not sure about starting methotrexate

terri98
terri98 Member Posts: 3
edited 9. Nov 2012, 10:46 in Living with Arthritis archive
Has anyone started treatment for RA when they're currently only having mild symptoms? I just get a painful finger for a few days, bit achy in the morning, hands painful and stiff when they get cold. No swelling and not taking pain meds. When the Dr examined me 4 months ago he couldn't find anything wrong with my joints apart from possibly "wear and tear" arthritis (I'm 62).
Saw rheumatologist again last week, he told me bloods taken 4 months ago showed high anti CCP, over 1000, and I needed to start Mxt. Previous bloods had shown rheumatoid factor of 800, ESR has always been normal.
I've had joint pains on and off for 20 yrs and had various diagnoses, viral/reactive arthritis, palindromic rheumatism etc, pain would be bad in one joint then sometimes move onto another after a day or 2, or go away completely and not come back for months or years.
I haven't had any severe pain episodes for around 12 months. If I was going through a bad flare I'd have no hesitation in starting Mxt, but I feel fairly well. I understand a high anti ccp means there's a strong possibility I could develop severe joint damage but I've had this problem for 20 years and there's no damage yet (hand and feet x rays 2 yrs ago were fine) and I've read that damage usually occurs in the first 2 years. When I asked the rheumy about this he just said it would be best to take Mxt as a precaution.
Help!!Would really appreciate advice and opinions.

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I think this is a really tough one, teeri98. I'm a big believer in not taking any unnecessary meds. If you really have an auto-immune version of arthritis then I don't believe the meds are unnecessary: they are very important to stop it progressing. (I know because they weren't around in my early athritic years and mine did progress steadily and relentlessly.)

    I currently take methotrexate and it works really well for me with virtually no side-effects. I don't like to think where I'd be without it. If you decide to go for it you will be well-monitored (by blood tests) and you would be exceptionally unlucky to get any of the nastier side-effects.

    However, your disease does seem to have been a bit come day/go day and even the docs unable to agree. To be honest, knowing what I do about auto-immune arthritis, I'd take the meth. But that's just my opinion.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Wow, from my point of view you sound rather lucky (although I know you won't be feeling it!) Hello, it's nice to meet you and I am glad you have found us.

    I went five years without any diagnosis and began with sulphaslazine after seven years of trouble. My arthritis began in my left knee but no-one realised the cause behind the swelling that went on and on and on. Sixteen years later I have OA caused by the joint damage caused by the lack of meds and the original cause was attritbuted to PsA (psoraitic arthritis). I am on injected meth now, combined with other meds for the PsA but they do nothing for the OA.

    I thnink that starting meth is a good idea (don't be seduced by the fact that you feel OK) because although you can't see the disease activity your rhuematologist wouldn't be suggesting this if he didn't fee l it necessary. It needs to be brought under control (and those figures definitely need to be reduced) and meth is the starting point. I have very little trouble with my meth etc.

    In short, do what you can to protect your future. I wish you well. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • terri98
    terri98 Member Posts: 3
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you for replies, people go through so much suffering with RA that I've been thinking I'm not ill enough for Mxt. Perhaps instead I should feel lucky and trust that the Dr knows what he's doing, instead of teaching myself rheumatology off the internet :) It was such a relief to hear something positive about methotrexate after all the scary stuff I've found.
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Ah, the interweb, that ever-reliable source of information where everything that's written is true. :wink: Rheumatologists by no means know everything about this disease but I reckon mine knows more about it than me and my GP put together. Rheumatologists don't recommend these meds for fun nor do they take their risks lightly. There are one or two on here who are doing very well indeed with just meth - so well in fact that they rarely post because they're out there getting on with things. Let's hope you join their club, yes? Good luck with it if you decide to go ahead. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • DebraKelly
    DebraKelly Member Posts: 398
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I started on Meth a few years after getting diagnosed with RA.

    First on Meth tablets and now on injections.

    Meth is a great drug and has worked for me, but it is better on the injections, but everyone is different.

    I would do whats best for you.