Re: Methotrexate - Carol Z

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol:

Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

here, but glad that you found us. I am currently

taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years. It

began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

asthma and high blood pressure.

I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

Saturday, and sometimes have a headache. I also take

Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my liver.

You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check your

liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one elevation

of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in 3

years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from scrapes

and cuts more easily.

Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

meds used for RA. I know you are probably thinking

that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it is,

but in much, much higher doses than used for RA. It

has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

it will help you too. These meds do not work

overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

there are other meds out there that you can also try.

Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

another med to get results.

For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things I

need to. Some compromises have been made, and some

things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

all, I am hanging in there lol.

Hope this helps -

Kathe in CA

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> Hi everyone:

>

> I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> RA. My doctor first prescribed

> Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. This was

> working for a short time then

> inflamation and pain started again. Now she has

> added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> week. I picked up the meds last week and have not

> taken any yet. I'm afraid. I live alone

> and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> Anyway, can anyone share stories - good

> and bad experiences about this drug?

>

> Thanks so much.

> Carol Zwald

>

>

>

>

>

>

Kathe in CA

__________________________________

- PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

http://mail.

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol:

Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

here, but glad that you found us. I am currently

taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years. It

began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

asthma and high blood pressure.

I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

Saturday, and sometimes have a headache. I also take

Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my liver.

You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check your

liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one elevation

of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in 3

years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from scrapes

and cuts more easily.

Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

meds used for RA. I know you are probably thinking

that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it is,

but in much, much higher doses than used for RA. It

has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

it will help you too. These meds do not work

overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

there are other meds out there that you can also try.

Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

another med to get results.

For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things I

need to. Some compromises have been made, and some

things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

all, I am hanging in there lol.

Hope this helps -

Kathe in CA

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> Hi everyone:

>

> I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> RA. My doctor first prescribed

> Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. This was

> working for a short time then

> inflamation and pain started again. Now she has

> added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> week. I picked up the meds last week and have not

> taken any yet. I'm afraid. I live alone

> and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> Anyway, can anyone share stories - good

> and bad experiences about this drug?

>

> Thanks so much.

> Carol Zwald

>

>

>

>

>

>

Kathe in CA

__________________________________

- PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

http://mail.

[Guest guest]

Carol, Welcome to the group. I've been on mtx for

almost 3 years. I started at 10 mgs q week and had

good results for about one and one half years. The

only side effect was mild fatique. It started working

in about 3 weeks. Then it became less effective so we

upped it to 15 mgs. My labs and function improved.

About this time I changed Dr. and based on my labs he

upped it again to 20 mg. Also at this time my x-rays

showed no erosion so I felt that it was doing it job.

At this time my hair started falling out by the

handfuls and I was so tired I could hardly drag for

the entire week so back down to 10 mgs each week and

have added minocin 100mg twice a day. I've been doing

this for about 2 months and so far so good. I still

have fatigue for a couple of days after the mtx but at

a level that I can function but just need extra rest.

I've always been anti meds but now find them necessary

because all studies show that early treatment does

help prevent bone erosion and other problems. Good

luck with your treatment. Educate yourself about meds

and the choices that are available. Dr. do not always

present us with all the options and facts. You are

your own best advocate. Find a Dr. who will listen

and work with you.

--- Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@...> wrote:

> Hi Carol:

>

> Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

> here, but glad that you found us. I am currently

> taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years. It

> began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

> well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

> asthma and high blood pressure.

>

> I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

> take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

> through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> Saturday, and sometimes have a headache. I also

> take

> Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> liver.

> You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check

> your

> liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> elevation

> of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in

> 3

> years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

> some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> scrapes

> and cuts more easily.

>

> Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

> meds used for RA. I know you are probably thinking

> that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it

> is,

> but in much, much higher doses than used for RA. It

> has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

> it will help you too. These meds do not work

> overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> there are other meds out there that you can also

> try.

> Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

> another med to get results.

>

> For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

> quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things

> I

> need to. Some compromises have been made, and some

> things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

> all, I am hanging in there lol.

>

> Hope this helps -

>

> Kathe in CA

>

> --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone:

> >

> > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> > RA. My doctor first prescribed

> > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. This was

> > working for a short time then

> > inflamation and pain started again. Now she has

> > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > week. I picked up the meds last week and have not

> > taken any yet. I'm afraid. I live alone

> > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> > Anyway, can anyone share stories - good

> > and bad experiences about this drug?

