Hiya

sciqueen
sciqueen Member Posts: 21
edited 5. Dec 2011, 03:12 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi All

New to the site - I was recently diagnosed (august 2011) with RA. I am on a combination therapy of mtx 6wks and plaquenil 10wks), with steroids to tide me over until mtx kicks in; plus folic acid of course!

Mtx seems to be working as I have no background pain for 2 wks now. Joints are still tender and I experience slight stiffness some mornings - mainly weather related as cold & dampness seem to be one of my triggers! I still don't feel great though.

Mtx was upped to 15mg two wks ago, from 10mg. I feel sick, diarrhoea, upset stomach had hair thinning especially in the beginning and lack of concentration. These symptoms last for about 4 days, then the next 2/3 days I feel reasonably well, so my body is still getting use to mtx. But hey at least the pain is being managed, so I am not moaning.

The steroids will probably be stepped down when I see rheumy on the 22nd, as I would of been on them by then 6 wks. I have had no weight gain, as I have managed to keep myself pretty busy and I watch what I eat!

Well that my history so far - oh I am a teacher and at mo I've been signed of work - 3.5 wks now.

Thanks for reading my post,

Have a pain free day

Sci xxx

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sci x:-)

    Welcome to the forum. It sounds like you are doing quite well on your meds and being well monitored too. Does that mean you are back in school before the end of term and all the festivities or next year?
    Look after yourself, x;)

    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.
  • sciqueen
    sciqueen Member Posts: 21
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Elna

    I have a gp appt. on the 12th. that leaves 4 days left of this term. I doubt if she will sign me of this side of the term.

    I am hoping to be able to go back in the new year. I am still not up for the party season as mtx & steroids make me very tired.

    Cheers Sci x
  • dibdab
    dibdab Member Posts: 1,498
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sci,

    Glad the meds are working for you. Take it easy when you get back to school, it's so demanding, and with the fatigue that RA creates it's a huge ask of your body. Like you I teach with RA-found that this year I had to reduce to half a time table which has made life more do-able.
    Take care

    Deb x
  • julie47
    julie47 Member Posts: 6,041
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sci

    Just want to welcome you to the forum.
    Sounds like the meds are starting to get your pain under control, which is a good thing. Hopefully by the new year your body will have got used to the increased dose of mtx and not make you feel so sick.

    I think the extra couple of weeks rest would be good for you and hopefully you will then be well enough to start your new year and term feeling well.

    Juliepf x

Categories