Psoriatic Arthritis Update | Six Weeks on Methotrexate

[@_spamh_]

I've taken my first dose of methotrexate today, and this video is really helpful to help keep me grounded and not expect results too quickly which would no doubt leave me disheartened. Just thought I'd say thanks for sharing!

[@Davinci12007]

Been using Methotrexate for over 30 years. Occasionally my PsA goes into remission and when it returns, it does so with a vengeance. When it flares I always assume it's "something else" and then one day it dawns on me that my PsA is back. It usually takes me a month to get it to start to be under control. After 40 years with it, my best advice, exercise - a lot and hard. Nothing really makes mine better like hard exercise. Don't ask me why, but after decades of following that strategy , it works. Slow easy exercise has no affect. Hard workouts on a regular schedule, make a huge impact.

[@hannahscopelliti781]

Hi! I relate so much to you. I’m week 5 methotrexate. The brain fog and moodiness is real! I know this is an old video but thank you for sharing your experience.

[@aquioify]

Thanks for this. I am now in my sixth week and the side effects are greatly reducing.

[@lisa_and_christian]

Thanks for sharing your journey. I know you posted this video 5 years ago, but I hope it started to work for you.💝

[@Joshgengland]

Thanks for sharing! I'm on week 4 and already anxious about the next dose because of the the horrible side effects.

[@annastara61]

Dear girl ... I was also on methotrexate (aka chemo) for just over a year. It did take 5 months for any relief. However, the downside was horrid. I had to do my injections on Fridays so I would not be feeling sick and vomiting during the work week. I developed Necrotising Fasciitis (aka flesh eating bacteria) and have not taken it again since. I was within 30 minutes of death because I had NO immune system to protect me. I too took folic acid, but it was no help. I took phenergan for the nausea and vomiting. As soon as my body felt better, it was time to inject again. Please make sure you have your immune system checked regularly. Injection works the same. Felt the same ... it does not rid you of that hangover feeling at all! God bless you in your journey.

[@MsGlamazon]

Cindy Priest good on ya for posting this mtx is shite I loved Otezla worked for 3 years then stopped I was devestated great drug

[@VerymuchsoblogUk]

Thank you for replying to my video and sharing your story. I'm so sorry that you had such a bad experience. That sounds so scary! I've just started on the injections so I'll see how I do on them but the methotrexate is currently helping my joints. Thanks again.

[@eugeniebreida1583]

mtx injections were the pits for me. and did not work for PsA, it's a joke for PsA

[@johncolumba7945]

Hi Cindy, I'm staring down the same barrel, how many milligrams in your case?

[@aneroc12]

Just started Methothrexate 4 days going through same thing. I had a free sample shot of Enbrel before Methothrexate and it took away 50% of pain and no brain fog, or grumpy ness, more energetic but it is $5,000 per month( I think) , insurance will help out after you failed Methothrexate after 3 months or absolutely had bad experience with the medication. You also can sign up with the company and get a discount card I still don‘t know if it is affordable yet looking into it. Next week I will talk to Enbrel company and find out the support card. It said it can be as little as $10.00 a month in there advertising. I‘m in th US . Oh, on pill form, 8 pills( 4 in evening, then 4 next morning) the doctor wants me to do 3 and 3 next week to see if I do better.

[@nickroscoe9211]

Well done for doing this. People tend to share more negative comments on this sort of thing, so to try and counteract that I thought I'd break from my usual habit and speak up! I've had a positive experience of the injections compared to the tablets which I found made me nauseous as well as tired. Lots of people do seem fine on just the tablets, I guess we're not so robust! I've been on it about 6 months now - skin loads better (like you, not the main objective) but joints also. I find the next day and a bit is still rough on the injections, tired and groggy, not as nauseous though. On the whole I think I can tolerate this - on balance it's easily worth it. You have probably been told, but if you find you really struggle on the injections I think (no doubt depending on the specific practice) it may well be that they can switch you to biologics, like entanercept, which have less side effects but which are not prescribed en mass I think due to cost to NHS. Before going onto those they might want to try reducing the dosage and supplementing with sulfazalazine. That's what I've been told is the pathway for where I live anyway.

[@ghostlyphantasm2352]