> >

> > Thanks so much.

> > Carol Zwald

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> Kathe in CA

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________

> - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> http://mail.

>

__________________________________

Start your day with - Make it your home page!

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Carol, Welcome to the group. I've been on mtx for

almost 3 years. I started at 10 mgs q week and had

good results for about one and one half years. The

only side effect was mild fatique. It started working

in about 3 weeks. Then it became less effective so we

upped it to 15 mgs. My labs and function improved.

About this time I changed Dr. and based on my labs he

upped it again to 20 mg. Also at this time my x-rays

showed no erosion so I felt that it was doing it job.

At this time my hair started falling out by the

handfuls and I was so tired I could hardly drag for

the entire week so back down to 10 mgs each week and

have added minocin 100mg twice a day. I've been doing

this for about 2 months and so far so good. I still

have fatigue for a couple of days after the mtx but at

a level that I can function but just need extra rest.

I've always been anti meds but now find them necessary

because all studies show that early treatment does

help prevent bone erosion and other problems. Good

luck with your treatment. Educate yourself about meds

and the choices that are available. Dr. do not always

present us with all the options and facts. You are

your own best advocate. Find a Dr. who will listen

and work with you.

--- Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@...> wrote:

> Hi Carol:

>

> Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

> here, but glad that you found us. I am currently

> taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years. It

> began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

> well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

> asthma and high blood pressure.

>

> I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

> take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

> through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> Saturday, and sometimes have a headache. I also

> take

> Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> liver.

> You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check

> your

> liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> elevation

> of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in

> 3

> years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

> some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> scrapes

> and cuts more easily.

>

> Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

> meds used for RA. I know you are probably thinking

> that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it

> is,

> but in much, much higher doses than used for RA. It

> has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

> it will help you too. These meds do not work

> overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> there are other meds out there that you can also

> try.

> Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

> another med to get results.

>

> For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

> quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things

> I

> need to. Some compromises have been made, and some

> things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

> all, I am hanging in there lol.

>

> Hope this helps -

>

> Kathe in CA

>

> --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone:

> >

> > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> > RA. My doctor first prescribed

> > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. This was

> > working for a short time then

> > inflamation and pain started again. Now she has

> > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > week. I picked up the meds last week and have not

> > taken any yet. I'm afraid. I live alone

> > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> > Anyway, can anyone share stories - good

> > and bad experiences about this drug?

> >

> > Thanks so much.

> > Carol Zwald

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> Kathe in CA

>

>

>

>

>

> __________________________________

> - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> http://mail.

>

__________________________________

Start your day with - Make it your home page!

http://www./r/hs

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Kathy.

I think I too will take Mtx on Friday - starting this Friday (10/21).

It's mind boggling how much our bodies can take - in terms of

medications/drugs! I know I have a lot of pain now but it will get

worse if I don't start this medication! I also had thyroid

surgery in 8/04 and RAI treatment for a small amount of cancer found on

the tumor. However, that is under control right now. My hair just got

healthy after the other treatments and here we go again. How does

Fibro differ from RA? Do you have any difficulty driving? That was a

big concern for me too.

Also, do I need to check first about the Folic Acid and Milk Thistle

with the doctor? I have heard about these two being helpful from Dr.

Weil.

Thanks again.

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 11:44 AM, Kathe Sabetzadeh wrote:

> Hi Carol:

>

> Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

> here, but glad that you found us.  I am currently

> taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years.  It

> began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

> well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

> asthma and high blood pressure. 

>

> I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

> take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

> through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I also take

> Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my liver.

> You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check your

> liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one elevation

> of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in 3

> years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

> some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from scrapes

> and cuts more easily. 

>

> Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

> meds used for RA.  I know you are probably thinking

> that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it is,

> but in much, much higher doses than used for RA.  It

> has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

> it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> there are other meds out there that you can also try.

> Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

> another med to get results.

>

> For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

> quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things I

> need to.  Some compromises have been made, and some

> things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

> all, I am hanging in there lol.

>

> Hope this helps -

>

> Kathe in CA

>

> --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone: 

> >

> > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This was

> > working for a short time then

> > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she has

> > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have not

> > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > and bad experiences about this drug?

