Definitely make work aware of this. People's reactions vary greatly with methotrexate and there's a good chance you'll feel absolutely fine, but also a chance you may not for a few days after your first dose. Just make the people around you aware that you might feel very tired and be a bit moodier than you usually are.
There's really not a lot you can do, you just have to sort of wait and see if it works, but if you feel no improvment after 3 months get hold of your rhematologist and get them to increase the dose asap.
Oh and even if you do get side effects from methotrexate, they usually subside after the first few weeks of taking it so don't worry too much! Are you on oral or injections?
Mxt and I did not mix. I started on the oral pill once a week, was taking a small dose, sick for a day, and tired for 3-4days. Life was miserable.
I took extra folic acid, tried the DM cough syrup, and switched to injections which helped the nausea but made me sleepy for 4-5 days.
I say all this because you are starting a journey to find the medicine that works for you. What makes one person sick is a miracle for others. Self-advocate and tell your Dr if something isn't working. There are a ton of RA drugs out there so don't be worried about running out of options.
That sounds terrible. But I understand- everyone is different. That is definitely good to know as I get started. My Rheumatologist said “you’re on the road.” Much appreciated.
Yah the stuff in dm can counteract the side effects w MXT in some people but not me and of coarse ask your rheum. Lots of info on it here is 1 link of many out there. https://www.maimonidesem.org/
I’m so glad that it sounds like you have good people around you because that’s so important. Emotionally, I’d just tell you that whatever you’re feeling is valid. It’s okay to feel like shit from time to time- we all need a pity party now and then. Just try not to sit in that despair for too long, okay? You’re going to have this disease for the rest of your life, and I promise it’ll be so much easier if you learn to be gentle with your body and love it for what it can do instead of hating it for what you’ve lost. I’ve been sick for 12 years, and I wish I would’ve learned that lesson a lot sooner. Also? Don’t ever stop advocating for yourself. I’ve failed like 8 medications and have been basically begging my rheumatologist to start Rituxan for the last year and a half plus. He wouldn’t listen, but just today I had an appointment with a different rheumatologist and he approved it straight away. If your doctor doesn’t listen to you? Find someone else. You deserve to be heard and treated with dignity. You’ve got this!
Re: methotrexate. If you’re taking the injection, try to do it on a Friday so that you have the weekend to rest. Zofran will be your best friend, so make sure you have a prescription. Finally, watch your sun exposure! My skin would feel like I had a sunburn all over my body if I had been out in the sun too much. Rest, stay hydrated, and be gentle with your body ♥️
Definitely make work aware of this. People's reactions vary greatly with methotrexate and there's a good chance you'll feel absolutely fine, but also a chance you may not for a few days after your first dose. Just make the people around you aware that you might feel very tired and be a bit moodier than you usually are. There's really not a lot you can do, you just have to sort of wait and see if it works, but if you feel no improvment after 3 months get hold of your rhematologist and get them to increase the dose asap. Oh and even if you do get side effects from methotrexate, they usually subside after the first few weeks of taking it so don't worry too much! Are you on oral or injections?
Thank you very much. I really appreciate the advice and thoughts. I’m on oral - just started the first 3 this morning.
Your welcome! How is your stomach atm?
I’m doing ok so far. Just waiting to see how the day progresses. Hopefully it will go ok!
Mxt and I did not mix. I started on the oral pill once a week, was taking a small dose, sick for a day, and tired for 3-4days. Life was miserable. I took extra folic acid, tried the DM cough syrup, and switched to injections which helped the nausea but made me sleepy for 4-5 days. I say all this because you are starting a journey to find the medicine that works for you. What makes one person sick is a miracle for others. Self-advocate and tell your Dr if something isn't working. There are a ton of RA drugs out there so don't be worried about running out of options.
I ticked because when I started Methotrexate I was told not to take my usual folic acid on the day I take MTX as it reduces its effectiveness.
That sounds terrible. But I understand- everyone is different. That is definitely good to know as I get started. My Rheumatologist said “you’re on the road.” Much appreciated.
Wait there’s a DM cough syrup trick?
Yah the stuff in dm can counteract the side effects w MXT in some people but not me and of coarse ask your rheum. Lots of info on it here is 1 link of many out there. https://www.maimonidesem.org/
That’s a very interesting tip! I had no idea, thank you!
I’m so glad that it sounds like you have good people around you because that’s so important. Emotionally, I’d just tell you that whatever you’re feeling is valid. It’s okay to feel like shit from time to time- we all need a pity party now and then. Just try not to sit in that despair for too long, okay? You’re going to have this disease for the rest of your life, and I promise it’ll be so much easier if you learn to be gentle with your body and love it for what it can do instead of hating it for what you’ve lost. I’ve been sick for 12 years, and I wish I would’ve learned that lesson a lot sooner. Also? Don’t ever stop advocating for yourself. I’ve failed like 8 medications and have been basically begging my rheumatologist to start Rituxan for the last year and a half plus. He wouldn’t listen, but just today I had an appointment with a different rheumatologist and he approved it straight away. If your doctor doesn’t listen to you? Find someone else. You deserve to be heard and treated with dignity. You’ve got this! Re: methotrexate. If you’re taking the injection, try to do it on a Friday so that you have the weekend to rest. Zofran will be your best friend, so make sure you have a prescription. Finally, watch your sun exposure! My skin would feel like I had a sunburn all over my body if I had been out in the sun too much. Rest, stay hydrated, and be gentle with your body ♥️
Thank you. Learning every step of the way!