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Posted 12/2/2009 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Everyone!

I am new to this site, I have read alot of the post when doing reasearch on my conditions. I don't know anyone that has what I have and no one I talk to really understands, I feel alone I guess. I am 30 years old, I have Tumid Lupus (now suspected SLE), Rhuematoid Arthritis, dermatomyositis, Optic Neuritis, and vasiculitis. Also have microscopic colitis, which is a IBD.  I have been "sick" for a quite few years now, but it all came crashing down on me this year...everything decided to flair at once (got so sick and was down to about 103 lbs, horrible rashes, hair falling out, too many to list), after a skin biopsy and the right blood tests, I was finally diagnosed after all these years (my new rheumy is wonderful) and it was no longer "in my head". I was ready to fling myself out the window if I heard that one more time...which I am sure quite a few of you have heard before. :-)   My rheumy started me on 20 mg prednisone (also the eye drop version for the optic neuritis) about August and it helped a bit, but the side effects are just downright wrong lol. Well it just so happens that the prednisone is affecting my stomach condition and not working too well ( I am in the middle of a horrifying flair right now), and I was informed that long term use is really not good, so to try and relieve all my symptoms, they are starting me on methotrexate injections once a week, so I can eventually be taken off the prednisone...... I am a little scared of taking this from what I have heard, but I have been in so much pain and can't handle too much of it anymore, I work a full time job that requires all of my brain power (which is lacking as of late), and it is so hard to make it through the day now, so I will try just about anything at this point. Anyone have any exp with this drug?

(Boy I needed to unload that....)

Post Edited (lunacygotme79) : 12/2/2009 11:18:32 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/2/2009 9:34 PM (GMT 0)
Hey lunacygotme


I wanted to welcome you to HW! Its a great forum full or wonderful people who are great support! I complelty understand about needing to unload things! It feels good to talk about it doesnt it :)! I don't have any experience with Methotrexate but I know many of our members do and hopefully they will be along to share their experiences! Let us know how the methotrexate affects you and I pray its just what you need to help relieve your symptoms!
Posted 12/2/2009 11:08 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome Lunacy Got To Me!
Posted 12/2/2009 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Sorry, I have no experience with methotrexate, but I wanted to say hello and welcome!!
Posted 12/3/2009 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
HI Luna, welcome to the forum. I take Methotrexate in pill form (3 - 2.5mg tabs a week) and have considered the shot because I too have a lot of GI problems (intestinal) caused by lupus. I tolerate it pretty well, I get a little more fatigue but heck, I'm use to that tongue I take several meds and put off taking MTX for a while but the joint pain was getting bad and I couldn't handle it anymore.

I sure hope it works for you and you start to feel better soon! Take care and keep us posted on how you are doing.
Posted 12/3/2009 1:41 PM (GMT 0)
Hi there,i took methatrexate in tablet form daily with meloxicam when i initially had symptoms of joint pain,at the time i could not stand it was so severe my eyes streamed with the pain and i had to crawl upstairs,my wrists were in splints,they thought i had psoratic arthritis at the time and it was years later when i suffered a multitude of other symptoms that i was diagnosed with SLE and APS! The methotrexate was like magic ant it got me on my feet again and it worked well for me for about 15months befor i started to suffer extreme weakness and could only shuffle along,then i was diagnosed with lupus and was put on plaqinil first and taken off methatrexate and lost 2stone in weight! Things didnt get under control so i was put on pred long term i tried to stick on 5mg per day with the hope of avoiding side effects but i have had to have larger doses during flares,i also take mepacrine to help with skin rashes and extreme photosensitivity which has been a godsend!! Best of luck in getting things under control,it's not nice to be in such pain!!
Posted 12/3/2009 2:09 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you for your replies!! I broke down yesterday and called my Rhuemy..he gave me a perscription for some pain pills :( not really happy about that, but my hands feel like they are going to fall off and my knuckles, knees and ankles are very red and swollen, I have not had this last so long before.... Anyone else have severe neck and back pain with a flare (someone who has RA too?)
-flower woman: so the MTX worked good for you when you took it? Did you have any strange side effects?
-jhmom:Do you have any side effects with the pill form?
LOL by the way how do you put the signature thing below your posts... :)
Posted 12/3/2009 2:51 PM (GMT 0)
I figured out the signature thing..... :)
Posted 12/3/2009 4:16 PM (GMT 0)
Hi lunacy!

Can't help you with the methotrexate, but do identify with what you've been going through...the isolation...it's all in your head... I'm glad you found the forum and hope you get some answers about methotrexate plus a support group that can help you with the feeling that you're all alone. Because you aren't! This is a great little family and I hope you stick around.

Pat
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