> >

> > Thanks so much.

> > Carol Zwald

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> Kathe in CA

>

>

>

>      

>            

> __________________________________

> - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> http://mail.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Thanks so much Kathy.

I think I too will take Mtx on Friday - starting this Friday (10/21).

It's mind boggling how much our bodies can take - in terms of

medications/drugs! I know I have a lot of pain now but it will get

worse if I don't start this medication! I also had thyroid

surgery in 8/04 and RAI treatment for a small amount of cancer found on

the tumor. However, that is under control right now. My hair just got

healthy after the other treatments and here we go again. How does

Fibro differ from RA? Do you have any difficulty driving? That was a

big concern for me too.

Also, do I need to check first about the Folic Acid and Milk Thistle

with the doctor? I have heard about these two being helpful from Dr.

Weil.

Thanks again.

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 11:44 AM, Kathe Sabetzadeh wrote:

> Hi Carol:

>

> Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

> here, but glad that you found us.  I am currently

> taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years.  It

> began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

> well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

> asthma and high blood pressure. 

>

> I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

> take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

> through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I also take

> Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my liver.

> You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check your

> liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one elevation

> of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in 3

> years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

> some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from scrapes

> and cuts more easily. 

>

> Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

> meds used for RA.  I know you are probably thinking

> that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it is,

> but in much, much higher doses than used for RA.  It

> has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

> it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> there are other meds out there that you can also try.

> Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

> another med to get results.

>

> For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

> quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things I

> need to.  Some compromises have been made, and some

> things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

> all, I am hanging in there lol.

>

> Hope this helps -

>

> Kathe in CA

>

> --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi everyone: 

> >

> > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This was

> > working for a short time then

> > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she has

> > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have not

> > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > and bad experiences about this drug?

> >

> > Thanks so much.

> > Carol Zwald

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

>

>

>

> Kathe in CA

>

>

>

>      

>            

> __________________________________

> - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> http://mail.

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

- Thanks.

Better than finding a doctor who will listen and easier too is having

this group to listen and gain knowledge from and take to the doctors.

I am finding that I/we have to guide them. Yes??

This Friday will be my first dose of mtx........ you all have convinced

me and put me at ease. Time will tell. I am a pretty strong willed

person. Do any of you have trouble driving while taking mtx? Info I

have read says to avoid driving. This would be extremely difficult for

me. I have to do yard work and any lifting I have no help and no means

to pay for help. Hopefully I will be able to continue as usual.

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 7:05 PM, Boyd wrote:

> Carol,  Welcome to the group.  I've been on mtx for

> almost 3 years.  I started at 10 mgs q week and had

> good results for about one and one half years.  The

> only side effect was mild fatique.  It started working

> in about 3 weeks.  Then it became less effective so we

> upped it to 15 mgs. My labs and function improved.

> About this time I changed Dr. and based on my labs he

> upped it again to 20 mg.  Also at this time my x-rays

> showed no erosion so I felt that it was doing it job.

> At this time my hair started falling out by the

> handfuls and I was so tired I could hardly drag for

> the entire week so back down to 10 mgs each week and

> have added minocin 100mg twice a day.  I've been doing

> this for about 2 months and so far so good.  I still

> have fatigue for a couple of days after the mtx but at

> a level that I can function but just need extra rest.

> I've always been anti meds but now find them necessary

> because all studies show that early treatment does

> help prevent bone erosion and other problems.  Good

> luck with your treatment.  Educate yourself about meds

> and the choices that are available.  Dr. do not always

> present us with all the options and facts.  You are

> your own best advocate.  Find a Dr. who will listen

> and work with you.

>

> --- Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Carol:

> >

> > Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

> > here, but glad that you found us.  I am currently

> > taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years.  It

> > began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

> > well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> > Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

> > asthma and high blood pressure. 

> >

> > I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

> > take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

> > through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> > Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I also

> > take

> > Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> > liver.

> > You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check

> > your

> > liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> > elevation

> > of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in

> > 3

> > years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

> > some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> > scrapes

> > and cuts more easily. 

> >

> > Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

> > meds used for RA.  I know you are probably thinking

> > that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it

> > is,

> > but in much, much higher doses than used for RA.  It

> > has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

> > it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> > overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> > there are other meds out there that you can also

> > try.

> > Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

> > another med to get results.

> >

> > For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

> > quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> > pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things

> > I

> > need to.  Some compromises have been made, and some

> > things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

> > all, I am hanging in there lol.

> >

> > Hope this helps -

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> > --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi everyone: 

> > >

> > > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> > > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This was

> > > working for a short time then

> > > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she has

> > > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have not

> > > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> > > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > > and bad experiences about this drug?

> > >

> > > Thanks so much.

> > > Carol Zwald

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> >

> >

> >      

> >            

> > __________________________________

> > - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> > http://mail.

> >

>

>

>

>            

> __________________________________

> Start your day with - Make it your home page!

> http://www./r/hs

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

- Thanks.

Better than finding a doctor who will listen and easier too is having

this group to listen and gain knowledge from and take to the doctors.

I am finding that I/we have to guide them. Yes??

This Friday will be my first dose of mtx........ you all have convinced

me and put me at ease. Time will tell. I am a pretty strong willed

person. Do any of you have trouble driving while taking mtx? Info I

have read says to avoid driving. This would be extremely difficult for

me. I have to do yard work and any lifting I have no help and no means

to pay for help. Hopefully I will be able to continue as usual.

Carol

On Oct 18, 2005, at 7:05 PM, Boyd wrote:

> Carol,  Welcome to the group.  I've been on mtx for

> almost 3 years.  I started at 10 mgs q week and had

> good results for about one and one half years.  The

> only side effect was mild fatique.  It started working

> in about 3 weeks.  Then it became less effective so we

> upped it to 15 mgs. My labs and function improved.

> About this time I changed Dr. and based on my labs he

> upped it again to 20 mg.  Also at this time my x-rays

> showed no erosion so I felt that it was doing it job.

> At this time my hair started falling out by the

> handfuls and I was so tired I could hardly drag for

> the entire week so back down to 10 mgs each week and

> have added minocin 100mg twice a day.  I've been doing

> this for about 2 months and so far so good.  I still

> have fatigue for a couple of days after the mtx but at

> a level that I can function but just need extra rest.

> I've always been anti meds but now find them necessary

> because all studies show that early treatment does

> help prevent bone erosion and other problems.  Good

> luck with your treatment.  Educate yourself about meds

> and the choices that are available.  Dr. do not always

> present us with all the options and facts.  You are

> your own best advocate.  Find a Dr. who will listen

> and work with you.

>

> --- Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@...> wrote:

>

> > Hi Carol:

> >

> > Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you are

> > here, but glad that you found us.  I am currently

> > taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years.  It

> > began working in about 2 months, and is still doing

> > well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> > Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for Fibro,

> > asthma and high blood pressure. 

> >

> > I have not really had any problems with the Mtx - I

> > take it on Friday night before bed so that I sleep

> > through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> > Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I also

> > take

> > Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> > liver.

> > You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check

> > your

> > liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> > elevation

> > of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab) in

> > 3

> > years. The other side effects of the Mtx have been

> > some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> > scrapes

> > and cuts more easily. 

> >

> > Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the oldest

> > meds used for RA.  I know you are probably thinking

> > that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it

> > is,

> > but in much, much higher doses than used for RA.  It

> > has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I hope

> > it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> > overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> > there are other meds out there that you can also

> > try.

> > Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or adding

> > another med to get results.

> >

> > For me, taking the meds is my choice to have better

> > quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> > pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the things

> > I

> > need to.  Some compromises have been made, and some

> > things there are no way I can do again, but, all in

> > all, I am hanging in there lol.

> >

> > Hope this helps -

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> > --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi everyone: 

> > >

> > > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed with

> > > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This was

> > > working for a short time then

> > > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she has

> > > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have not

> > > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs. old).

> > > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > > and bad experiences about this drug?

> > >

> > > Thanks so much.

> > > Carol Zwald

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> >

> >

> >      

> >            

> > __________________________________

> > - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> > http://mail.

> >

>

>

>

>            

> __________________________________

> Start your day with - Make it your home page!

> http://www./r/hs

>

>

>

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol:

I have never heard of the advice to not drive.

However, the first few times you take the Mtx, you

need to see how it will affect you, and then go from

there. I take mine Friday night so that I have all

weekend if necessary - maybe you can try that. Best

of luck - and, remember, it may take a while to work,

so try and be patient.

