hiya im new to the group and would really love to know how everyone else copes with this condition,i was diagnosed in November last year after suffering crippling pain in back,ankles and feet but now its in my hands,elbows,shoulders and knees for many years,i finally got to see a rheumatologist who has put me on methotrexate but I have had some nasty infections of late and couldn't take them so im back to the pain and really suffering depression because of it all,does methotrexate work?
Hi zubbles, they say methotrexate takes about 8-10 weeks before you can tell if it is working. I have just takin my second dose this past Friday and still have pain so they added prednisone to it so the pain would start going away and so would my chest pains. Some people say it works and some have to switch to injections because of side effects or some just stop because of them. I can give you a positive note about it is that I have ha little to no side effects so if you plan on taking it do not sike yourself out abou the side effects because your doc can help you with that an make it suitable for you. Hope you feel relief soon.
Welcome, zubbles!
It takes a while for Methotrexate to work. Is your doctor having you take anything for pain and inflammation? Many people with PsA are on an NSAID or steroid and pain medication. The most important part of treatment is to take the drugs, like methotrexate, that are designed to stop the damage that the psoriatic arthritis is doing to your body. I hope you find something that brings you relief from pain soon!
I’m glad you found this board, Zubbles, but sorry that you, too, are suffering the nasty effects of this disease. Most of us here have first hand experience with the pain, crushing fatigue and depression that you are feeling. It does get better, but usually not until you’ve persisted and taken the medications that you’ve been prescribed. And if one drug doesn’t work, you just need to move on to the next until you find one that does ease the pain and other discomforts. It doesn’t happen quickly: as Fighter says, it can take two or three months before you know what a drug is going to do for you. But sooner or later, you will find yourself feeling better than you do today.
Have a good look 'round the site, make yourself comfortable, and let us know if there’s anything we can help you with.
Seenie said:
I'm glad you found this board, Zubbles, but sorry that you, too, are suffering the nasty effects of this disease. Most of us here have first hand experience with the pain, crushing fatigue and depression that you are feeling. It does get better, but usually not until you've persisted and taken the medications that you've been prescribed. And if one drug doesn't work, you just need to move on to the next until you find one that does ease the pain and other discomforts. It doesn't happen quickly: as Fighter says, it can take two or three months before you know what a drug is going to do for you. But sooner or later, you will find yourself feeling better than you do today.
Have a good look 'round the site, make yourself comfortable, and let us know if there's anything we can help you with.
I had hospital this morn and my meds have been put up to 16mg a week,got to go back in a months time where it will be put up again,i take anti inflamatries but there not that good at killing the pain just take the edge off,im fed up because I want to lose weight but im not allowed to exercise yet as itl damage my joints even more grrrrrr but im not going to let this disease take over my life and give up as I still want to work and carry on as normal,im determined to make this year one of sorting my health out,im into my 3rd week of stopping smoking and feel good so far! thankyou for the much needed support xxx
Seenie said:
I'm glad you found this board, Zubbles, but sorry that you, too, are suffering the nasty effects of this disease. Most of us here have first hand experience with the pain, crushing fatigue and depression that you are feeling. It does get better, but usually not until you've persisted and taken the medications that you've been prescribed. And if one drug doesn't work, you just need to move on to the next until you find one that does ease the pain and other discomforts. It doesn't happen quickly: as Fighter says, it can take two or three months before you know what a drug is going to do for you. But sooner or later, you will find yourself feeling better than you do today.
Have a good look 'round the site, make yourself comfortable, and let us know if there's anything we can help you with.
That’s awesome you’re into your third week of quitting smoking!!!
Do you find heat or cold helps? Maybe treat yourself to a nightly bath until you start feeling better? I’m all for heat and arthritis rub to help me (as a lot of people know because it’s about all I can about LOL)
It’s hard not to feel impatient when you’re waiting for the pain to go away, so many of us here totally understand. It’s been awesome to find so many people to get it!
What about doing some very simple and low impact exercises for now? Like stretching, yoga, or water exercise? That’s of course if your doc is ok with it 