Tiredness

carob22

Hi, I'm 63 and was diagnosed a few months back with sero-neg arthritis - probably psoriatic arthritis. I was on 15mg Methotrexate for 8 weeks, but nothing helping, so 6 weeks ago it was increased to 20mg and I was put on anti-inflammatories as well. My fingers and wrists are still painful, but my main problem is overwhelming tiredness, and I am off work again for the second time. How do you cope with this? How long does it take for the Methotrexate to work? The Rheum clinic keep telling me to be patient - but it is so hard!

trisher

Hi

Unfortunately, tiredness is what a lot of us feel. So you are amongst people who can relate to you.

I'm not on Mxt, as I cannot take it, but there are many who do. Some will be around shortly and they can fill you in with that.

I have arthritis in my hands, fingers, wrists and I know just what it feels like.

I take it you are seeing a Rhrummy doctor? They will try hard to help you.

My doctor refered me to a Hand therapist, who gave me splints, to help me out, when lifting things. They are a great help.

You may have to try different meds to sort you out, as we are all different and it can take time.

Welcome to the Forums though and look forward to seeing you around, in the other Forums too.

luv Trish xxx

annie_mial

Hi Caro, I've just been labelled as 'sero-neg Polyarthritis' for want of a better diagnosis.
I do already have another rheumatic condition and have been on steroids for a long time, but cannot take them any more so I went on to metho 7 weeks ago.
Obviously it's too early to say whether it is working for me or not, but how I can relate to the tiredness problem! I've found I can cope with the general fatigue one way or another, but when the bouts of exhaustion hit me, that's it...........I have to take to my bed for a day or two days...or even three days!

I had to have 3 weeks off work when I first started the metho, but I seem to have overcome it gradually. I'm lucky because my workplace and colleagues are very caring and understanding and if I cannot make it into work, they do know where I am coming from on this.

I now only work part-time, until a year ago worked full-time, but it was just too much for me.
I'm 65, before I forget to say so!

Annie

jaspercat

Hi, the MXT can take up to 12 weeks to start to work, in my case it took about 20 weeks, perhaps you could ask if your hospital's physio dept has a wax bath, it is great for hands, while under guidance you put your hands into warm wax, as for the tiredness I am afraid I don't have an answer, sometimes I have a rest in the afternoon love Jaspercatxx

gickygawky

Hi Carob!

I have been on Methotrexate since September and it has only just started to work.

Tiredness was a huge thing to deal with but I noticed that each week I felt a little better than the previous week.

My Mtx day is Monday and right now I just feel 'very tired' rather than absolutely exhausted and I can get on with my usual daily routine now.

I hope it starts working for you shortly.

Arna x

sharmaine

Hi Carob
I have OA and don't know what to advise you with regards to the mtx meds you are taking. If things get any worse and you're still feeling tired then go back to your GP/Rheumy.

Hopefully someone will come up with some good advice for you.
I just wanted to say hi and hope things get better for you.

Sharmaine

carob22 wrote:

Hi, I'm 63 and was diagnosed a few months back with sero-neg arthritis - probably psoriatic arthritis. I was on 15mg Methotrexate for 8 weeks, but nothing helping, so 6 weeks ago it was increased to 20mg and I was put on anti-inflammatories as well. My fingers and wrists are still painful, but my main problem is overwhelming tiredness, and I am off work again for the second time. How do you cope with this? How long does it take for the Methotrexate to work? The Rheum clinic keep telling me to be patient - but it is so hard!

carob22

A big thank you to everyone who replied to my message re MTX and tiredness. I have an appointment with the Rheum clinic next Monday so will discuss it with them. I do have a wax bath for my hands - they are great. I am feeling more cheerful today - it is a great help knowing there are others in the same boat!