Meds changed to Methotrexate and Folic Acid today

Teapot

Good evening everyone - today I saw Rheumy Consultant for 2nd appointment. Blood results showed OA and Poriasis A (I have had P for around 8 years) He said the majority of P sufferers end up with PA.

I have been on Naprexen but it really did not help with the hands, fingers and especially the anke area. He has now put me on Methotrexate 2.5 mg and I have to take 4 of these each Sunday and one 5 mg Folic Acid on a Wednesday. He also send me for chest Xray and I will go for a lung function test when appoint comes through. I have to go for regular blood (one in 15 days and another in 6 weeks).

He also gave be an injection in my bottom problem is I did not catch what that was for does anyone know.

Has anyone any advice about MX are there foods that I should not eat/avoid. I have a leaflet but I always feel happier to hear from someone who is on this med as I was reluctant about it as it sound a really strong med.
If you are on MX di you still take lapronazale a stomach protector tab he did not tell me whether to keep on going with this.

To be honest I was over at hospital from 10.30 and left there at 2.30 so my brain was getting a bit scrambled.
Thanks for your help

dreamdaisy

Hello Valde, well this sounds like progress and I hope the new meds soon kick in and start to help.

I have been on meth for years and have very little trouble with it. If you are due to take your tablets on a Sunday then I would advise doing them in the early evening, after a meal, so that you can then get to bed and sleep. The injection was most likely to be a depo-medrone, a general steroid-boost for the whole body - rest now and tomorrow so it has the best chance to get to work. As for the stomach protector, if you are to continue with the anti-inflammatory then yes, you should keep taking it, but if you are stopping the nap then no, you won't need them.

Many of us are on meth with little or no trouble and I hope you will be one of our gang too. It is a strong med but we take it at comparatively low doses, only time will tell how you will get on with it. I wish you well. DD

gemmarh100

Hi Valde,

My story sounds very much similar to yours. Although I have RA (diagnosed in April) I too, was on Naproxen and a stomach protector for about 4 months and didn't really help. I also had a jab into my bottom....mine was a steroid injection, so i'm guessing that's what yours might have been too.

I have now been put on MTX 10mg and Folic Acid too, so we seem to be following the same path. I have only been on it for 1 month, so haven't seen any improvement yet, but Rheumy says with take 6-12 weeks before this happens... :roll: I take MTX after evening meal and make sure to drink lots of water, too.

Like DD said, the stomach protector is for the Naproxen (so depends if you are still taking that - I assume you are?)

Anyway, hope you are ok...and keep in touch

Gem xxx

Teapot

Thanks Dreamdaisy and Gem for your answers. I will take your advice and take MX early evening on Sundays. The Consultant did not say whether to continue with Nap and I assumed I had to stop it. Anyway I think I will check this out tomorrow and phone them as I said it was a lot of info to take in. Your messages have helped me as I am trying to understand all this. I will let you know how the MX goes but consultant did say I would not see any change for around 5/6 weeks as you said Gem. Thanks again and hope you both have a good night. x

barbara12

Hello valde
Sorry I cant offer any advice about the meds,I have OA, but I just want to add my support and wish you well with them...these appointment do take it out of you so hopefully you will now have your feet up x

stickywicket

It's true that methotrexate usually takes some time to build up in one's system. I hope yours works asap. I've taken it for years with no ill effects and plenty of good ones

I think you should ask about the naproxen because it's usually considered better not to take anti-inflammatories with meth though sometimes they are prescribed alongside it.

As for foods etc - I presume you've been advised not to have alcohol at least for several weeks until your routine blood tests have shown your liver function levels are remaining stable. I can get away with a glass or two but better safe than sorry.

I've also read on here recently that someone was told not to drink orange juice or eat oranges while on meth as they can prevent it working as well as it might otherwise. I can't say I've ever noticed a problem.

DebraKelly

I have been on Meth for 4 years now and have made a small list of things to avoid and eat whilst you are on Meth.

But remember we are all different so these might not work for you.

I can't drink Orange Juice or have Oranges at all with Meth as they make me feel horrible.

I also avoid eatting a lot of red meat now, but do have the odd steak occasionally.

What you can eat is lots of fresh veg (red peppers are the best for RA with Meth) and oily fish, I have 2 lots of fish in my main meals throughout the week now.

Drink plenty of water whilst on Meth as it does leave you a dry throat.

I was about 3 months before I started to notice the Meth make a difference.

If you are feeling yucky try Ginger Nuts or Mints, as they helped me.

Hope this helps.

Hope this helps.

mig

Hope the new meds work for you Valde . Mig