RA treatment

megram

Hi there. I was diagnosed with RA and started taking methotrexate in December . I have been going for blood tests every two weeks and now every month.I have no idea of the results of these. No sign of a follow up appointment and have had to ask for at least a meeting with the nurse. A friend in a different county has had close monitoring. Is this the norm ? Appreciate any advice.

Naomi33

Afternoon @megram and welcome to the online community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about MTX.

I was put on them last year had to take a folic acid tablet day after worked for a few months.

Then blood tests showed increase in liver enzymes so had to stop straight away. I had blood test regular whilst on it as it does not suit everyone.

I would ask your consultant for more information if not happy.

Hope this helps Best wishes @naomi33

Eeyore

Hello @megram

I think follow-up appointments and treatments generally for R.A. depend very much on the individual consultant and hospital staffing levels. I saw my consultant a year ago, when first diagnosed with R.A., but haven't seen her since. I was put on Methotrexate and had a face-to-face appointment with the nurse 6 weeks later (like you, blood tests every 2 weeks to start with, then monthly), the next appointment was a telephone consultation 6 weeks later, then alternating every 6 weeks between face-to-face and telephone. Each time with the rheumatoid nurse. At all those consultations I was told that the blood tests were all OK. I last saw a nurse in October when it was agreed I should start on a biologic, which happened just before Christmas and I have a face-to-face appointment next week. I would dearly love to chat with the consultant but seem to have 2 chances - fat and slim!! It seems to be pot luck, but I would certainly push for a face-to-face meeting with a nurse at the very least. Best of luck.