Well I made a decision and have given up the MTX...

cakegirl

After 18 months of side effects, sickness, exhaustion, body feeling like lead, nasty taste in my mouth I have decided to give it up (have discussed with Rheum Spec Nurse).What alternative do you think I may be offered. (I tried injecting it but still the same) MTX was my first DMARD. I can honestly say I gave it my best shot and tried to cope with the side effects for as long as possible as it seemed to help my mobility somewhat.

Coping at the moment on Diclofenac and Codeine/Paracetamol but am in agony getting out of bed. Booked for another steriod injection on Friday.

Thanks xx

dreamdaisy

Firstly, well done on sticking it out that long, cakegirl, but I am saddened you had to go through all that just to get nowhere (it's a familiar feeling, believe you me). Slightly improved mobility is not enough of a benefit to warrant that struggle. I don't know what you may be offered next, I went from sulph, to sulph with tablet meth, off the tablet meth then leflunomide, then off the lef and onto cyclosporin - oh the list goes on! The sulph was a constant all the way through but that isn't for everyone either. I hope the diclo and pain relief help, the steroid jab too: remember to rest well after that (especially if it's a joint one) to give it the best chance to work. You poor thing, I do empathise. (()) DD

stickywicket

I really don't know what you'll be offered. Meth is OK for me so never had to make the decision. I hope it's something that works without the nasty side effects. I also hope the steroid jab helps. They do with me. When do you see your rheumatologist again?

cakegirl

Thanks for the replies.

I guess there are so many drugs available it depends what might suit.

My rheumy appt is a week on Monday. My steroid jab is an SOS appointment. Have to say, I do have a fabulous team of specialist nurses, they really go that extra mile for you.

xx

phoenixoxo

Hi cakegirl,

Just to say, sorry you've had such a rough time with MTX. I've been there too, experiencing no end of problems with tablets and injections. Yes, my joints improved a bit, but I couldn't reap the benefits as I was spending most of my day either in bed with migraines or in the bathroom! But you're right, there are a lot of other DMARDs out there and hopefully you'll find one that suits you better.

Good luck for your appointment, and I hope the steroid injection helps,
Phoebe

applerose

You have tried with it for a long time. Don't blame you wanting to come off it. Hope you start to feel better soon and find something which works for you.

ichabod6

You may wish to mention azathiroprine to your rheumatologist.

I was on varying doses of methotrexate for several years and
whilst I had no serious side effects it eventually buggered up my
immune system. I was whipped off it some fifteen months ago and
put on azathiroprine which has served me well ever since.
It could possibly work for you.

Moller841

Hey,

Sorry to hear your having so much trouble but i know exactly how you feel as i have been on meth for 4 months and have added sulpha...something ontop of the meth and have had 2 injections of steroids which has done nothing... in fact i have got worse since being on them...

But please let me know what you are referred to as i will have to go through the same process...

Good luck and keep us posted!

Thom

barbara12

Hi Cakegirl
I am so sorry you have had all those side effects, sorry I cant help with any advice, but I really do wish you well with your next treatment.
And please let us know how you get on. xx