Newbie

Mushy

Hi, recently diagnosed and had first dose of methotrexate. It took me a long time to actually consider using this drug due to its effect it can have on my body.

I currently work gundogs, quite a few and do worry about when the season starts up again and how I will manage.

At present my right hand is affected in that 2 of my fingers can't move and are in a fixed bent position in pain. I'm not allowed any anti inflammatory drugs due to another drug I take for high BP. Can any well tell me that the methotrexate will eventually kick in and I will be able to move them again. Feeling very despondent at the moment.

Thanks

Tom

Welcome to the forum, @Mushy .

 I see that you are recently diagnosed and have had your first dose of Methotrexate. I deduce from this that the diagnosis was one of Rheumatoid Arthritis. You ask how long the MTX will take to have an effect. The usual advice is that it can be 3 to 6 months. This may seem like a long time, but I can say from personal experience that it is worth the wait.

 You are not unnaturally concerned at the effects the illness will have on you life and work. I have always found that it is best to start from the assumption that you can do something, adapting only of necessary. Relish the things you can do rather than regret the things you no longer can.

 Here are some links to information on our website:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2022/march/common-questions-about-taking-methotrexate/

 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

 

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/living-with-arthritis/

 

Good luck and let us know how you get on.

 

Tom, Moderator.