Anyone On Methotextrate Getting Worse???

I am new to the board and justed started methotextrade in October after fighting for 5 years with my Rheum.  I think I actually feel worse and seem to have more pain.  I feel like just going back to Sulfasalazine which I have been on for about 8 years.  Problem is I am starting to get deformity in my hands and one of my fingers is crooked.  A bummer because I love to weightlift and go to gym but don't know if I am going more harm than good.  I heard that if you are going to see any benefits, it is pretty immediate.  I started at 4 pills (2.5) but have been at 9 for about 1 month.  Any input would be appreciated.  Thanks, BBGSKIEr

Thanks sjkly for quick response.  I have heard of enbril but really hate drugs.  I guess if I don't do something to stop the progression of the disease, it will just keep messing up my cartlidge further.  I meet with my doctor next month.  Thanks again.  BBGSKIER

No sjkly.  Have never heard of it but thanks for info.  I am in early 50's and have had arthritis for about 10 years.  I started sulfasalazine (spelling?) and worked pretty good for about 5-6 years.  Saw quite a bit of swelling in hands which is where most of my damage is.  Worst in one hand and other is pretty good except for wrist.  I was a chicken like you on metrotextrate and my Rhum. has been trying to get me on it for 3-4 years.  I guess my vanity was partly to blame as I didn't want to lose my hair.  Have maybe seen mild thinning but not bad.  I have seen no benefit at all even though I only went to higher dose about 3 weeks ago.  My wife wants me to stay on it but if no benefit, don't want to stay on it.  No real side effects other than get a pretty bad headache for a few days after I take the medicine.  Miss going out with my old lifeguard buddies and having a occasional beer but alcohol and metrotextrate don't mix.  BBGSKIER

Hi there,

I didn't get worse on MTX but it stopped working as well as it did in the beginning even while taking Plaquenil along with it which was very dicouraging because I was terrified in the beginning of taking the MTX and now I'm starting Enbrel..it seems the medications get more intense for lack of a better word and yes it is scary! I put of taking MTX for months because of fear.  After the side effects faded it worked for a bit and then that was it.