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Rheumy wants me to start Methotrexate

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Posted 9/8/2008 11:42 PM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone,

 

I saw my Rheumy today and he thinks it is time for Methotrexate. I have been reluctant to take it for awhile now. I have asthma and bronchitis alot and I am afraid the metho might make my lungs worse. If anyone has any advice or is taking it and can tell me your experience I would really appreciate it! :)  Thank you!

Posted 9/9/2008 12:40 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Renee, I did take MTX for about a year. I started at 15mg and went up to 20. I took it once a week. It never made me feel nauseous but I did feel sleepy the next day or so. It actually helped my fatigue and did help some with my pain. I did NOT have lung issues though. I really don't know if it would have any side affect that way . . . but your doctor should really know about your risks. You could also ask your pharmacist. Hopefully some of the others will know. What is the purpose for taking it? (symptom-wise) Hang in there!! Blessings!
Posted 9/9/2008 12:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Rosie,

I have been on plaquenil now for almost 2 years and it has helped a little, but my DR feels it is worth a try to see if I can get more relief from the pain and fatigue. He said that in 25 years of practice he has never seen it cause lung problems but it is a possibility. I find that kind of confusing when it is also used for Lung cancer. I was hoping he would just give me something to help me sleep. I take vicodin at night when the pain is so bad I can't sleep. But it doesn't always help that well. I tried a sleeping pill (can't remember the name) but it just made me really drowsy the next day....I didn't like that. I just think if I was sleeping better I would feel better.Thank you for your help! Have a good night! :)
Posted 9/9/2008 12:56 AM (GMT 0)
Hey Renee, Good sleep IS really important (and sometimes hard to come by!). I agree that the sleep really is a big issue. My rheumy said that he would address sleep issues before other symptoms because bad sleep really can cause the pain and fatigue. * sighhhhh * Have you tried taking benadryl (Diphenhydramine hydrochloride). This is the PM in Tylenol PM. I buy generic and only use it "as needed". Sometimes I'll use it three nights in a row and sometimes only on occasion. I try not to use it all the time because I'm afraid it will lose its effectiveness (not sure that's a legitimate concern). But . . . it seems (in my case) that good sleep has resulted in more good sleep. In other words . . . once I got a few nights of good sleep, I had more energy, did more physically (careful not to overdo, of course) and then slept better w/o any benadryl. Just a thought. I'm sending you some sleepy dust to help you sleep tonight!! I used to pull it out of my pocket and toss it at my kids as I tucked them in. They would block their eyes!!! LOL!! But then they'd always laugh!! Blessings!
Posted 9/9/2008 1:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks, Rosie. I never thought of that. Since I take the vicodin I never thought of Tylenol PM. But I guess I could just take Benedryl alone. I will ask my Pharm. if it is safe with all my other meds. I really don't want to take the MTX. But I am afraid I will have to change Rheumy's if I don't. He seems to be getting a little annoyed with me because I won't listen to him and take it. He won't even consider any other meds until I try the MTX. I really don't know what to do.....
Posted 9/9/2008 2:04 AM (GMT 0)
HELLO Renee I know that im new to this site and mind you GRATEFUL fo have found it. I have been taking the metho for about 1 1/2 years I have asthma,lupus,diabetes, nad some heart problems. I have never had any problems with metho the asthma. I do though have some problems with the med making my sugar go high but nothing I haven't been able to control..Good luck,Alex
Posted 9/9/2008 2:13 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Renee, I have been on plaq since 2004 it works well for my fatigue but I needed more help with my joint pain. Doctor added NSAIDS but needed even more help, I am also on Imuran which is more for my gut and back in Feb I started MTX, it took a while to kick in but has helped my joint pain especially with my lower back and hip pain. I was also reluctant to start it but was at my wits end with the joint pain. I hope it works well for you
Posted 9/9/2008 2:24 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Alex and Stacie. I appreciate all your replies and I am starting to feel a little better about taking the MTX. I too am SO grateful to have found this site. Everytime I need some advice someone is always there to help. It also is so nice to know we are not in this alone. Even though I really wouldn't wish this DD on my worst enemy. Take Care!
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