Ok so I was so pleased that I didn’t have any side effects with my first two weeks of MTX - no effect on the PSA pain either though. I know …it takes time…but now third dose gave me an awful feeling in my stomach and slight nausea. I was wondering how my forum friends experienced this. Do the side effects get worse with time? Do they go away eventually? My next apt. is not until end April so I suppose I have to stick it out…
BTW now for a positive twist from getting PsA:
I heard that swimming was a great exercise…but I hate swimming!! Why? Because I don’t swim properly and don’t put my head under water. Anyway PsA was the push for me and I have started swimming lessons!!! At the age of 50+ I have discovered a new language. I’ve only had a couple of lessons so far but I can now breath and open my eyes (with goggles) under water and wow!! it is so relaxing!! Plus no pain in the water! Really recommend.
I don’t remember exactly how it was in the beginning of taking MTX… I do that after I went down to 10mg a week my nausea got better… for me it helped to take it between eating… making sure not to take them on an empty stumach but also put some food on top…
I also read (after I stopped taking them) that you should drink a lot of water…
Some people will switch over to injectible MTX. Regardless, hydrating is critical. In terms of swimming, even just walking in the water can be great exercise, and may be more feasible for some people. There also are water exercise classes that might work well for you, also not based in swimming. I CAN swim but find that it I have worse pain with it, but do like to exercise in the water.
The “old” swimming teacher in me says “You go, Yael!” Yes, for most of us, moving in water is a wonderful thing. As Stoney says, even walking in the water can be really soothing. I like to walk with deep knee bends in the pool, and simultaneously make swimming motions with my arms. I find that the best for my arthritis, even though I’m an accomplished swimmer. Anyway, what a great positive happy move to make! Well done, you.
As for the MTX, most people get over the nausea thing, or they switch to injectable. Meanwhile, have you tried taking it in the late evening so that you’ll be asleep and not notice when you get queasy? Just a thought …
Great hearing from you again, Yael. How’s your husband doing?
Thanks Seenie for your encouraging words. Actually sitting with hubby getting his last round of chemo. Taking about nausea he’s had it really bad so i cant complain.
)