anyone struggling with taking methotextrate??

[heatherjchj]

Hi everyone,
I just was diagnosed with RA...it seems to be progressing quite rapidly, and I currently am on Plaquenila and methotextrate...is it just me, or does anyone see a problem with taking a chemo drug for the rest of our lives?? How can lowering our immune systems possibly be good for us long term? I'm debating going a natural route, but wonder if that will only help with the pain but not address the long term effects of joint destruction...anyone experience this inner struggle...I am finding it quite depressing, even had my antidepressants increased, as I'm not dealing with it very well. My parents cam to live with us for 6 months, because my dad was very ill, and no one new why...I lived my life for those 6 months, taking care of my parents, finding out my dad had full blown AIDS, and getting him the meds he needed.Working, taking care of my family with 4 kids and my parents was exhausting...when my parents finally went home, that's when my RA really started acting up...I feel exhausted, like life hasn't given me break for a few years now...not dealing well with with all this. anyone relate? thanx for your time.

[Vicki]

The way I understand it is our bodies are fighting itself and therefore you don't want to increase your immune system which would aggravate the RA more. Yes, the thought of taking all of these chemo meds is a little daunting, I've been on the metho, plac, and sulfasalazine for 16 yrs now. My labs are great, thank heavens. I've had the metallic taste in my mouth for several years and am still sun sensitive two days later. I was so depressed upon being diagnosed but I find that only adds to pain. It sounds like you've been under tremedous stress, so sorry, which doesn't help you at all. You've got to find something positive in your life and catch on that. Mental attitude helps alot. Good luck

[babygirl]

yes i am having problems also, I am so severly sick 5 day out of 7 and then I feel better for a day or so just to have another injection of chemo. My husband had asked to doctor how long I would have to be on this and she told him basic for the rest of my life. I totaly know where u are coming from I am only 29 years old and was told in january that I had this RA. I now am unable to do anything that I enjoyed before.... I'm with you...

[HDrydr]

I'm new to RA as well and was on Plaquinel didn't tolerate the side effects.. did the methotrexate but again started to have symptoms come back... now on simponi injection it's ok but hasn't touched my symptoms in wrists and fingers!! I like you was ill for most of the week then ok a day or two before taking it again.... I am 38...

[andidotcalm]

I am so sorry to hear about all of you 'youngsters' with RA. I am 66 and have had the actual RA symptoms now for about 6+ years but had not been taking anything but high doses of Ibuprofen. I too did not wish to start any 'hard drugs' but now it looks like I must.

My beloved husband of 45 years passed last year (after home-caring for him)which sent me into a tailspin for which I am just now recovering. But having said that, and (like the previous poster) the RA has escalated and gotten so very much worse, I am barely able to stand the ongoing, tremendous pain. So to my physician I go for DRUGS!!! lolol :( I don't have a rheumatologist as there are very few in Las Vegas and most will not accept just Medicare so...............no money, no rheumatologist. My family doctor has been great tho.

Just thought I would check in with this - my first posting - in hopes that somehow we could all feel better for a bit. Thanks for all you being here.

[camsalis]

I've had severe RA for nearly 20 years, did some research, changed my diet early on, and gave up those dangerous drugs like MTX. I am nearly as good as new - after 20 years. Doctors I see don't realize that I was once considered seriously ill and my life has not changed. There are some excellent web sites that discuss the diet alternative. Unfortunately I'm not allowed to give their web addresses here. RA is a food allergy disease. If you don't believe it, just go on a 3-day fast. Your symptoms will completely clear if you haven't cheated. If your symptoms clear with a fast, that means food is responsible for them. Then, you have to find out which foods you are allergic to.

There is absolutely no reason for the suffering that accompanies a diagnosis of RA.

[thobbit]

I am recently diagnosed (October) with RA, too. I have been in a flare since July involving most of my joints from neck to toes, and currently take methotrexate, prednisone, and powerhouse pain meds that don't work alot of the time. In my research I have found that the reason for taking methotrexate and other disease modifying drugs or DMARDS, is exactly that they modify how your body reacts to itself. You see our immune systems are in hyper drive, essentially attacking our own joints and creating irrepairable damage. Methotrexate lowers or weakens our immune systems attack on our own body. See our immune systems are not acting normal, they are in hyperdrive and targeting our own body as they would a foreign invader, like a virus. Methotrexate is our doctor's attempt at trying to control our immune systems and act normally. There is no guarantee that any DMARD will work, although some combinations such as the one you have been prescribed have a history of successfully controlling the disease. Now, as far as going the natural route. I love herbals and have used them to assist my body through menopause, sleep issues, etc. There is a problem with using them for autoimmuse diseases though because traditional herbals are designed to assist or bodies in ramping up and enhancing our immune systems. With immune systems that are already out of control adding more fuel to the fire is not a desirable solution. At least I am not aware of any herbals, or naturalpathic combinations that suppress immune systems like chemo drugs are capable of doing.

[achyjoints]

I am going to start methotrexate early next month. am just on predenisone now but waiting for liver studies to come back and then will bridge to methotrexate.

I am worried about it. I forgot to ask my doctor how long i'll be on it... does this Dx basically mean meds forever? With this diagnosis I had so many questions but forgot to ask that one. I know people frequently change meds but do you have to be on something foerver to prevent the joint destruction?

Im sero negative but high CRP and ESR and really swollen multiple joints and morning stiffness. Dr told me I may eventually be RF positive or may never, he is testing my ccip too but says that may not convert either that he can diagnosis me base on my symtpoms, exam and other lab work.

Id like to know someday I wont have to take meds. am a bit afraid of the road ahead involving more and more meds though from what Im reading.