I lasted 5 days on sulfasalazine. Different drugs react differently to different people so I cannot speak for all people but just say that in my case I developed a speech stutter within hours (I'd never had one before), at first it went, by day 5 I couldn't finish sentences and was burning up and my heart was tested at 100bpm and my blood pressure had skyrocketed. I was sent in to hospital on an emergency for fear of stroke! I was fine!! Trouble is how do you deal with things? I am using my own methods for healing, it is not a cure but it sure as hell is better than most of the toxic drugs out there. There are natural TNF alpha inhibitors (a major factor in inflammation immune response and the top 'biologics' treatment at this time) like Ashwaganda that do not suppress the immune system, i have posted this message on more than one video and I am not claiming it is a cure, it's not, but my health improved quite quickly on Ashwagandha and on top of it there is medical evidence to back up that it is useful and helps, my inflammation went down 80% and i was in good health, then I tried the sulfasalazine and it screwed everything up. With no real cure sometimes trying things is better than just trying chemo therapy drugs. After all I personally see Dr's prescribed drugs as being merely that, dumping it in the system and seeing if it works. PLEASE DON'T FOLLOW MY METHODS. NOTE!! I do NOT suggest this is a cure but it really does help for me, I cannot vouch for others but suggest that the medical studies seem to confirm it is beneficial for many. www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/25857501 I fear taking my own steps less than taking those poisonous monsters but nothing is without risk and this SHOULD NEVER BE FORGOTTEN. The NHS is now reducing blood tests for those on these dangerous medications which means risk of harm is increasing due to cuts. REMEMBER - THERE IS NO CURE. But treating yourself well will always help. Brain damage from neurotoxicity is never checked on the NHS, can't speak for all healthcare providers but when you get a stutter.... No f's given by the NHS, they will never test for this. I hate this situation and am developing a distrust at being used as a medicine tester. Best not to mess about with anything at all if taking prescribed drugs due to bad reactions so leave well alone if you are taking immunosuppresants of any kind.

[@jonathanviant6657]

I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis earlier this year. I find your videos helpful as its good to hear what other people are going through. My consultant asked me to choose between methotrexate and sulfasalazine and am due to start taking one in the new year.

[@thistooshallpass5425]

May I ask how you’re doing now - and want medication your on? Hope you’re doing well

[@rachelsheppard6552]

Huni I felt like u on the tablets a few years ago just for severe psoriasis so after 18 months I stopped taking it as I caught every bug going too when I worked in a nursery. Anyway a year ago I got diagnosed with PSA too and got prescribed the mtx injections. Mentally it affects u as it does me getting ur head around the fact u may end up on meds lifelong. BUT with the weekly injections which I do in the evenings I found there is NO nausea or any other bad side effect the next day etc. And that is why I get on better with it this time around rather than the tablets. If u have no issue with a little needle its so easy to use and u are taught by nurses how to use it etc...might be worth a try! x

[@ianwilkinson3315]

Hi On same dose as you. Try taking half the tablets after food in morning then half after food later in the day. It eased my sickly feeling. Just had a steroid injection in my buttock....wow what an improvement. Almost instant. Came off methotrexate when covid started but now back on as have had both jabs and pain unbearable in feet and hand. It does take a while to take effect. Docs increased dose to 25mg ..... on 15mg at minute. Hope things improve soon for your. I understand about side effects, I couldn't eat for two days after taking it but fine now. I also had a side effect of constant yawning the next day. It has gone now since taking half the tablets right after food twice during the day. Stay safe.

[@anaestrada6372]

I was just diagnosed with psoriasis and Psosiartic arthritis I am going to start treatments makese nervous and scare keep us posted how you doing on or if made difference or change to injecting all of this is 🥵🥵 hope everything goes well for you

[@jamiemark]

I'm on my second go round with Methotrexate. First time I stopped taking it because the side effects were making me feel like crap (day of taking it). I then was on Celebrex for 6-8 months before switching back because it wasn't doing much for me. The first weeks back of taking it, I would get that groggy feeling again but a few days after taking it. By my fourth week I wasn't feeling the grogginess anymore so that's a plus. I know 'd be in a lot of pain if not taking anything, so I guess that means it's working to some degree.

[@jamiemark]

Update: I've now stopped taking the Methotrexate. This is because of issues I've been having with my throat and sinuses. I have a constant cough (with constant phlegm), with a very irritated throat and post nasal drip. I thought that my lowered immune system was causing me to have these what I believed to be severe allergic reactions. After trying some Antihistamines and them not helping though, I'm now thinking it's possibly my acid reflux acting up. I still strongly feel that my compromised immune system is somehow to blame for this happening. I've had similar throat issues in the past but it's never lasted this long, and without the post nasal drip. I'm more concerned now with trying to build up my immune system again, and also possibly try a different stomach medication. I know the arthritic pain will return, but that's really the least of my problems right now. I just want to stop feeling so damn awful everyday.

[@markr8762]

Hi. Thanks for your video I too have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis. I’m due to start Methoxytrate also and I’m very worried. Did it get better or did you stop using it please

[@barbaravyse660]

I just started mexotrexate on Friday and an injection called Cimzia. No side effects so far. But still in a lot of pain. Just checking to see if you can give another update. Thank you.

[@mysnellvilleblog]

How do you feel now? I’m on week 3 and very sleepy & foggy brained. I take 4 pills on Mondays & found that I do better if I take 2 in the morning & the other 2 a couple hours later. According to John’s Hopkins University video, the day after taking it is a foggy brain day.

[@mysnellvilleblog]

My main complaint was a headache

[@lenimbery7038]

I'm starting on this stuff in a couple of days and boy, I'm sure if I have any of these side effects, I'm dropping it immediately....It's bad enough that I've had to quit my usual couple of drinks a day!

