Methotrexate one year on

williamlargs
williamlargs Member Posts: 143
edited 18. Jul 2011, 13:40 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello

I joined this forum approx one year ago after my rheumatologist put me on meth, gradually increased to 20mg. After 3 months or so I was able to drop the daily cocktail of diclofenic and paracetomol and have managed without both ever since. I had my 6 monthly rheumy visit on Friday past and have been told I can drop the meth to 15mg.

My rheumatologist's exact words were as follows. "You probably ask yourself why, when you feel as welll as you do, why you have to stay on this drug and have these regular blood tests and have to watch what your drinking etc etc" "Exactly I replied".

Basically he explained that my x rays done last year showed deteroration in the joints in my hands, classic RA and if left untreated would get worse. He did confirm that I am in remission at the moment and long may it continue. If after 2 or 3 years without any flares he may consider taking me off the drug.

What I am trying to get at is if anyone out there like me sometimes wonders why we have to take these drugs etc, it is for a reason.

I am one of the very lucky ones who reacts well to drugs and seems to be able to cope with them. I am able to take a small refreshment on occasion, well ok more than occasional, and get away with it. I'm not that daft I do give it a rest, honestly, and try to keep within recommended maximums.

I suppose this is a post thanking my lucky stars and hopefully will be a boost for anyone who has recently been diagnosed and recommended MTX.

Hope everyone is as well as they can be

Regards

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    :grin: A great post to read, so positive. Thank you for calling in and sharing. It is good when posters return and tell us how they are going on. Long may it last for you. Sounds like you are being very sensible too. :smile:

    Take special care of yourself, :smile:

    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • Starburst
    Starburst Member Posts: 2,546
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's fantastic news for you. You must be so delighted. I'm really pleased mtx has worked for you. Thank you so much for sharing your positive story. It's really helpful for others to read, especially in the early stages of diagnosis.

    Here's to hoping that this lasts a VERY VERY VERY VERY long time for you. You certainly deserve it.

    I do like an inspiring story. ;)

    Take good care!
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh that is SUCH good news! I am so pleased for you that you are doing so well! And thank you for posting with an update. It's really nice to read some good news and it will be really encouraging I think for those out there about to start meth. Long may it continue!

    Tilly xxx
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for that williamlargs. I'm very pleased it's going so well for you but also that you're dealing with it so sensibly. very encouraging for others.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • keith1971
    keith1971 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Congrats fella, give me a lot of hope as it looks like I'll be starting mtx this weekend!
    315yexv.jpg
  • williamlargs
    williamlargs Member Posts: 143
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for all the nice replies folks. I was actually diagnosed 8 years ago and was on sulphasalazine for several years and at my own request stopped them a few years ago.

    This is why I have emphasized to anyone looking in to do what the experts tell you. I will continue on the mtx till told differently.

    Cheers
  • parrotman
    parrotman Member Posts: 36
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    + 1 Well done
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  • ironic
    ironic Member Posts: 2,361
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi William,
    Thanks for the update as I thrive on hope. I have built up from 10mg last October and am now up to 17.5 with a view to be up to you present 20mg shortly. I know that like yours they are hoping to get my RA under control and then with luck it will be reduced once things have proven to have settled down. Paracetamol have been dropped and I have ‘just’ started to reduce the diclo’s down to two a day. ( I am desperate to be free of the diclo’s as that would be a good indication the mtx is doing its work).
    Great news for you and a do hope upon hope that you will be able to keep to a lower maintenance dose at the very least.
    It does seem difficult for Arthur to let go of our hands though.
    Best wishes to you William,
    I
  • caprica
    caprica Member Posts: 195
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    great news, so pleased for you!

    and good advice there, very sensible. it's a shame you had to learn it the hard way, sorry that the RA came back

    luckily i don't get side effects from my hydroxy, so as long as it works i guess i'll keep taking it forever!!!! or until the magical scientists come up with something better.

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