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In the middle of a really bad flare

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted Today 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
I just started Methotrexate about 6 weeks now and my arthritis pain in worse then ever. My question is how long does it take to work. I feel like I'm getting worse instead of better.
Posted 12/2/2015 5:04 AM (GMT 0)
I'm not sure, I'm allergic to it.

If you feel it's not working for you tell your doctor. There are other options out there. I take two kinds of DMARDs (plaquinel and Leflunomide). They seem to help me well enough.
Posted 12/4/2015 3:09 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sorry to hear ,
I had a bad time with Methotrexate when I first started it - a lot of nausea & tummy issues
and it didn't seem to be doing anything
my Rheumy changed the dose and added more folic acid and it helped the side effects but still didn't seem to be working that well so he increased the dose and added Leflunomide and plus I have also been on Prednisone for years and for the first time in Years that mix seems to now be working as my blood crp is getting better and I am feeling a bit better but it took a long time
So advice is Contact your Rheumatologist there is no need to put up with side effects, He/She might raise the dose or add something else to it. it is all a game of trial and error.
Posted 12/4/2015 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and welcome Debbie.

I have been taking MTX in an injectable form for a couple years and it took several months for it to really take effect for me. I also take Orencia in addition to MTX weekly. I too felt worse at first rather than better but I was told that this can happen. It took a full 6 months for me to see a real difference. That said it has helped quite a bit and I went from very active aggressive RA to moderately active. I am looking to change meds after the holidays.

Sorry to hear you are not feeling well, I hope that it takes effect soon and that it works well for you. Hang in there. -Don
Posted 12/8/2015 6:31 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Debbie,
I have been on and off mtx several times over the past ten yrs. Lately I have been using it to try to get further reduction prednisone. I am down to 6 mg of prednisone, and just dropped the mtx. I honestly can't say it has ever helped me, as I see n o difference in RA symptoms on or off. If you have severe RA, you may want to consider asking rheumy to put you on biologic before you have joint damage. Humira and Enbril have worked wonders for my RA, and even corrected some of the joint damage. Best of all, very few flares and no more pain in joints.
It's not an easy decision, as the rare side effects may include lymphoma, but for me the benefit outweighs the risk.
Best wishes!
Beth tongue
Posted 12/10/2015 3:33 PM (GMT 0)
Beth

Thank you for the advice, I have an appointment next week and I will ask about the biologic. My pain is getting worse every day. So at this point willing to try anything to have relief.
Posted 12/12/2015 8:07 AM (GMT 0)
Debbie,
So sorry you are suffering right during the holidays! mad Do let us know what the rheumatologist suggests.
Beth
Posted 12/14/2015 3:41 AM (GMT 0)
Hang in there Debbie, I hope your Appt goes well and you can get some relief soon. If you need them ask your Doctor for pain meds. There is no reason to suffer day in and day out.
Posted 12/17/2015 2:43 PM (GMT 0)
Well went to my appointment all she wants to do is up my methotrexate. They did blood work and my esr and crp has double. I can hardly walk in the mornings. Nothing for the pain mad I think she is not taking me serious because I'm one of those sero negative people. I'm so frustrated, people don't understand until they have been in our shoes. The pain is real and the exhaustion is real to. Just want to put my head under my pillow and cry.
Posted 12/18/2015 6:17 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Debbie,
So sorry that you are not getting pain relief. Is one of the blood tests you mentioned a sedrate? If not, did you get that test? If you feel you are not being taken seriously by your doc, I suggest find a new one. Have you been given a time frame for the mtx higher dose trial and any indication of next steps, should that fail?
Some insurances force the docs to try the "cheap" meds prior to approving the biologics. And for some, mtx or plauquenil works.
It is a frustrating process getting t o the point of finding what works, especially if you are in pain with no meds. That seems just cruel, IMHO.
Hang in there, my dear. I hope you have supportive family or friends during the holidays.
Beth
Posted 12/18/2015 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
Yes, I had the esr and crp done they both double. The Rummy wants to increase methotrexate and if still I don't see a difference then she want's to try Humera I guess.
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