methotrexate

Nope, it doesn't sound ridiculous that you've been staring at the MTX prescription for 2 weeks -- I couldn't bring myself to do it for 6 months. When I finally did get it filled, I was glad I did. Did he give you a folic acid prescription as well? You'll need to take that as well, when you're ready. Your doctor is being pro-active by prescribing the MTX, but he could've said it just a bit better, in my opinion.

Have you had any xrays of your hands, ankles, hips & pelvis? If so, what does the doctor say about that? If not, you really need to have some done -- to see what's going on. If I had to rely solely on blood tests, I would be bedridden. I am seronegative for the RF, my sed rates and the like are always in the normal range (even in the midst of my worst flares) and except for redness on my knuckles, I just don't look like there's anything wrong on the outside. Thank heavens for xrays - they tell the entire story of my RA & AS.

Ya know, we all react to med's differently. MTX is one of those drugs that doesn't always give the same side effects to us. I had nausea (felt like morning sickness) and I had hair loss. It didn't make me any more fatigued than I already was and I didn't get any mouth sores. The pills did bother my stomach some though. To help with the nausea, hair loss and stomach issues, we upped my folic acid to 2 mgs (from 1) and switched me to injections. Big difference and it's been just about 3 years now. My monthly liver tests come back fine and I do my injections weekly (except for the past 3 weeks - long story, not MTX related). It made a big difference in my RA - we added it as a supplement to Enbrel when the Enbrel stopped being as effective as it should have been.

Since MTX is a weekly drug - I do my injection on Friday night before bed - if I have any side effects, I'm asleep! Try that - take it before bed and see what happens. It's only a suggestion, but it may help. If you haven't yet, try a heating pad for your hips and pelvis. It helps me when I need it. I can't do pain meds, but I do take ibuprofen (prescription strength) when I need it.

Sorry for the long post - I just wanted to try and allay some of your fears. Hope this helps some.

Take care,

~S.

thanks so much for your posts. I'm so glad to hear that I'm not crazy for staring at this perscription like an idiot. I'll try to answer the questions you asked.
Curley, my dr perscribed the pils form
Starnr, I did have xrays of my spine, upper anf lower. The upper was done by a dr who was very thorough and explained everything to me. Anyways, that one showed arthritis. The lower back and hip joints I'm not so sure what they showed if anything because I was so frazzled at the last appointment I forgot to ask!I kind of assume so based on the fact that I don't think the rhuemy would treat me for RA based soley on blood tests. I'm actually waiting for an appointment with this fantastic rhuemy that tons of people and family have recommended, only the appt isn't until Jan. so i sort of just went to see this guy. I will ask about the x rays though. To answer your last question yes he did give me a perscription for folic acid.
Thank you so much for the reply, I don't come here regularly, but I feel like when I do I'm always asking a question about myself. I hope everyone is doing well, especially during the busy holiday season! It sure is hard to get everything done when you feel like crap!!!
Thanks again
melanie

hi melanie, we all have our doubts to some degree about why we live with daily pain. i have been on mtx for two years now with really no side effects to speak of. my mom is on it 6 months now and she too is doing great on it.
i dont have a RA marker but i have the inflammatory markers and my xrays should the inflammation at my joints. all i know is even taking it for 2 years i always wondered if i really needed that strong of a medication. i have recently had to discontinue it for i am having a surgical proceedure and i can not take it any longer until i am done and healed, and let me tell you i hurt all over. it is like when i stopped the prednisone. i am in pain again and i forgot how it felt.
the only other thing other than take the folic acid and take the mtx at bedtime so you dont feel the side effects as much during the day. also you said you have little ones at home. you do know you need to be certain no pregnancies while on mtx ...... other than that try not to fret give it about 3 months and see? i now know for certain i need this drug. pain ****s! enjoy your little kids do it for them. hopefully you will soon be feeling better? ps you may need another med with it. i took enbrel too.