Kathe in CA

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> - Thanks.

> Better than finding a doctor who will listen and

> easier too is having

> this group to listen and gain knowledge from and

> take to the doctors.

> I am finding that I/we have to guide them. Yes??

> This Friday will be my first dose of mtx........ you

> all have convinced

> me and put me at ease. Time will tell. I am a

> pretty strong willed

> person. Do any of you have trouble driving while

> taking mtx? Info I

> have read says to avoid driving. This would be

> extremely difficult for

> me. I have to do yard work and any lifting I have

> no help and no means

> to pay for help. Hopefully I will be able to

> continue as usual.

> Carol

> On Oct 18, 2005, at 7:05 PM, Boyd wrote:

>

> > Carol,  Welcome to the group.  I've been on mtx

> for

> > almost 3 years.  I started at 10 mgs q week and

> had

> > good results for about one and one half years. 

> The

> > only side effect was mild fatique.  It started

> working

> > in about 3 weeks.  Then it became less effective

> so we

> > upped it to 15 mgs. My labs and function

> improved.

> > About this time I changed Dr. and based on my

> labs he

> > upped it again to 20 mg.  Also at this time my

> x-rays

> > showed no erosion so I felt that it was doing it

> job.

> > At this time my hair started falling out by the

> > handfuls and I was so tired I could hardly drag

> for

> > the entire week so back down to 10 mgs each week

> and

> > have added minocin 100mg twice a day.  I've been

> doing

> > this for about 2 months and so far so good.  I

> still

> > have fatigue for a couple of days after the mtx

> but at

> > a level that I can function but just need extra

> rest.

> > I've always been anti meds but now find them

> necessary

> > because all studies show that early treatment

> does

> > help prevent bone erosion and other problems. 

> Good

> > luck with your treatment.  Educate yourself

> about meds

> > and the choices that are available.  Dr. do not

> always

> > present us with all the options and facts.  You

> are

> > your own best advocate.  Find a Dr. who will

> listen

> > and work with you.

> >

> > --- Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Carol:

> > >

> > > Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you

> are

> > > here, but glad that you found us.  I am

> currently

> > > taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3

> years.  It

> > > began working in about 2 months, and is still

> doing

> > > well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic,

> and

> > > Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for

> Fibro,

> > > asthma and high blood pressure. 

> > >

> > > I have not really had any problems with the Mtx

> - I

> > > take it on Friday night before bed so that I

> sleep

> > > through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> > > Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I

> also

> > > take

> > > Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> > > liver.

> > > You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to

> check

> > > your

> > > liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> > > elevation

> > > of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next

> lab) in

> > > 3

> > > years. The other side effects of the Mtx have

> been

> > > some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> > > scrapes

> > > and cuts more easily. 

> > >

> > > Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the

> oldest

> > > meds used for RA.  I know you are probably

> thinking

> > > that it is the same thing used for cancer, and

> it

> > > is,

> > > but in much, much higher doses than used for

> RA.  It

> > > has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I

> hope

> > > it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> > > overnight, so be patient, but if it does not

> help

> > > there are other meds out there that you can

> also

> > > try.

> > > Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or

> adding

> > > another med to get results.

> > >

> > > For me, taking the meds is my choice to have

> better

> > > quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like

> a

> > > pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the

> things

> > > I

> > > need to.  Some compromises have been made, and

> some

> > > things there are no way I can do again, but,

> all in

> > > all, I am hanging in there lol.

> > >

> > > Hope this helps -

> > >

> > > Kathe in CA

> > >

> > > --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> > >

> > > > Hi everyone: 

> > > >

> > > > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed

> with

> > > > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > > > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. 

> This was

> > > > working for a short time then

> > > > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she

> has

> > > > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > > > week.  I picked up the meds last week and

> have not

> > > > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > > > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs.

> old).

> > > > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > > > and bad experiences about this drug?

> > > >

> > > > Thanks so much.

> > > > Carol Zwald

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Kathe in CA

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >      

> > >            

> > > __________________________________

> > > - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> > > http://mail.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >            

> > __________________________________

> > Start your day with - Make it your home

> page!

> > http://www./r/hs

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol:

I have never heard of the advice to not drive.

