Avoiding Methotrexate

[Kat]

To be honest I wasn't sure I my potential approach would be frowned upon but thank you both for your replies and support, it's very much appreciated.

I'll see what direction the conversation goes in, I'm intrigued to see what they suggest.

You'll have to let us know how it goes!

[hanny1973]

I absolutely will - thank you!!

[KatT]

Hi hanny1973

 to the psoriasis club

I went on MTX as my initial treatment.  I had no side effects and it cleared my psoriasis.  I stopped because my dermatologist wanted to do a liver biopsy after a year on the treatment. 

I am now on a biologic with a low dose MTX.  Again, no side effect.

There are other treatment options as Jim pointed out and I believe your doctor should NOT be forcing you an a treatment you don't want to try.

Hope you get a treatment that is suitable for you

[Fred]

First you shouldn't be using Enstilar long term, the recommended treatment period is 4 weeks. Also when you mention you were greasy I'm guessing you were using a lot and your clothes were sticky, you were lucky you didn't catch fire as Its flammable.

If you don't want Methotrexte refuse to take it, it's your body they are messing with. I see Jim has pointed you to Skilarence that would be a better alternative.

If you don't feel like telling them to stick the Methotrexate where the sun don't shine, tell them you enjoy alcohol or you (depending on your circumstances) are trying for a baby. Those are two reasons it should not be prescribed.

As you have had psoriasis for 30 years it's worth asking about one of the Bio's, see more here: Biological Treatments For Psoriasis

*Remember you are in charge not your dermatologist so only go for what you are comfortable with.

Welcome to Psoriasis Club by the way. 

[hanny1973]

First you shouldn't be using Enstilar long term, the recommended treatment period is 4 weeks. Also when you mention you were greasy I'm guessing you were using a lot and your clothes were sticky, you were lucky you didn't catch fire as Its flammable.

If you don't want Methotrexte refuse to take it, it's your body they are messing with. I see Jim has pointed you to Skilarence that would be a better alternative.

If you don't feel like telling them to stick the Methotrexate where the sun don't shine, tell them you enjoy alcohol or you (depending on your circumstances) are trying for a baby. Those are two reasons it should not be prescribed.

As you have had psoriasis for 30 years it's worth asking about one of the Bio's, see more here: Biological Treatments For Psoriasis

*Remember you are in charge not your dermatologist so only go for what you are comfortable with.

Welcome to Psoriasis Club by the way. 

Thanks for the welcome Fred.

I have been using Enstilar intermittently, use for a week or so then not again for a few weeks but appreciate that it's not long term. Fortunately my days of playing with matches are over  

The alcohol one is an interesting conversation, I'm worried that the response will be what is more important to you, clear skin or a beer?

Thanks for the advice about who is in charge, it's not something I have ever really felt comfortable with!

[Kat]

The alcohol one is an interesting conversation, I'm worried that the response will be what is more important to you, clear skin or a beer?

That sounds like something my doctor would say! (Although he is very receptive to listening to any concerns I may have regarding treatment)

But Fred is right, we are in control. I had someone tell me once that I was captain of my own ship when it comes to medical decisions. I told her the problem is that I know nothing about ships! I more view it as I may be the owner but I have to hire a captain (doctor) But the more we learn, the more we can tell the captain what we want!

[Forest Walker]

Welcome to the club, Hanny.  Both Fred and Jim's approaches are options for you.  You could practice the assertive insistence to not take Methotrexate and see if the doctor goes along with you or insists on trying methotrexate.  He or she may be bound to insist, even if they don't want to, for whatever the system's protocols may be.

Then if you have no choice but to "try" the methotrexate, you accept it, don't take it, and complain of the nausea.  

But . . . they may then offer you an injectable form of the methotrexate, so I don't know how you would avoid that.

As for the baby angle, if you or your partner are of child bearing age, that is the surest excuse.  Or if you have a woman of child bearing age (daughter, relative, friend) living with you, you should assume she is trying to get pregnant and say that she is.  Methotrexate should not even be near a pregnancy.

Good luck.  Glad you found this club.

[hanny1973]

Thanks Forest for the warm welcome, I feel I should have joined the forum ages ago.

We have three children, I'm 48 and my partner is 40....I think any additions to the family are unlikely at this stage, however that's always an angle I can use to say we are undecided.

I think this maybe the case "He or she may be bound to insist, even if they don't want to, for whatever the system's protocols may be" - I will know more this time tomorrow!

[Wooley]

Welcome to the club Hanny 

I see that you are already getting some excellent advice on here - it really is a brilliant forum... full of great advice and friendly people...

Glad you came on board and good luck with whatever you decide to do...

[Sheila]

Hi Hanny! Welcome aboard! I think you will find a lot of support here and lots of information and personal advice. These folks have really made me feel welcome here over the past year. A truly wonderful collection of people.

I am on Methyltrexate at the moment. I know there are some side effects but more often they make you start here. They eliminate each and every med until you find one that works for me. Keep in mind, what works for person A doesn't always work for person B. So it really is a story about you and your journey. MTX hasn't been my saviour. I find I still have a lot of redness and scaling on elbows, knees, belly button, back using it. It is milder, but still enough to make me itch a lot.

I am in Canada, and this is the way it goes here. Start with MTX and Clobex and go from there. Although I stopped Clobex once I found out it is a steroid. I will not do steroids becuase they affect my moods. I am also transitioning from male to female so having the steroid plus estrogen, really makes me emotional. So I am done with Clobex for sure. 

On that note, feel free to ask questions as there are many people here with much more knowledge than me, that can help. Take care and I hope you are healthier sooner rather than later! 

Cheers,

Sheila