Looking forward to getting and giving support

Casey46

I have recently been diagnosed with RA and start Methotrexate tomorrow. Feeling very nervous.

[Deleted User]

Dear Casey46,

Welcome to our forum, it is very difficult to get your head round the ramifications of a condition like arthritis which can change your life in many ways.

There is a thread in the Living with arthritis forum on hints and tips that you may find useful, here's the link
https://arthritiscareforum.org.uk/viewtopic.php?f=8&t=18372

This booklet is all about arthritis from the main website
https://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/assets/000/001/887/Understanding_arthritis_2017_Update_original.pdf?1510587638

Looking forward to your posts
Take care
Yvonne x

dreamdaisy

Hello, it's nice to meet you but I am sorry you have had to find us. We have a number of new members who have recently started meth and of course you will feel apprehensive; I've been taking it for years and have absolutely no trouble (apart from feeling extra tired every now and again after my injection). We take it at considerably smaller doses than its use in treating other diseases and the majority of people cope very well but we rarely - if ever - hear from them. I don't have RA, I have another form of auto-immune inflammatory arthritis but the meds are the same - you name it I've more than likely taken it. It can take between two to twelve weeks before you might begin to feel a difference in yourself, I hope it's sooner rather than later. I have witnessed over my arthritic years that the sooner one begins the meds the better the outcome can be, I hope you fall into this category.

The forum is a place for information and support, I hope you find it to be of interest. Most people look in and reply on the Living with Arthritis board on here, that's where we deal with meds, appointments and suchlike. I wish you well. DD

Casey46

Thank you for the welcome.

I have Osteoarthritis and had a total right hip replacement 5 years ago and no problems since. I had a bit of pain in my feet and put it down to leading a very sedentary life prior to buying a dog and going from no walking to three walks a day!

Last month I had very painful hands and one became very swollen overnight. Saw my GP had blood test and diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis (always been a bit greedy)! !

Saw a Consultant 10 days later and had a thorough going over, X-rays and a Steroid Injection, followed by Drug education with a Nurse Specialist.

I feel very lucky to have been seen so quickly and start my Methotrexate and folic acid regime tonight. I love the NHS.

I am sure I will be looking for support and info from you friendly bunch of people. t69044

dreamdaisy

I too have a creaky foot in both camps, OA was diagnosed in 2011, I hadn't realised it was possible to have both kinds of arthritis but soon learned that it was not unusual. The meds for the PsA don't touch the OA and why would they? They are different beasts and of the two I far prefer the OA as it is much more honest in how it presents. Last night was grim and today is not much better thanks to the weather (OA) so I am treating myself to a day in bed with my laptop, the telly (Roger Moore in The Saint, get in!) and a very difficult jigsaw puzzle: as pain distractions they are pretty effective. DD

stickywicket

Hi and welcome from me too. I'm another who has 'done the double' though, like DD, mine took the more conventional route of RA, largely untreated, leading to OA. I hope the methotrexate works as well for you as it does for me. Good luck!

barbara12

Hello Casey46and a warm welcome form me
Sorry I cant help with your meds but there are many on here that can, and just talking about things will help..so hope to see you around d the forum..

Casey46

stickywicket wrote:

Hi and welcome from me too. I'm another who has 'done the double' though, like DD, mine took the more conventional route of RA, largely untreated, leading to OA. I hope the methotrexate works as well for you as it does for me. Good luck!

I actually am in disbelief at the moment. I took my Methotrexate on Monday night and apart from a bit of nausea I am feeling good. I did my ironing for the first time in ages and although a bit stiff in the hands, I actually took my dog for a walk for the first time in over a month. I certainly didn’t expect such a fast response to the drugs.

stickywicket

I'm truly gobsmacked but delighted for you. Carry on with the good work.

chwatkins83

Hi,

I just wanted to see, as it has been a couple weeks now since you have started Methotrexate. How is it for you? Are you seeing any improvements yet?

I am very nervous to start, but am going to consider it tomorrow. I don't know why I am so frightened!

Casey46

chwatkins83 wrote:

Hi,

I just wanted to see, as it has been a couple weeks now since you have started Methotrexate. How is it for you? Are you seeing any improvements yet?

I am very nervous to start, but am going to consider it tomorrow. I don't know why I am so frightened!

I’m sorry I haven’t replied to your question. I am feeling so much better with huge improvement in my joints and hands. My only problem has been the nausea. My consultant has recommended that I start injecting the Methotrexate for two reasons! One it bypasses the stomach so deals with nausea and two it delivers 100% of the drug instead of 80% with tablet form. She believes this will give me even more relief than at present. I am very happy to be guided by my Rheumy team. Start the injections next week. Will keep in touch and hope you are coping well xx