About to start Methotrexate....
I was wondering, after I start taking this medication, will I start getting some strength back in my hands?
Also, how long do people typically stay on this medication? Forever??
These are both excellent questions. I have used MTX off and on for the last 23 years, so I will tell you my experience. Yours will likely be different, so please talk to your doctor. They will be the best judge for you.So for me, I did not find immediate strength. For me at least, MTX has helped me preserve what I did not yet lose. My hands hurt badly when I started MTX. They still hurt occasionally. But they hurt no worse than 23 years ago. Compare that to before I started using MTX when I was losing hand control by the day. I think that experience is typical. We must remember that is why we must take action while we can. Delay was my enemy.
Now the question do I expect to use it forever? Yes and no. I said I had used it for 23 years, but during that period, I was on other DMARDs occasionally, and for a bit, I stopped altogether. This is not about which medication works; instead, it is about finding the right one. Your doctor will likely do blood work, change dosing, and even medications. Will you be in MTX forever>? Well, not if it stops working, But if it is working, it is a great option.
I hope that helps with your questions. Be sure to write these and other questions down so you can talk to your rheumatologist. They are used to answering these questions and will be helpful.
Thank you so much for all the info...I greatly appreciate it!!!!
Hi
. On top of the excellent information from Rick, I want to note that, when it comes to strength, treatments like methotrexate provide the ability to use your hands (and other joints) in ways that enable you to build and maintain strength. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at age two, almost 45 years ago - before modern treatments, with the damage to show for it. Modern treatments have made a lot of difference, but she also puts in a lot of work. She wrote this article on sometimes going back to PT for refreshers and to see what new she can do to maintain the strength: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/return-to-physical-therapy. Hoping the methotrexate controls the RA for you. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
I am 9 mths. into my diagnosis of RA. I have been using methotrexate for 6 mths. I didn't see much result until 6 weeks ago, when my doctor bumped up my dose. I am doing much better now, I feel my RA is finally under some control, my hands are better but still weak and the finger joints are still swollen. I don't want to complain though. This is so much better than the mths. of hell I went through with flare-ups. I don't like the occasional bouts of nausea from the methotrexate and the way it makes my hair fall out. But, I've learned to appreciate small blessings like... once again being able to sleep comfortably, and being able to bend over and pick things off the floor again, little things like that. I would like to think I could at some point get physically back to my old self before I got RA, but I don't think it's going to happen.
I love hearing your progress! It's a testament to you to not give up and keep working with your doctor until you found a better dosage level. I know things aren't perfect, but like you said, acknowledging improvement is important. Thank you for sharing with us. - Warmly, - Reggie, team member Hi
. First, let me echo Reggie - it is great to hear that you are seeing this improvement. Second, mind if I ask if you are also taking folic acid? I ask because, as noted in the last paragraph of this article giving an overview of methotrexate from our editorial team, folic acid can help reduce the side effects of the drug: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/methotrexate. Your doctor or pharmacist should be able to provide additional information. Wishing you the best. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
