Specialist

Like Daffy this surprises me too. When you say specialist do you mean rheumatologist? They deal with the auto-immune kinds of arthritis and ignore OA because that has a different cause. I have read of meth being trialled for OA so perhaps you are taking part in this? Anyway, methotrexate.

This is a DMARD (disease-modifying-ant-rheumatic-drug) and it works by reducing the immune system, thus stopping it from firing up and triggering the arthritis. It's more common side effects are nausea and hair loss, I very rarely have the former and have the latter but luckily ain't vain so don't care. Well-meaning people might tell you that it is used as a cancer treatment - and indeed it is - but the doses we take are miniscule compared to dealing with that condition so don't let that freak you out.

It can be taken orally via tablets or injected - my guess is that you will start on the tablets. It's normally prescribed with folic acid, this is not a drug but is a supplement to help the body cope with the drug. It's a strong medication but many cope very well with it and for some it has made a difference and improved their arthritis.

You will now qualify for a free 'flu jab (if you don't already). I urge you to have one because, as our immune systems are greatly reduced, we do not have much resistance to infections. We don't produce symptoms until things have got a hold so be very conscientious about hand-washing and keeping working surfaces clean. I've been taking meth and other stuff for years now, they do nothing for my OA but my auto-immune arthritis is controlled, I know this because my bloods are beautiful. My joints are not. DD