However, the first few times you take the Mtx, you

need to see how it will affect you, and then go from

there. I take mine Friday night so that I have all

weekend if necessary - maybe you can try that. Best

of luck - and, remember, it may take a while to work,

so try and be patient.

Kathe in CA

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> - Thanks.

> Better than finding a doctor who will listen and

> easier too is having

> this group to listen and gain knowledge from and

> take to the doctors.

> I am finding that I/we have to guide them. Yes??

> This Friday will be my first dose of mtx........ you

> all have convinced

> me and put me at ease. Time will tell. I am a

> pretty strong willed

> person. Do any of you have trouble driving while

> taking mtx? Info I

> have read says to avoid driving. This would be

> extremely difficult for

> me. I have to do yard work and any lifting I have

> no help and no means

> to pay for help. Hopefully I will be able to

> continue as usual.

> Carol

> On Oct 18, 2005, at 7:05 PM, Boyd wrote:

>

> > Carol,  Welcome to the group.  I've been on mtx

> for

> > almost 3 years.  I started at 10 mgs q week and

> had

> > good results for about one and one half years. 

> The

> > only side effect was mild fatique.  It started

> working

> > in about 3 weeks.  Then it became less effective

> so we

> > upped it to 15 mgs. My labs and function

> improved.

> > About this time I changed Dr. and based on my

> labs he

> > upped it again to 20 mg.  Also at this time my

> x-rays

> > showed no erosion so I felt that it was doing it

> job.

> > At this time my hair started falling out by the

> > handfuls and I was so tired I could hardly drag

> for

> > the entire week so back down to 10 mgs each week

> and

> > have added minocin 100mg twice a day.  I've been

> doing

> > this for about 2 months and so far so good.  I

> still

> > have fatigue for a couple of days after the mtx

> but at

> > a level that I can function but just need extra

> rest.

> > I've always been anti meds but now find them

> necessary

> > because all studies show that early treatment

> does

> > help prevent bone erosion and other problems. 

> Good

> > luck with your treatment.  Educate yourself

> about meds

> > and the choices that are available.  Dr. do not

> always

> > present us with all the options and facts.  You

> are

> > your own best advocate.  Find a Dr. who will

> listen

> > and work with you.

> >

> > --- Kathe Sabetzadeh <lv2ryd@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi Carol:

> > >

> > > Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you

> are

> > > here, but glad that you found us.  I am

> currently

> > > taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3

> years.  It

> > > began working in about 2 months, and is still

> doing

> > > well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic,

> and

> > > Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for

> Fibro,

> > > asthma and high blood pressure. 

> > >

> > > I have not really had any problems with the Mtx

> - I

> > > take it on Friday night before bed so that I

> sleep

> > > through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> > > Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I

> also

> > > take

> > > Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> > > liver.

> > > You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to

> check

> > > your

> > > liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> > > elevation

> > > of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next

> lab) in

> > > 3

> > > years. The other side effects of the Mtx have

> been

> > > some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> > > scrapes

> > > and cuts more easily. 

> > >

> > > Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the

> oldest

> > > meds used for RA.  I know you are probably

> thinking

> > > that it is the same thing used for cancer, and

> it

> > > is,

> > > but in much, much higher doses than used for

> RA.  It

> > > has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I

> hope

> > > it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> > > overnight, so be patient, but if it does not

> help

> > > there are other meds out there that you can

> also

> > > try.

> > > Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or

> adding

> > > another med to get results.

> > >

> > > For me, taking the meds is my choice to have

> better

> > > quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like

> a

> > > pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the

> things

> > > I

> > > need to.  Some compromises have been made, and

> some

> > > things there are no way I can do again, but,

> all in

> > > all, I am hanging in there lol.

> > >

> > > Hope this helps -

> > >

> > > Kathe in CA

> > >

> > > --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> > >

> > > > Hi everyone: 

> > > >

> > > > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed

> with

> > > > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > > > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg. 

> This was

> > > > working for a short time then

> > > > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she

> has

> > > > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > > > week.  I picked up the meds last week and

> have not

> > > > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > > > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs.

> old).

> > > > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > > > and bad experiences about this drug?

> > > >

> > > > Thanks so much.

