Starting MTX

[D Foster]

Sounding good Pingu, yes you are right because you are positive and doing something about it that will help immensely. Also Summer and extra daylight hours help to in my opinion, I find the Winter Blues is when we see more people here saying it's getting worse. But don't knock it, if anything is working then you just stick with it.  

As for you sounding like an expert, you will be surprised about how much a patient knows about a treatment they are using and that is why we all share on Psoriasis Club. So keep it up, as your input will undoubtedly help other readers.

@Annieg Not everyone does get the nausea, so let's hope you are one of the lucky ones.  

Hi it sounds like the MTX is starting to work for both of you ,I had no side effects when I first started taking it and everyone is different so we all react in a different way , you will be fine and look forward to good results.

[annieg]

This is my second day on MTX and still no side effects that I've noticed. I did have an upset stomach yesterday, but I can't say whether that was the medicine or my anxiety about trying the new medicine. 

I know it's too early, and I know everyone's different, but when did those of you who've had success with it begin to notice a difference?

[Turnedlight]

When I was on mtx, I asked my derm about alcohol and he said there was no need to avoid it. When you have alcohol going through your liver plus the mtx you are loading it, but I still had a glass of wine a couple of times a week no probs. I never had any trouble with my liver results, I guess if I had then I would have been advised not to drink. I was also told it's fine to take ibuprofen, again, as long as liver results are normal.

[pingu]

Hi Turnedlight

I may dabble with some alcohol in my future but right now I want to give MTX the best chance of working. Makes sense loading the liver but I guess like most doctors they are the fun police. Easier to say don't do this and don't do that rather than explain moderation. If they say 2 pints is ok we then hear it as 5 pints!   If they say 5 its suddenly 10.

They did mention something about a painkiller but I can't recall what and whether it was ibuprofen or what! Damn I need to get my purple pamphlet out!

[Fred]

Hi Turnedlight

I may dabble with some alcohol in my future but right now I want to give MTX the best chance of working. Makes sense loading the liver but I guess like most doctors they are the fun police. Easier to say don't do this and don't do that rather than explain moderation. If they say 2 pints is ok we then hear it as 5 pints!   If they say 5 its suddenly 10.

They did mention something about a painkiller but I can't recall what and whether it was ibuprofen or what! Damn I need to get my purple pamphlet out!

Ibuprofen can increase the side effects of Methotrexate, but then again it's not something you should take often anyway.

As for alcohol it's advisory to avoid it whilst on Methotrexate, but as long as you're monitored correctly I doubt a couple of glasses a week will cause any problem.

But like Turnedlight said "as long as liver results are normal" and monitored often you should be fine. All I would say is be honest with your consultant and tell them if you like a drink or often take ibuprofen whilst on methotrexate, they will decide if your consumption is ok or not as everyone is different.

[mataribot]

There are no perfect way of testing the liver. Both blood test and biop are not 100% accurate. Just food for thought

[Fred]

There are no perfect way of testing the liver. Both blood test and biop are not 100% accurate. Just food for thought

Good point, I've had both the sound things too and they said the same.

[pingu]

Not too concerned about the drinking as I don't drink much and when I do it's not a lot. Be nice to have a pint once in a while though.

Regarding Ibuprofen I try and avoid drugs of any description, has to be pretty bad for me to take anything.

I am seeing this as a journey, already I think I am seeing results but far too early to say and the testing etc will become normal in time.

The good thing for me is that I found this place and at least I can discuss it with people who have been through it and experienced it, never discussed my medication and just got on with it through the good days, the bad days and the ugly days.

[jiml]

Not too concerned about the drinking as I don't drink much and when I do it's not a lot. Be nice to have a pint once in a while though.

Regarding Ibuprofen I try and avoid drugs of any description, has to be pretty bad for me to take anything.

I am seeing this as a journey, already I think I am seeing results but far too early to say and the testing etc will become normal in time.

The good thing for me is that I found this place and at least I can discuss it with people who have been through it and experienced it, never discussed my medication and just got on with it through the good days, the bad days and the ugly days.

I'm glad you found us Pingu. And yes it is still early but it is possibly working already, which would be great news ...

Yes this place is pretty unique in as much as its friendly, positive place to discuss your medications and know you are dealing with genuine people, in future if you have " the good , the bad and the ugly days " just come here and chat about it. We don't have all the answers but there is a good mix of people and someone will have an answer or at least an opinion

[pingu]

Well last night I had my 15mg dose of MTX. Today I feel fine no nausea or anything else so all good.

My psoriasis feels less aggressive but hasn't really cleared any. Here's hoping.