Newly diagnosed and prescribed MXT need some advice

Iona

Hello I am very new to this so I hope I'm posting in the right place.

After 2 years of being told that all my bloods were normal apart from constantly high ESR and low vit D doc was sugesting that I might have Fibromyalgia, which I did not believe I had, eventually my rheummy had an ultrasound done on my hands and feet which finaly showed lots of fluid and joint involvement so immediately put me on MXT. Please what are people's views on this medication. The side effects noted on the leaflet are terrifying me.

It is a relief in one way to finally have a diagnosis as I felt people didn't believe how much pain I've been getting.

dorcas

Hello Iona and welcome to the forum. and yes, you have posted in the right place!

I've been on Mtx for several years now, off and on!.

Like you I wasn't exactly keen to start on this med but have found that the benefits far outweigh any concerns or minor problems I've had being on it.

Are you on Folic Acid too?... it's important to take alongside the Mtx and helps to minimise some of the side effects.

But..not everyone gets side effects :!: and you might be one of the many who never experiences any problems with taking Mtx.
Everyone on this drug is well monitored by having regular blood tests to ensure that any adverse effects are quickly picked up and dealt with.

Have you started taking the Mtx yet?

It's good that your rheummy is treating your symptoms and I hope that this drug will help dampen down and ease the swelling and pain.

Iris xxx

Iona

Hi Iris

Thanks for the reply its very helpful.

I have been prescribed folic acid and no I haven't started the treatment yet, just left the hospital clutching my tablets, little book and 4 month worth of blood forms.

Iona

Wonkylegs

HI Iona & welcome to the forum (though sorry you need us!)

I too have taken MTX for many years, and although the side effects listed can be scary, these days they have to mention everything on there, however rare, and that can be worrying to us without there being much chance of us seeing those things happen!

As iris has said, as long as you take your folic acid as prescribed, and keep up to date with all your blood tests, then that usually catches issues before they become problematic.

If you are at all unsure, your GP, rheumatology nurse or local pharmacist are all excellent sources of advice!

good luck & I hope the MTX works for you

WOnky

dreamdaisy

Hi iona, welcome to the forum. I have been on injected meth for years now and very rarely suffer any side effects at all. It can be a very effective treatment for RA etc, so I hope that proves to be the case with you. I wish you well. DD

lindalegs

Hi Iona and welcome to posting.

I've been on 10mg Mtx tablets for two years now and found that, at first, I had problems with being sick but this did soon settle down. (My GP prescribed me anti-metics to help with the nausea.)

I've found it's a great drug for me, I get no morning stiffness like I used to and the whole disease has quietened down - I do get the odd blip but nothing like before.

Mtx does also help with the prevention of joint deformities.

Hope this helps.

ironic

Hello Iona,
Welcome to the forum. It is scary when we start new medication it is a normal reaction. As others have said have a word with your Dr or nurse just to go through things if you are worried. You are still trying to take everything in so it is understandable that you are struggling.
Let us know how you get on.
Lv, Ix

nanasue

Hello and welcome to the forum, this is the best place for advice and support, there's always someone who can help with a problem. I've been on MTX for 5 years now at various strengths, I'm now on 22.5mg. The only problems I've had are feeling slightly nauseous sometimes and occasionally a sore mouth, this can be solved with difflam mouthwash which you should be able to get on prescription, I do. Don't worry too much about the side effects, most people seem to have little or no problems. Hope this helps put your mind at rest.

Sue x

ritwren

Welcome to the forum. I'm sure you'll find it's full of folk who are very supportive and informative. I've been on Methotrexate for over a year now and have had a bit of nausea which I controll with some anti sickness tablets. It's great that you've gotten a Rheumy who is thorough and helpful. Don't be put off by lists of side effects. The benifits often outwiegh any of them. Most side effects can be minimised to a tolerable level and a lot of folk don't get any at all.
Best of luck.
rita

debsmartin

Hello and welcome to the forum, I've been on methotrexate for nearly 2 years now on 20mg a week, the only side effect I have experienced is a slightly sicky feeling on the day I take the tablets but as previously said as long as you take your folic acid this helps. I too was really scared to take it but I'm so glad I did.

Good luck

debs

Iona

Thanks to everyone for the replies which have helped to set my mind at rest a bit! Took my first dose yesterday and felt a bit sick but it was tolerable. Other than that, just a bit tired but nothing too serious.

dreamdaisy

See? Not too bad after all! Meth can be a very effective treatment for arthritis, and I hope it proves to be so for you. Yes, it can have side effects but they are not guaranteed, in any way, shape or form. Good luck! DD

lorica

Hello Iona and welcome, I can totally understand what you was thinking regarding the side effects I was the same I was scared stiff :? , I have been on MXT for just over two months, the only side affects I suffer is mainly fatigue, I have had upset stomach but it hasnt been too bad. Im on 15mg, my last blood test showed my ESR had stabalised, but was still well above the norm. So I would have to say MXT is very good and does work.

Mark