Starting MTX

[D Foster]

On the plus side I did ask about alcohol and se said in moderation ie a couple of pints a night rather than 15 at the weekend. Well it's a hell of a long time since I got close to 15 pints and 3 pints is a bender for me now so really happy to be able to have a couple of cold ones now and again. In reality I probably have about 2 pints a week.

It never ceases to amaze me just how widely the opinions of the Consultants vary. Pingu's doesn't mind a couple of pints a night. A friend of mine who has been on MTX for arthritis  has no limits set, in yet mine wont even let you sniff the fumes from an open bottle. It would be nice to get some consistency.

My consultant when I was on MTX said no booze and I followed the instructions and had no problems with blood tests however another patient just carried on as normal with drinking most days and he did have to come off it as his levels were all over the place.

[jiml]

When I was on methotrexate I wasn't given any advice as far as I can remember. And carried on eating and drinking as normal......no wonder I couldn't handle the side effects
I was on 10 little methotrexate tablets on a Monday and one folic acid on Friday ....oh how I remember forcing them into my mouth

[Fred]

On the plus side I did ask about alcohol and se said in moderation ie a couple of pints a night rather than 15 at the weekend. Well it's a hell of a long time since I got close to 15 pints and 3 pints is a bender for me now so really happy to be able to have a couple of cold ones now and again. In reality I probably have about 2 pints a week.

It never ceases to amaze me just how widely the opinions of the Consultants vary. Pingu's doesn't mind a couple of pints a night. A friend of mine who has been on MTX for arthritis  has no limits set, in yet mine wont even let you sniff the fumes from an open bottle. It would be nice to get some consistency.

My consultant when I was on MTX said no booze and I followed the instructions and had no problems with blood tests however another patient just carried on as normal with drinking most days and he did have to come off it as his levels were all over the place.

When I first went on it I was never told anything and didn't even get blood tests. I was about thirty and drinking a lot at the weekend, it wasn't till I saw my GP about what turned out to be psoriatic arthritis in my thumb that he said I shouldn't be taking such a high dose (can't remember what the dose was but he said it was far to high) I gave up and didn't take anything again till I got to France and had to.

I would happily dig the hole to bury all the methotrexate in the world.

EDIT: Ooops sorry Pingu I forgot this was your thread.  

[jiml]

Yes I'm sorry as well Pingu
I never had a blood test while I was on methotrexate either .... Times have changed hopefully

[pingu]

Seems like the advice was a little thin on the ground a few years ago but even now it is inconsistent.

Same with folic acid I have to take it daily whereas previously it was once a week. I could manage once a week I just forget to take it and probably only manage about 3 nights a week. I will stick with taking it when I remember to.

I know MTX is not for everyone, I can't say I am an advocate of it due to its bad press and potential risks but it is working for me, like any drug your mileage may vary.

I believe my consultant as my best interests at heart having dropped blood forms off at my home! They pass by on their way home.

Having been on MTX for less than a year and only 6 months with this consultant I want to see how the relationship goes before I satrt to ask about alternatives.

[Fred]

That is a valid point. If it is working for you and you are happy then it is good.

[D Foster]

I think that MTX does get a bad press but I believe that it's not quite as bad as it's made out, it works and the side effects are not as bad as some of the other drugs. Every one is different but for me Cyclosporine was so bad with the side effects I thought I was breathing.my last so even though the MTX got difficult it worked for nine years with no long term problems.

[mataribot]

I think that MTX does get a bad press but I believe that it's not quite as bad as it's made out, it  works and the side effects are not as bad as some of the other drugs. Every one is different but for me Cyclosporine was so bad with the side effects I thought I was breathing.my last so even though the MTX got difficult it worked for nine years with no long term problems.

I have to agree Cyclosporine is horrible drug - much more than MTX

[pingu]

Well I had my 3 monthly check up and all is well. I saw the senior consultant and now I only need bloods done before my next appointment in 3 months. No interim tests as they are happy with the results.

I have a tiny bt of psoriasis on my elbows and a very small patch appeared on my abdomen but I can live with all of that. As I said in a previous post it is not a cure but alleviates the disease to what, at least for me, is an acceptable level where I can wear my tshirts and shorts etc. I still have a few small patches on my butt however nobody except Mrs Pingu is seeing those.

Technically she is not Mrs Pingu as we are not married, I like to keep her on her toes!

So all going well at present.

They recomend I use the Dovobet on those little areas but really I am quite happy the way it all is at present.

[jiml]

Well I had my 3 monthly check up and all is well. I saw the senior consultant and now I only need bloods done before my next appointment in 3 months. No interim tests as they are happy with the results.

I have a tiny bt of psoriasis on my elbows and a very small patch appeared on my abdomen but I can live with all of that. As I said in a previous post it is not a cure but alleviates the disease to what, at least for me, is an acceptable level where I can wear my tshirts and shorts etc. I still have a few small patches on my butt however nobody except Mrs Pingu is seeing those.

Technically she is not Mrs Pingu as we are not married, I like to keep her on her toes!  

So all going well at present.

They recomend I use the Dovobet on those little areas but really I am quite happy the way it all is at present.

Great news Pingu ....to get to a point where you are happy in your skin is as good as it can get, freedom to wear what you like ....I'm glad you have had such a positive outcome, and of course it can still clear those last bits yet
I bet you ( technical) Mrs Pingu hasn't read that you're keeping her on her toes