your bro is finding improvement. Poor you with RA, think the meds are the same? Glad I found this site. x
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Date: 11.01.2012
From: Colin
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
Liz , I have been on methotrexate for 13 years , realy is not that bad , most with bad RA take it along with load other drugs & hope it helps you ,
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Date: 11.01.2012
From: rhona
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
Hi Liz, I take MTX along with other medications for R/A. I dont get any side affects from the MTX and they will start you on a low dose. You will have your blood checked regularly so any problems should be picked up early. The reason these drugs are prescribed is to stop the deformity to the hands etc that the diseases can cause, so i think it is a good idea to take them before things get too bad. Good luck x
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Date: 11.01.2012
From: davina
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
hi liz i believe you are doing the right thing by going on to methotrexate and to stop the damage. don't be to scared some people get horrible side effects and hope you don't but its a good med when it works. x
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Date: 13.01.2012
From: Val
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
Hi Liz, sitting here and just taken my weekly dose of MTX. I've been on it since last May and been extremely lucky to have very few side effects. I take it at 9pm on Friday nights so that any immediate ill effects take place at night when I'm, hopefully, sleepy. Sometimes on Saturday I might be a bit off so I take it easy and go back to bed for short periods if I feel like it. Basically listen to your body. At least now I can walk again, I can work and the pains are hugely reduced. I also have naproxin twice a day as declofenac didn't help much, as well as a concoction of other meds. Good luck and hope all goes well for you.
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Date: 14.01.2012
From: Liz
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Subject: Re: Decided to try methotrexate
Thanks Val and to everyone else for your positive comments, So glad I found this forum, feel it's keeping me going at the moment. My other half is very good and supportive, but at the moment this is all I think about, so don't go on and on to him about my worries. I'm sure I even dream about the medications! that's when the pain doessn't wake me up. I'm having blood tests on Mon and the flu jab and then rhumy nurse is coming out to see me on the 26th, so will keep you posted. x
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