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Posted 5/30/2014 7:06 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all,
I just wanted to introduce myself instead of being a lurker because you all seem like a super friendly bunch. I just got diagnosed with RA. My RF was 169 and my CCP Antibody something or other was 256. I was put on methotrexate and with my research I have mixed feelings.

I'm not a fan of not being able to drink while on it. I've been going through a very rough patch as of late with my life and a drink in the evening has made it so that I can easily relax.

I'll be taking my second dose today -- She has me taking 3 2.5mg pills on time one (already done) 4 2.5 mg pills this week -- up to 6 pills in a few weeks from now.

Any advice on things you wish you would have known at this stage in the game will be greatly appreciated.

Happy weekend!
Andrea
Posted 5/31/2014 9:10 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Andrea Welcome
your right the people here are very friendly and have helped me heaps,
I understand your reservations with MTX But the earlier you start on it the Better
Some People (me included) have problems with Nausea so be prepared best to have a good dinner the night you take them, I have maxalon (anti nausea) and take that in the morning following.
I guess as for Drinking it may be one of the things you sacrifice to be able to function
try changing it for a cup of hot chocolate or special Tea etc.
I know its not the same but you get used to it
I used to drink but gave up some years ago - for other reasons so its not an issue now for me.
and I know the feeling of coming home to have a drink or a soak in the tub and a drink but seriously it dose pass and you can compensate with other things, I am now a chocoholic wink
Posted 6/1/2014 2:08 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Andrea,

As far as drinking is concerned I instead enjoy a nice tea in the tub on days that are particularly rough. Actually, I enjoy it quite regularly and have come to really look forward to my time there. :)
I take mtx in injectable form due to the extreme nausea I experiences on the tablets. Also, if you begin to have fatigue make sure to call your physician and ask about folic acid in Rx. Over the counter is not regulated at least here in the states and can have variances in it effectiveness because of this.
I have been on mtx for about a year and six months and I have had the fatigue but it seemed to subside after I was on it at about the year mark. Occasionally I will have a tired day but they are much better than the first year.
Welcome aboard. I hope that you are feeling well and I too have had nothing but good experiences here. It has been a big help especially in regards to others walking in our shoes and helping not to lose hope when I have felt down. :)
Posted 6/4/2014 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
I found it hard to give up at first but now I don't miss it at all. It's amazing how you just adjust. I still allow myself the odd glass of alcohol for celebrations but find after a couple of sips I don't enjoy it any more!
I often drink sparkling water if everyone around me is drinking, to feel like I'm joining in with something different.
My rheumy told me 2 glasses a week is fine but no binge drinking, I don't know if that helps,
golitho
Posted 6/5/2014 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
There is an older posting on here about alcohol and mtx, I guess it depends on you. I have stomach issues and therefore cannot drink while on the methotrexate (MTX). However, others on here have enjoyed alcohol while on mtx. I would suggests maybe skip the alcohol on the mtx day and try it on other days of the week and if you feel fine then go for the one glass a night (except on the mtx day).
I try not to be too judgemental of people, hey if you feel it helps why should I stand in your ways.
There is even an old recipe for gin soaked raisins that can help with pain ( I couldn't even tolerate these! I'm weird I guess) and that might also help you!
Many well wishes and Hello!
Posted 6/6/2014 8:01 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks everyone!

I did forget to mention she did prescribe folic acid and I take it daily. I **crosses fingers** thus far haven't had much in the way of nausea on the MTX. I am taking my third go of it today 5 2.5 mg pills. Next week I'm up to the full 15mg a week. It's hard to know if its helping because i'm in the middle of a very big move. My mom passed away in Feb and I've been working since downsizing and packing things and dealing with that. Not a low stress time of my life which was why I was a smidge grumpy about the drinking. I've been working very very long days and a drink would help. I haven't had much in the way of alcohol since the diagnosis. I do have to say that i have drastically upped my chocolate intake though. ;)

The tea idea is great! I think I'll find a really nice sleepy time relaxy type tea.

You guys really are awesome. I will definitely visit here often.

My one question at the moment is, is it better to split the MTX dose into two or take it all before bed? She said as long as I take it in the same 24 hr period I can do it however I like. What are people's experiences of the timing of the pill taking?

Thanks everyone!!

Talk soon,
Andrea
Posted 6/6/2014 8:20 PM (GMT 0)
Re. the Mtx timing - I started off at 8 pills/week and tried taking it all at once the first 2 weeks. I was so tired for the next few days that I called the rheumy. She said the same thing as yours, take it all within 24 hours. I take half of mine on Saturday morning and half on Sunday morning. I tried taking it at night, but I didn't sleep well for some reason, so the morning works better.

Re. nausea, I didn't have too much trouble with it. I did read advice that taking the Mtx with green olives helps with it. I did that at first, but have dropped the olives without a noticeable change.

I do have a glass of wine once in a while. My blood work has been well within healthy levels, so I feel that indulging occasionally isn't terrible.
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