Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group Update on my treatment plan

Thank you, Lon. Sometimes, I forget about me because I'm so busy with my granddaughters or my efforts for our clients at work etc. They take up my time and energy, except when I'm away at school. Thinking about it - that was all about me even if it didn't feel like it!

You're probably pulling my leg about the initials/code but in case you're not: fdlftm means:

friends don't let friends take methotrexate.

You keep us all in good spirits, Lon. Please keep it up - it helps me enormously.

Wendy, I just wanted to wish you good luck with your methotrexate. My dad has been taking the pill form for the past two plus years. I know he has not had any side effects from it. I tried the pill form, but I could not handle it. I couldn't eat for about 3 days after taking it, nothing would stay down. So I was switched over to taking it as a shot. I've heard that if you don't want to take it as a shot you can also mix the shot into juice and take it that way. Some people who don't like shots find it helps, I tried it but I still had stumack issues and had to stick with the shot.

I know it's important to make sure you drink lots of water while you are on methotrexate. I'm not a big water drinker but my dad is always telling me drink more water. You also want to make sure that they do blood test every month or so to moniture your liver.

Kim

Hi Wendy,
I didn't have vomiting, but I did have the nausea. I have a very touchy stomach due to taking excess ibuprofen for years, so I had some stomach pain after taking each MTX pill too. I think you said your doctor was going to start you off slowly, so that's good, the side effects will be minimal, if you have any at all. I don't recall having any fatigue while on Methotrexate. I hear many-many more stories about people taking methotrexate, than I hear people talking about their side effects from it.

I hope this link will help you feel a little better about taking methotrexate...
http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17350489
They show a large number of people taking DMARDS in Mexico.

Take care,
James

Hi Wendy,

I wish you luck! Listen, what do you have to lose? Moreover, what might you have to gain? I have been on mtx for about three months and it has improved my pain by leaps and bounds. I am not in denial of its sides, but I live in the now and right now it's working. The only side effect I know I have (and that may just be relative-haha) is it seriously impacts my short term memory. What were we talking about?haha But not so much as to change my mind at this time. I know that I will have to go off sooner than later to lesson risks, but I am having reg. blood tests and I am doing well. I also must add that I am on many many other meds as well, but... And I also agree with taking the prednisone. I have learned that whenever I travel or have something coming up that I need to be in especially good health for, I start myself on the pred. It keeps me from blowing into flares. After the event or trip, I just simply go off. We learn what works for us and our bodies. Be your own advocate, but don't live in fear. We are all here to help you! Have faith!

Hey Wendy, it's natural to hear from the extremes of the bell curve. And the friends here who have had really bad experiences just want to help. But I can't tell you how many articles I have read this year that sound like it's foolish not to go on mtx. I am not, but I think if it comes to that I'll feel better about it. It has changed my Mother In Law's life. She is having no side effects, and she has struggled with serious GERD her whole life.
Anyway, if you check out science daily and search the drug, you'll see lot's and lots of articles. I'll look for one I read recently in NEJM.

Good for you, it's the kind of brave decision we all struggle with.

Hi Wendy.
No i never tried I was kept on more traditional drugs.Now im on Humira theres risks but the way I look at it lifes a risk and one im prepared to take if it helps me. Im sure you will be ok
Doctors wouldnt risk it if it was that bad.
Kevin

Hi Wendy,

I haven't been on for a while but have followed your progress at school - good on you for that super-human effort. MTX is considered the "gold standard" treatment for RA and I wish you all the best with trying it. A lot of RA sufferers get fabulous relief and a few do not.

I took the other path and declined MTX, but then again my Humira has not been that effective either after 4 months. It is a huge dilemna, if you try and fail at least you know where you stand. If you succeed, then have a huge celebratory party and whoop it up big time, I say!
All the best.

hi wendy,

sorry to hear that your RA has been so bad (both by what you say here and by sharing your recent time at school).

i think so long as you and your doctor are comfortable with whatever is decided, that's all that matters. but it is good to have as much information available so we go into things with both eyes open, and are more aware of potential side effects. if you can't tolerate the side effects, you can always stop.

good luck with your next course of action,

sue

My first guess would have been:

Finally - Doctor looks for top medicine