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considering MTX when would I feel relief with my RA & CD

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 6/30/2009 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
I am currently on remicade, and considering taking MTX or switching to humira which i would probably have to take mtx anyways. the RA pains are unbearable.I this point willing to try anything but very scared. Also big concern for me is having a kid in my futer. any insight would be appreciated.
Posted 6/30/2009 6:11 AM (GMT 0)
Hi 132, I'm on humira and mtx. Initially started with a low dose mtx and then slowly brought up the dosage. I found it very toxic the first time I tried it. Now I'm taking 20mg perweek and its not too bad for side effects. Just have to remember to drink lots and lots of water on it and take folic acid about 12 -24 hours after you've taken the mtx. I have no side effects from humira and find it very easy to tolerate. Cross my fingers that the cocktail works for you, best wishes, golitho
Posted 6/30/2009 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
hi golitho
Thank you for your reply. Did you have arthritis pain when you started humira and MTX? if so how long did the arthritis take to go away? Have you been on remicade?

I hope so to this cocktail will work for me, I can't even sleep at nights anymore. I'm so happy you've found your releaf xoxox

Posted 7/1/2009 1:39 AM (GMT 0)
I started with a diagnosis of sero negative arthritis 3 years ago, firstly it was just in my knees but has continued to get worse despite increased levels of cocktail drugs. At the time of going on the humira I had carpel tunnel in both wrists, swollen elbows, thumbs, big toes, knees and terrible general pain, I was limping with it and my lower back was in agony too. The combination of mtx and humira worked wonders initially, I could actually run up stairs and kick the ball around with my kids. Sadly I caught pneumonia after about 4 months and seem to have been on a slippery slope ever since, but most people on this site get tremendous relief from the combination. All I can say is if you get sick go and see a doctor straight away, don't let it develop into pneumonia like I did, thinking it was just a virus!!! Good luck with it all, golitho
Posted 7/1/2009 3:01 AM (GMT 0)
I am like you, although still haven't been exactly diagnosised with RA but have all the systoms. Everyday the pain will change place to place, but always in my knees and always in the ankles. No longer able to work, no longer abele to walk! I may just end up like you with the cocktail, as for some odd reason my body has high tolrence to medication. I am very sorry to hear how sick you've been the pneumonia.Very thing is I was the opposite I had pneumonia 3 times in 2 months before I started remicade, since I've started Remicade I haven't even gotten a flue let along pneumonia! I wish you the best of luck. I truly hope you feel better real soon. xoxox Thank you for your advice/story
Posted 7/10/2009 4:29 PM (GMT 0)
I have Crohn's related arthritis.  I started on methotrexate and noticed relief within a week or so, if I remember correctly.  But, the pills really hurt my stomach after a couple of weeks, so we switched to injections.  It was the best I've felt in a year or so.  But, I just found out this week that the mtx has elevated my liver enzymes and I have to stop taking it.  =(

Posted 7/10/2009 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
hi ZenaWP
Thank you for your reply. I've heard over and over how MTX helps people so much and gives their lifes back.But it doesn't last long, it's to hard on the liver.So really is just a short fix. I would really like to find something long term (if there is even such thing for ra/crohn's)

But I did speak with my doc about taking MTX and said said no that would be my very very very last option (as I want to start a family shortly) she switch the remicade to Humira, and put me back on Imuran. Have you tried these options?

Posted 7/12/2009 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Hi RA&CD,
How is your CD? I find when my CD flares that my AS will too. My Rheumy always recommends keeping my CD under control to control the AS. Just a thought.
Jo
Posted 7/12/2009 10:52 PM (GMT 0)

Hi!

well currently in the last few weeks my cd hasn't been the greatest. can hardly eat. But I don't find my arthritis any worse and less worse when my cd is flaring or  not. the arthritis is now deforming my body (knees and wriest) I woke up crying finaly after 9 months of dealing with this. I've had it.. so I will go to a walk in clinic tomorrow and demand a ref for a reumy (one i hope to see sooner whether then later)

Thanks for your reply :)

Posted 7/16/2009 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
How did your clinic visit go? I hope you got some answers and have a game plan to attack this pain you are suffering. Keep us posted.
Jo
Posted 7/16/2009 7:14 PM (GMT 0)
I live in Montreal:

I went to a walk in clinic.. he said he was unable to do anything for me. I would have to wait to see my GI (in sept)!!!!

What a waste of time. Montreal has horrible service when it comes down to medical. I know we are lucky then most since we have medicard.

I start my humira tomorrow. I'm just hoping this will help. Until then still suffering with the RA!

Thanks all for caring.. I truly love this place. Home away from Home.

I'll let you know how Humira goes tomorrow.

Thanks again xoxox

Posted 7/16/2009 9:43 PM (GMT 0)
Oh September is a long way off - you are right its not good enough.
Let us know how the Humira goes - Im currently waiting for approval on it to add to my MTX and Pred cocktail :).
Hopefully in the next few weeks the Humira will work the magic its supposed to and you are in less/no pain.
Good luck and keep posting.
Jo
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