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I have just been diagnoed with RA after 5 months of them trying to figure out what is wrong with me. I tested negative for RA in Feb but things got worse and worse and my primary re-ran the blood work last week and I am a honkin positive now I am taking it hard although I am happy at least to know what is wrong. I am 49 and all I have to go by is my mother who was crippled from RA the last 10 years of her life and got no reliefe from any arthritis med she took. I have a good rheum who has assured me it won't be like that for me. I am trying hard to beleive her but I am scared.
I start methotrexate Friday night and have read the threads about it and am afraid but feel so crummy I am quite ready to give it a go. I read elsewhere that adicophilus might help the stomach upset so I got some of that. My biggest fear is hair loss.
My question is - the rheum gave me Arthrotec to take these last few days and it is helping some. She said I can keep taking it while I am on the metho but my question is - how will I know if it's working. I'm wondering I should reduce the dosage or even try and stop it but it has made me feel much better. I take 75 mg twice a day.
Hi Jane - sorry to hear of your recent diagnosis. I was diagnosed with RA almost 2 years ago, so I know what you're going through. IT WILL GET BETTER = )
As for the Methotrexate, it can take a while to work. I would think you'd notice quite a difference, though, once it does start helping even being on the Arthrotec (I was also on that previous to being diagnosed). Be sure to have regular bloodwork as the Arthrotec elevated my liver functions to the point I couldn't take anything for a while. You will need to being on Methotrexate anyway. Did your dr prescribe Folic Acid? That will help settle the stomach while on Methotrexate. I haven't had the hair loss that others have referred to, so there's hope!
Best of luck as you start your treatment. I wish you less pain in the days ahead.
Thank you. Yes I have folic acid as well. I took 4 of the methotrexate and one folic acid Friday night. I take the folic acid daily. I felt ok Saturday when I got up so I decided to run a bunch of errands. I also decided to skip the Arthrotec. Ack what was I thinking. I was in a lot of pain last night! I took the Arthrotec last night but I think it was too late. When I got up this morning I felt better but really tired. A day behind
I am taking it hard although I am happy at least to know what is wrong. I am 49 and all I have to go by is my mother who was crippled from RA the last 10 years of her life and got no reliefe from any arthritis med she took. I have a good rheum who has assured me it won't be like that for me. I am trying hard to beleive her but I am scared.
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