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Saw rheumy today

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Posted 4/2/2008 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I posted a few weeks ago that I was in a bad flare and that my Anti dsDNA had jumped up to 2,700.  Even after the dr. increased my Plaquenil I haven't felt any better; if anything I'm feeling worse than I did a month ago.  I've been having a pretty rough time, either spending time on the couch or bed.  My joints have been hurting a lot and the fatigue has been pretty bad with that overall feeling of having the flu.  Today I went back in and asked my rheumy to please help because I can't keep feeling this way.  He added Methotrexate to the list of drugs.  I start that tonight at dinner, taking 4 pills once a week.  (Also taking 400 mg of Plaquenil, 5 mg of Pred daily).  At least he understood why I didn't want to increase the Pred (weight gain).  I've already gained from the inactivity, adding more Pred I might as well just sit in front of the refrigerator and just apply the food to my stomach and hips because that's where it's all going to go if I take any more Pred LOL

 

Any advice on taking the Methotrexate would be greatly appreciated.  How long does it normally take to start working?

 

 

 

 

 

P.S. redrose, hope you're doing okay, I've been thinking about you and your baby.  You're in my prayers!
Posted 4/2/2008 6:50 PM (GMT 0)
Gidget, I haven't taken methotrexate, I just wanted to say that I hope it works well for you. If I remember right from reading other people's experience, you are supposed to take folic acid with it, I think and also it might take a little while to start to notice results. I'm sure others will be along with more experience with mtx. I completely understand about not wanting to increase prednisone. I ahve had a huge weight gain on it and am trying hard to get down to 5mg. I'm at 7.5 now and slowly working down. Keep us posted on how you are doing. Take care
Posted 4/3/2008 12:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hmm..I am on the same dose of plaq and pred and my rhuemy is hoping I will agree to add methotextrate. The plaq has completely removed my appitite so I havent had the weight gain. Take the Methotextrate at night before bedtime and choose a day of the week to take it when its okay if you are more tired then usual the next day. Do take the folic acid it will cut some of the side effects.
Good luck with the new med.
Posted 4/3/2008 1:09 AM (GMT 0)
I started MTX back in February and I think I am FINALLY starting to feel a difference in my joint pain. I take 3 tabs every Friday with a big meal with an extra folic acid tab (I take 3 tabs every day). The first couple of times you take it you may feel lousy for a couple of days with nausea and fatigue. I hope it works well for you, keep us posted!
Posted 4/3/2008 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Gidget, I was like sjkly . . . felt sleepy that day after MTX. It wasn't like the fatigue . . . it was a sleepy feeling. So do choose your day of the week. I took mine at night too and didn't have any other problems with it MTX started helping my fatigue after about 3-4 weeks. I eventually ended up on 20 mg. Depending on your weight, your doctor 'could' up your plaquenel too. I have been feeling better since my new rheumy upped mine to 3 tabs daily (600mg/day). He said the dose depends on your weight. Make sure to fit in lots of fruits and veggies each day . . . they knock the cravings down to a more manageable level. Blessings!
Posted 4/3/2008 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
I hope the mtx works for you. I take imuran instead because my rheumy and I fear given all my allergies and bad reactions to meds that I would not do well on mtx. Baby is doing great and I am hanging in there.
Posted 4/6/2008 6:07 PM (GMT 0)
I took my first dose Wednesday evening and had no side effects at all. YAH!!! For once I'm not having to deal with a sick stomach or intestinal issues! Didn't feel tired the next day, so hopefully that will continue!

Thanks for everyone posting, it helps so much to hear from everyone else's experiences!

redrose glad to see you're still hanging in there. You're in our thoughts and prayers!
Posted 4/7/2008 3:35 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there.

I don't have lupus (at least yet), but I do currently take enbrel and mtx  (and plaquenil) for supposed RA.  I can honestly tell you that mtx was the wonder drug for me.  It was the last drug to be added to my cocktail, but it made all the difference in the world once I got to the therapeutic dose for me (15 mg/week).  It did make a bit sick when I first started taking it, so I took it at night right before bed (and after a full dinner).  It also made me sleepy for a few days afterward.  After a month or so, however, the side effects for this drug went away completely.  The full benefits did not kick in, however, until I took it for about 4 months. 

Just make sure to take you folic acid too.

Best of luck,

El

Posted 4/7/2008 7:36 PM (GMT 0)
That is great news Gidget, I hope you start to feel a difference soon!
Posted 4/8/2008 10:32 AM (GMT 0)
I'm kind of surprised that I didn't have any side effects to taking it after hearing about all the people who do have side effects. Hopefully I'll continue without any!
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