> > > > Carol Zwald

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > > Kathe in CA

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >      

> > >            

> > > __________________________________

> > > - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> > > http://mail.

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> >            

> > __________________________________

> > Start your day with - Make it your home

> page!

> > http://www./r/hs

> >

> >

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol:

Folic Acid and Milk Thistle are both OTC, but let your

doctor know that you are taking them. Yes, I still

drive, but as my kids are both driving too, I usually

let my daughter drive me around when I am having more

pain and stiffness, or am " foggy " with Fibro. As far

as fibro is concerned, it differs from RA in that it

is pain involving your muscles and nerves, not just

the joints. You still have stiffness and fatigue just

like RA, so I get a double dose of that. The fibro

also causes problems with concentration and I have

trouble remembering words, or use the wrong ones. My

family is used to playing charades with me, you know,

" that thing that we use for " ........, and fill in the

blank, and they also finish my sentences when I just

sort of blank out on what I was talking about. I

repeat the same stories again and again .... I can't

remember if I have told them this or that before ....

I'm only 51 but at times I swear I am like an 81 year

old, both in mind and body lol.

When my entire body is in pain, it's the fibro, when

it is in my joints, it's the RA, sometimes it's both

and I am in bed. Hopefully this is something you will

never know first hand.

Kathe in CA

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> Thanks so much Kathy.

>

> I think I too will take Mtx on Friday - starting

> this Friday (10/21).

>

> It's mind boggling how much our bodies can take - in

> terms of

> medications/drugs! I know I have a lot of pain now

> but it will get

> worse if I don't start this medication! I

> also had thyroid

> surgery in 8/04 and RAI treatment for a small amount

> of cancer found on

> the tumor. However, that is under control right

> now. My hair just got

> healthy after the other treatments and here we go

> again. How does

> Fibro differ from RA? Do you have any difficulty

> driving? That was a

> big concern for me too.

>

> Also, do I need to check first about the Folic Acid

> and Milk Thistle

> with the doctor? I have heard about these two being

> helpful from Dr.

> Weil.

>

> Thanks again.

> Carol

>

> On Oct 18, 2005, at 11:44 AM, Kathe Sabetzadeh

> wrote:

>

> > Hi Carol:

> >

> > Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you

> are

> > here, but glad that you found us.  I am

> currently

> > taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years. 

> It

> > began working in about 2 months, and is still

> doing

> > well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> > Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for

> Fibro,

> > asthma and high blood pressure. 

> >

> > I have not really had any problems with the Mtx -

> I

> > take it on Friday night before bed so that I

> sleep

> > through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> > Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I also

> take

> > Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> liver.

> > You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check

> your

> > liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> elevation

> > of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab)

> in 3

> > years. The other side effects of the Mtx have

> been

> > some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> scrapes

> > and cuts more easily. 

> >

> > Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the

> oldest

> > meds used for RA.  I know you are probably

> thinking

> > that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it

> is,

> > but in much, much higher doses than used for

> RA.  It

> > has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I

> hope

> > it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> > overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> > there are other meds out there that you can also

> try.

> > Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or

> adding

> > another med to get results.

> >

> > For me, taking the meds is my choice to have

> better

> > quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> > pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the

> things I

> > need to.  Some compromises have been made, and

> some

> > things there are no way I can do again, but, all

> in

> > all, I am hanging in there lol.

> >

> > Hope this helps -

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> > --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi everyone: 

> > >

> > > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed

> with

> > > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This

> was

> > > working for a short time then

> > > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she

> has

> > > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have

> not

> > > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs.

> old).

> > > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > > and bad experiences about this drug?

> > >

> > > Thanks so much.

> > > Carol Zwald

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> >

> >

> >      

> >            

> > __________________________________

> > - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> > http://mail.

> >

> >

> >

[Guest guest]

Hi Carol:

Folic Acid and Milk Thistle are both OTC, but let your

doctor know that you are taking them. Yes, I still

drive, but as my kids are both driving too, I usually

let my daughter drive me around when I am having more

pain and stiffness, or am " foggy " with Fibro. As far

as fibro is concerned, it differs from RA in that it

is pain involving your muscles and nerves, not just

the joints. You still have stiffness and fatigue just

like RA, so I get a double dose of that. The fibro

also causes problems with concentration and I have

trouble remembering words, or use the wrong ones. My

family is used to playing charades with me, you know,

" that thing that we use for " ........, and fill in the

blank, and they also finish my sentences when I just

sort of blank out on what I was talking about. I

repeat the same stories again and again .... I can't

remember if I have told them this or that before ....

