Newly diagnosed with Psoriatic arthritis anxious about starting treatment

gemma123

Good morning

I have recently been diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis. Im 42 a nurse, I have 2 teenage children. The conultant has suugested I start on Methotrexate ASAP.

Im a liitle anxious as the side effects dont sound fun!. Im worried how it will effect me at work and if its going to make me even more tired than I already feel. I appreciate the rational behind it, my MRI is already showing inflamatory damage to my shoulders, hands and neck. I would just really appreciate any advise on how best to manage when I start treatment, ie diet, lifestyle- anything I can do myself to make it easier.

Thanks in advance

Gemma

frogmorton

Hi @gemma123

Sorry to hear your recent diagnosis.

Methotrexate or MTX is a really good medication, but yes some people (not all) do suffer with side effects.

Timing can help - taking it at night/evening so you sleep off some of them. Also if you find you don't feel great taking it when you know you don't have work the next day so you can rest a bit more might be an idea.

In addition you can be prescribed folic acid to mitigate the side effects alongside the MTX

I'm so glad you can see the sense in taking it and wish you all the best

Toni x

Iain2

Hi @gemma123 I have also just recently been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis, plus i've got Osteoarthris in some joints. And, i've been told by the rheumatologist that she is going to put me on Methotrexate. I've also been reading about the medicaction and, i'm also a bit worried about it. But, if it's going to help then i'm happy with it.

Take care,

Iain

pmcg1

Hi,

I also have PA and started on methotrexate 5 weeks ago. The only side affect I've had is feeling sick all day long. When I phoned the advice phone line they upped my folic to 6 days a week and said after 6 weeks if I'm still feeling sick they will look at giving me something else. I keep mints in my drawer at work and always have a drink with me to help.

I was worried about starting it too and so far haven't seen any difference taking it but I was told it can take a while.

Other advice I was given from someone I know who takes it is to use mouthwash and take vitamin d

Jozzie

Hi Gemma,

Im sorry to hear about your diagnosis.

I have been taking Methotrexate for over 4 years now having been diagnosed with RA OA and Fibromyalgia.

I have to say that I have been lucky with this medication and not suffered any side effects. I take 3 tablets once a week and folic acid the following day.

I have however decided after feeling that I’m not getting any better and still have flare ups and chronic pain that I would like to try alternative treatments and I am considering talking to Rheumatology about coming off of them as a lot of other alternative treatments don’t work well with Methotrexate. I am also discovering that some vitamins such as Magnesium can’t be taken with Methotrexate.

I would suggest that you discuss all the pros and cons with your doctor and research alternative treatments if that’s your thing and you don’t just want to swallow a pill that no one really knows the long term impact they might have on our bodies.

Good luck with your decision and journey and I hope you find what works for you.

Josie

gemma123

Thank you all for your advise, I think it just helps knowing that there are other people out there that really understand.

My husband and friends keep telling me to be kind to myself- just hate being so darn tired! Im managing mornings better now with stetches from the phyio. Although, my dog does think its an invitation to play and isnt always helpful with floor stretches! Hopefully now we know what we are dealing with I can be positive and proactive.

what a lovely group of people you all are

Gemma