It should be noted that not all insurance companies require you to take MTX first. My current insurance (Aetna) had no such restriction. They approved Humira for me right off the bat. They didn't even blink an eye. The entire approval process took all of 2 minutes. In fact, I got the feeling they were actually pleased somehow that I was going to take Humira. now my previous insurer (BCBS/NY) did require that either MTX or Sulfasalazine be tried first. So my Rhuemy said "here take this (wink wink) for 6 weeks. When It don't work, come back and we will get ya on something better".
Now that said, MTX was the first med I tried and it worked great. I was in much much better shape after just 3 weeks. And pretty much pain free after 8 weeks. I continued on it for a year and had no problems what so ever. BUT, I'm an avid beer lover and home brewer and found the alcohol restrictions too much for me.
I'm sorry things are rough for you right now. I'm often afraid to try a new med, because I don't know how it will make me feel. A strategy that works for me is to tell my doctor that I'd like to start with the lowest possible dose and work my way up, seeing how I feel as a little time goes by. This isn't possible with all drugs, but it is with MTX.
Like you, I was afraid to start MTX. But I started with a low dose and worked my way up to what's a therapeutic dose for me. MTX has been a blessing for me and has relieved most of my pain and symptoms of inflammation. Oral MTX did give me nausea, so I wanted to switch from the tablets to injectable, and the injectable doesn't make me queasy. It does make me a somewhat low energy the day after I inject it, so I'm always sure I'm prepared with a good book and don't make plans for activities that require high energy. The side effects I've mentioned are minor, especially when I think about how bad I felt before I started MTX.
It's funny now to think what a big deal it was for me to take my first MTX tablets, and now it's so routine it's like brushing my teeth.
I hope that MTX works for you.
I'm sorry that you worry about your kids. I try very hard not to worry about my kids and grandkids. Worrying, as I don't need to tell you, won't change a thing. What will matter is simply to pay attention, and if your kids show any symptoms that concern you, get them to a doctor.
I know that some people feel antagonistic toward the biologic drugs, but I think of them as near-miraculous. What a breakthrough to create medications that get right into the cells and reprogram them. The next generation is going to see even more amazing therapies, and now that the chromosone locations of particular genes associated with PsA and its cousin diseases are known, there really are possibilities for vaccination against the disease in the near future.
Remember that a lot of great people are here for you and don't cry alone. Sharing our fears and our pain helps a lot.
This isn't your fault... you outta go easy on yourself and don't worry too much about the "what ifs" with your kids. Take care of yourself now and let others who love you help. They might not understand exactly how you feel... but they know you aren't feeling well and will probably want you to let them help.
I've been on MTX for about 7 months and have had no side effects. My blood tests keep coming back o.k. and as long as my body tolerates the drugs I'll keep taking 'em! The MTX has always helped me out a lot. I recently went to Remicade infusions from Humira (which wasn't a problem either) and so far no ill effects... I'm just waiting for it to start being more of a benefit. I take one folic acid pill each morning as well.
I know how I was feeling before being diagnosed and before I started taking meds and I was getting worse and worse. I had to get my knee drained 3 times in ten days and my hips, shoulders and spine felt like they belonged to someone twice my age (I'm 51).
I'm reminded of that song from Sesame Street when I go for my Remicade Infusions... "One of these things just doesn't belong here" lol I love seniors but feel odd in the infusion room where I haven't seen anyone under 80 yet! It's actually encouraging because I talk to them about their long battle with arthritis and they all say that the new drugs are miraculous and how much better their quality of life has been since treatment.
I'm not minimizing your struggle... I feel for you... and will keep you in my prayers. Keep coming to the group for strength, knowledge... and a few laughs.
That was well said... It's uncanny how you described the way it felt for me when I was diagnosed..
Viva la illusion !
Good Days,
Chris
Seenie said:
Welcome, K! You know, I've been thinking. It's been 18 months since I was diagnosed, at the age of sixty, after about twenty years of being less-than-well. And like you and Coach (and lots of others) I'm still reeling from my diagnosis. It took many years (and a fair amount of permanent damage) before all my diagnostic dots got connected. (And even then, I had to do a lot of the "connecting" myself.) And, like everyone else here, oh how I hate this disease and what it has done to my body and my life. Oh, and the meds ... *shudder*. But I think we need to look at it this way: we are no different the day after our diagnosis than we were the day before. The only difference is that after the diagnosis, getting better becomes a possibility. After the diagnosis, you can understand why you feel the way you do, rather than wondering whether it's just because you're getting old, or you're overweight, or you're lazy, or you're a whuss and a complainer. After the diagnosis, you can give yourself permission to rest and to ask for help, rather than feel like you're losing a battle you should (and used to) be able to cope with. In that sense, as soon as we get a diagnosis, we get some of our strength and dignity back, even before we find a treatment that helps. Don't I sound wise and brave! It's partly an illusion, self-talk to convince myself, and it does work if you do it long enough. ;-)
I was taking MTX for a month but it made me too sick - although it works for many. You can ask your doc about splitting the dose in the morning and evening if it makes you nauseous.
they will have to start u on mtx.. but try to get on a biologic asap.. it will do wonders hon..... dont be afraid... i was afraid just like you... but you know what... i had one doctor tell me.. dont be afraid to be afraid... it is normal.... everyone is anxious when they have to start something new....
Your husband is your mate for life hon.... if you love him, tell him... you need him right now.... you shouldnt be doing this alone... dont try to be the strong one all the time... remember in sickness and in health... you be happy you finally did get diagnosed... and can jump this hurdle together....
I just started on Enbrel in December.. it took me two months arguing with myself.. because I was so afraid.. but you know what... I am sorry I didnt start on it right away... my fear.. was my biggest hurdle.. I feel like a new woman.. and it only took about 6 weeks to feel a dramatic difference...
Hope this helps... message me... add me as a friend.. if u need to chat in private... hugggs
Hey for what it’s worth like a lot of you I had to go through years of suffering before dx. Gp or derm could no put it all together. When my dad was still living he ha P pretty bad and arthritis but at that time no one made the connection. But I remember growing up dad using all kinds of gels and cream, but his derm put him on mtx and what a difference it made.so after years of suffering the first time I went to the rheumy he dx PsA and started mtx. At first no problems then added humira. Uped the mtx started getting sick on stomach and headaches rheumy changed me to mtx shots. Worked great no problems then could no longer get shots went back on pills. By this time I could no longer tolerate the pills.rheumy switch me to leflunomide which I take everyday along with remicade. Leflunomide has been great. I guess me personally I never worried about the meds I just was tired of hurting or having to cover arms and legs up. Sorry so long but it does help a lot of people and some not so much but I’m glad I tried it.