[@SuperShakes10]

I took my first dose on Tue 26th

[@stevekumar2017]

Hi Amy from Birmingham... i know its been 3years . Im at the stage of been offered metatrexate. I wonder if you have a video after this as your 3 years ahead of me. Any advice appreciated 🙏

[@kingneptune8937]

Great video. Over the last year I've refused the meds ypur on.instead I'm on an antiimphlamatry then I've went down the roads of natural remedies, I work full time in heavy industries doing 12hr shifts 6 days a week. I take lugos iodine first thing in morning in water, i waite 30mins and have a table spoon of organic oregano oil, after another 30 mins I have a bowl of porridge made with water banana blue berries and a kiwi, then I take a multi vit, vit D3 3000iu, Aavlabs 15 diffrent strain probiotic , vit C 1000mg, x 2 omega 3 2000mg , vit B complex, I also use mother of Apple cider vinegar in water and drink through out the day, approximetly 8hrs later I take another vit C and x2 omega 3. I use a lot of organic hemp seed oil on my food, for my psoriasis I use a company called skin salve there soap and moisturiser cream are amazing ...of course there's protocols to be followed when taking any of the above, diet is a big help, avoid sugars fast food ready meals, easier said than done as I like sweet things but I've slowly changed my life style and things are going well. I'm also using 100% gum turpentine spirit which has been a revelation for me..ive fonud that theres some rubbish below standard vits out there and i have done lots of research into them buy the best you can afford.. if any one wants to know more just go to u tube and type in what I've put down ..Dr John Bergman is a good start about autoimune and leaky gut and a doctor on you tube called DR Jennifer Daniels on how to take 100% natural gum turpentine..disclaimer this is what works for me I have no medical back ground and you must do many many hours of research into the above. Good luck from England.

[@stevekumar2017]

How is it going 2 years on. Ive been offered metatrexate but wanted to try the natural remedies route first. TiA

[@kingneptune8937]

@@stevekumar2017 Hi, I've had a few flair ups, I decided to go vegetarian a year ago, I've stopped all sugars and sweeteners, I drink organic green tea, approximately 1.5 litres a day, I'm on vir D3 x 6 a day at intervals , x3 vit C with rose hip 1500mg at intervals through the day, I make my own raw organic yoghurt with raw probiotics and vit D3 drops, omega 3 several times a day. Organic Unpasteurized milk to make the yoghurt, I've been on methotrexate but took my self off and up to now things seem ok, dont get me wrong if I'm suffering I'll go back on methotrexate. I also take milk thistle drops twice a day to detox the liver. Regular blood tests are essential..good luck

[@stevekumar2017]

Hi thanks for the update, i do Vitamin C and Omega 3 fish oil stopped all meat, bread and Diary. My breakfast is Lots of fruit Kiwi , Apples, Pomegranate, Black grapes and lunch Vegetables with whatever is cooking. Still get pain but managing also started Meditation Joe Dispenza on KZbin and plenty of Exercise. Ill keep you in the loop. Have s great Christmas

[@kingneptune8937]

@@stevekumar2017 meditation relaxation is essential to lower the stress hormone, I'm looking into open water swimming, I live in the north of the UK and I've been researching cold water swimming/bathing which is meant to boost the autoimmune system. Happy xmas.

[@bethaltmann868]

Hi I am going to be starting the injections this week, I have psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid , I have severe severe pain and exhaustion. But recently my eyes got super blurry and I can’t see well. It s very frightening. The Drs have held out using the meds as I don’t have a spleen. We have a gal staying with us with two small children. She’s not really responsible yet she’s had a bad time of it. I’m concerned she won’t be able to keep clean and keep the children sanitary. ( using sanitizers /Lysol / wiping sinks counters etc ) How important is keeping away from colds and germs. How does this effect your immunity and will it be awful since I don’t have a spleen ? Hair loss ? Vomiting ? Thank you for reading this. Pretty nervous.

[@VerymuchsoblogUk]

Hi Beth. I'm so sorry, it sounds like you're having a real tough time of it at the moment. Obviously it affects everyone differently and I don't know the impact the lack of spleen will have (you would have to talk to your Dr about that). I haven't noticed much of a reduction in my immunity so far and I've got two small children, one of which is regularly bringing germs back from preschool. I haven't had any hair loss either and I've found the injections have really reduced the nausea I was feeling. I have to make sure I take my folic acid the other six days of the week otherwise I feel much more tired and get headaches. Mainly I just feel like a have a weird hangover the day after I inject the methotrexate and fatigue but it does seem to be working for me. But like I said everyone is different and that is just my experience. Good luck with the injections, I hope that they work for you!

[@stuartoneill2663]

My doctor says it takes 6 months before Methotroxate starts to work

[@2424jhg]

Have any of y’all tried changing your diet along with the medication?

[@Lorcrono]

I changed my diet first time round in this and it cleared up for me. That was in 2018 now in 2020 my Psoriasis has flared up again and now I'm suffering with this Psoriatic arthritis. Been put on Methotrexate now again.

[@stuartoneill2663]

Oh, try anti dandruff shampoo on your Psoriasis, just try a small area, mine went, I used Asdas own brand anti dandruff shampoo .....hope it works for you too.

[@lisa_and_christian]

You used dandruff shampoo on your psoriasis? Did it work, and if so, for how long?

[@tapashaldarnala9197]

Hi