I'm only 51 but at times I swear I am like an 81 year

old, both in mind and body lol.

When my entire body is in pain, it's the fibro, when

it is in my joints, it's the RA, sometimes it's both

and I am in bed. Hopefully this is something you will

never know first hand.

Kathe in CA

--- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> Thanks so much Kathy.

>

> I think I too will take Mtx on Friday - starting

> this Friday (10/21).

>

> It's mind boggling how much our bodies can take - in

> terms of

> medications/drugs! I know I have a lot of pain now

> but it will get

> worse if I don't start this medication! I

> also had thyroid

> surgery in 8/04 and RAI treatment for a small amount

> of cancer found on

> the tumor. However, that is under control right

> now. My hair just got

> healthy after the other treatments and here we go

> again. How does

> Fibro differ from RA? Do you have any difficulty

> driving? That was a

> big concern for me too.

>

> Also, do I need to check first about the Folic Acid

> and Milk Thistle

> with the doctor? I have heard about these two being

> helpful from Dr.

> Weil.

>

> Thanks again.

> Carol

>

> On Oct 18, 2005, at 11:44 AM, Kathe Sabetzadeh

> wrote:

>

> > Hi Carol:

> >

> > Welcome to the group - sorry for the reason you

> are

> > here, but glad that you found us.  I am

> currently

> > taking Mtx, and have been for the last 3 years. 

> It

> > began working in about 2 months, and is still

> doing

> > well for me, and I am also on Enbrel, Mobic, and

> > Tramadol for RA, and several other meds for

> Fibro,

> > asthma and high blood pressure. 

> >

> > I have not really had any problems with the Mtx -

> I

> > take it on Friday night before bed so that I

> sleep

> > through any nausea, and then am more fatigued

> > Saturday, and sometimes have a headache.  I also

> take

> > Folic Acid and Milk Thistle to help protect my

> liver.

> > You need to get blood work every 8 weeks to check

> your

> > liver enzymes, etc., but I have only had one

> elevation

> > of my enzymes (which had cleared by the next lab)

> in 3

> > years. The other side effects of the Mtx have

> been

> > some hair thinning and I bruise and bleed from

> scrapes

> > and cuts more easily. 

> >

> > Hope that this helps you - Mtx is one of the

> oldest

> > meds used for RA.  I know you are probably

> thinking

> > that it is the same thing used for cancer, and it

> is,

> > but in much, much higher doses than used for

> RA.  It

> > has helped me, and, if you decide to take it, I

> hope

> > it will help you too.  These meds do not work

> > overnight, so be patient, but if it does not help

> > there are other meds out there that you can also

> try.

> > Sometimes it takes some adjusting of doses or

> adding

> > another med to get results.

> >

> > For me, taking the meds is my choice to have

> better

> > quality of life with RA. My bathroom looks like a

> > pharmacy, but I am pretty much able to do the

> things I

> > need to.  Some compromises have been made, and

> some

> > things there are no way I can do again, but, all

> in

> > all, I am hanging in there lol.

> >

> > Hope this helps -

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> > --- Carol Zwald <zwaldski@...> wrote:

> >

> > > Hi everyone: 

> > >

> > > I'm new to this group and recently diagnosed

> with

> > > RA.  My doctor first prescribed

> > > Hydroxychlor 200 mg and Prednisone 15mg.  This

> was

> > > working for a short time then

> > > inflamation and pain started again.  Now she

> has

> > > added methotrexate 2.4mg x 4 once a

> > > week.  I picked up the meds last week and have

> not

> > > taken any yet.  I'm afraid.  I live alone

> > > and have a lot of responsibilities (56 yrs.

> old).

> > > Anyway, can anyone share  stories - good

> > > and bad experiences about this drug?

> > >

> > > Thanks so much.

> > > Carol Zwald

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> > >

> >

> >

> >

> > Kathe in CA

> >

> >

> >

> >      

> >            

> > __________________________________

> > - PC Magazine Editors' Choice 2005

> > http://mail.

> >

> >

> >