Methotrexate

I was first hospitalised with RA in 1981 so was on earlier medication for several years before methotrexate was offered. I have been on it now for a long time, was able to slowly decrease additional prednisolone - a steroid- and have had no real problems with it. Take heart - uncontrolled RA is no answer. I was able to keep working until I was 55, continued to play little sport for fun after that and even now, at 80, can enjoy a 2-3k well-being walk. You get used to picking up the signs for a possible flare-up and can rest up. Learn to be kind to yourself. I do agree that rheumatology departments are much more stretched than they used to be but I was given a contact phone number for a specialist nursing team if I need advice and help. It’s worth searching around for such help, and bodies like Versus Arthritis are also useful.

Pat