Newbie

Hi tracy I was diagnosed with RA in September and started on Methotrexate. I was really worried about side effects but after a few weeks no longer have them. Initially I felt sick became really hot and could not sleep. These have passed and now I wouldn't know that I had taken them.

The pain didn't disappear straight away it has taken quite a while for it to begin to work. I have had another steroid injection and started sulfasalazine last week.

All the meds seem to take a long time to work so don't be too disappointed if you feel no relief for a while.

Initially all I could feel was that it wasn't quite so bad. 10 weeks ago I couldn't walk or use my hands and to day I walked the dog for 1 and a half hours and cycled to the hospital for my blood tests. Pain free and slower then usual but still did it.

I am hoping it stays that way. I would suggest perhaps starting your meds at the beginning of the weekend so that you can manage the side effects "IF " you have any in a safe space. I used to save up films and snacks to watch at night as I knew I wouldn't sleep and the following day would be a write off. I thought of it as a bit of a sleep over with my dog. Now I sleep and don't feel sick it passed after about a month.

I found talking to other people who have my condition really helpful as I thought I was going mad and having a break down. It is a really difficult illness to deal with and the emotional side of it is really hard. I have felt suicidal and wished to die and went from being worried about the side effects to hoping they would kill me. I have cried more than I thought was possible but things have improved and I am more or less pain free today.

Whatever you go through or feel you are not mad and everyone I have spoken to has said that they felt the same. which sort of helped me. Patience Patience and more patience. Crying really helped me so if you feel like it do it. Try and take each day as it comes and have and use pain killers until you begin to feel the meds working.

I used to do an hours yoga everyday walked the dog 5K and cycled to and from work. I still can't cycle to work as it destroys my shoulders and I am in agony for days afterwards and still can't do the yoga but I am hoping I will be able to in time. If not something else will take its place.Today is the first time in a year that I have felt nearly "normal". I started MXT 26th Sept.

Let your rheumatologist know exactly how you feel as there are lots of other meds you can try. Speaking to a fellow RA patient who was diagnosed when she was 22 and is now 69 she said don't soldier on, if it hurts tell them they can only help if you let them know. She also recommended swimming as she said it was an exercise that doesn't hurt her joints and she can move around freely in the pool. She has been in remission for the past 7 years.

It's really hard but if this emotional cry baby can do it so can you. Wishing you well and I know how scary all this is.

much love Martyn

I started methotrexate in March and am now on 25mg. Since the start of November I was really struggling with mobility as my left knee had become very swollen and other joints (like knuckles and elbows) started to feel 'odd' and am now also on hydroxychloroquine.

I know everyone is different but I did a lot of running and was very active before the start of my arthritis journey (which started last October) but this September I completed the local half marathon (although November was then very tough it feels things are getting better again)

In terms of the side effects of methotrexate, I seem to be tolerating it quite well - from my own reading it seems that the folic acid that is also prescribed helps with some of them (I'm on 5mg folic acid 6 days a week).

I second don't be afraid to cry!

Thank you for your lovely comments. It's all true this is a life changing diagnosis you are going to feel really emotional about this. Things have slowly gotten better for me and it has taken a long time to accept what has happened to me. I have been really depressed ,really angry, cried loads hated my life wished I was dead a complete mess at times but all of that is normal. You kind of grow out of that experience it's like the dark night of the soul or something but it passes.You will be amazed when you look back at this time and realise how strong you are how courageous and determined. It is hell but it does get better but you need patience and try t take little steps when you begin to get some relief. Don't try and do what you did before like I did and ended up in agony for weeks. Take baby baby steps and build from there.

If you ever feel really down or just need to moan ring the help line here. The time I have it has turned my day around it really helped me when I was in a crisis.

Take really good care of yourself things will change.

All the best Martyn