To use or not to use

debs36
debs36 Member Posts: 3
in Chit chat

Hello 👋

I'm nearly 60, and I have been diagnosed with prosaic arthritis and fibromyalgia, just to add to this, osteoarthritis in my knees.

I've joined the group as I'm struggling with pain control I'd love to hear people's lived experiences with methotrexate, I've been put on the meds but I'm reluctant to take them because of the side effects d I am quite susceptible to them chest infections .. any thoughts would be appreciated xx

Comments

  • claudsl
    claudsl Moderator Posts: 78

    Hi @debs36

    I used to take methotrexate and I can understand your reluctance to take it. It does suppress your immune system so you are more vulnerable to infections. While it is good at keeping pain under control, for me the negative side effects outweighed the good and I came off it. It made me very sick for 1-2 days after taking it and this was affecting my quality of life. However, I do know people who take it and the side effects are not bad at all so I think it can vary from person to person. My dad is on it and he says he feels slightly queasy sometimes but nothing too bad.

    Here's an article with more information which you may find useful.

    Methotrexate | Side-effects, uses, time to work

    Hope this helps!

    Claudia x

  • iwannerbeme
    iwannerbeme Member Posts: 15

    Hi @debs36

    I started methotrexate around 6 weeks ago. Like you i was scared about starting. I built it up in my mind into something horrendous. . So far so good. The first week I felt a bit blah the day after, nothing much just under weather. The 2nd week the same only less blah. My blood tests have come back ok. I have had 2 so far. I guess its too early to tell about infections. Im going to be busy in December and I guess that is when i am going to get ill.! I do intend to wear a ffp3 mask again at times. Something i hated during covid. I am very strict about hand washing. My RA symptoms seem a lot better but they werent that bad when I started compared to how they were. So its hard to say if methotrexate is helping yet. I think it might be. I have a friend who has been taking it for years with no side effects. You cant really know unless you try, if it doesnt suit, you can try something else, you will be monitered closely. Good luck

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