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Rh Arthristis and starting MTX

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 3/21/2014 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
I was recently diagnosed with Rh arthristis. I have little or no symtoms. My RA and anti CCP both are elevated. My Rheumotologist is starting me on mtx 15mg dose. I am little scared and wants to postpond it until I have symptoms. Currently I have little pain in feet and one knee with no swelling at all. What are your thoughts?

Thanks much for your help.

Posted 3/22/2014 5:28 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Best to start it Early Before Symptoms kick in then you can hopefully Slow them Down.
MTX isn't as Scary as you may think and if you Do have issues there is a lot that can be done
e.g. when I started on a higher dose I had Bad Nausea and Vomiting so the Rheumatologist split up the dose half one day then other half in few days time this helped a bit but still nausea So he added Maxalon and increased the Folic acid and Bingo No more problems
As long as you keep in touch with your Rheumy and be open to trying things you should be right.
Posted 3/22/2014 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
Delaying treatment can result in permanent joint damage, so I'd have to agree with Bad Day on this one.

Mtx isn't so bad if you take your folic acid as ordered. I take 3mg of folic acid daily (except on the Mtx day), and have found it very helpful. I have been taking the maximum PO (by mouth) dose for a year now and have had minimal trouble with it. Zofran (prescription drug) helps quite a bit with the nausea that alot of people get in the beginning. Eating smaller meals helps, too.
Posted 3/23/2014 4:35 PM (GMT 0)
I can understand your fears of the methotrexate, but the dose is small for treating the RA and it's only once a week. You can go on here and skim mtx postings and read them for more info. Your not the only one to be afraid of it, but it can help. Ask your doctor about the folic acid and keep the lines of communication open between you and your RA doctor...
Many well wishes to you...and keep us posted on how your doing...
Posted 3/23/2014 9:27 PM (GMT 0)
I might add that if you have nausea as a result of taking MTX in pill form you can ask for it in an injection.

I had issues with MTX in pill form. The injection really made a difference and helped but It can take a while for it to make a difference, I didn't notice it until taking it about 6 months.
Posted 4/5/2014 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you so much for all the advice. I will start from Monday :)
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