Mtx: I’ve been using that form almost 2 years. The mtx can be injected if gastro-intestinal side effects require it – OR – if there’s a need to get a higher dose than you have. 25 mg is about the highest RA dose (unless body mass were very high) and it must be injected. That’s my dose. Also, injecting provides a stronger effect since none is lost by digestion. Have you read the Mtx pages here on the blog?
Maybe there’s something new there for you.
I also know about dreading the appointment. Wish we could go in together. Wouldn’t that be a good networking for RA idea?! Anyway, get as much info as you can before you go in, so you know what you want to ask & show/tell.
I am very thankful for your encouragement and that of others also. It really helps right now.

After researching for myself and going back requesting that he specifically do an anti-ccp test, he finally referred me to a rheumy.

I sat in the rheumy’s office, bawling and depressed, in June of last year and he assured me I would be able to feel “normal” again. Thus far, that has NOT happened.

Like you, my RA affects pretty much every joint in my body. I started on MTX, increasing to 20mg/week, which I still take. Then, we tried Celebrex-like water. Then, Enbrel self injections-minimal effect. Then, Remicade (infusions by nurse).

I’ve been having the infusions every 5 weeks @ 500mg (or mililiters, or whatever) for 6 months now, and he added Celebrex back into the mix a few months back also, so I take 200mg of that every day too, in addition to folic acid, and of course Cymbalta since I’ve about lost my mind over the last few years.

I have to admit I feel much better than I did a year ago, but I am nowhere near normal, and I feel like such a whiner when I go back in there and see my rheumy, and he’s got this look on his face like he’s really expecting me to say I feel great because so many other people do when they take that stuff!

I go back to seem him again on November 12th, and I’m dreading my appointment. I just want you to know how thankful I am to have stumbled onto your site a few weeks ago on a Facebook search.

You cannot imagine what an inspiration you are to me, and I know to others as well! God bless you! You’re in my prayers, and I so hope you’re able to get just the right combination of meds VERY SOON!

I have questions too. I didn’t even know MTX came in injectible form. Mine are pills. How long have you been doing that? How long have you had RA exactly? How many kids do you have?

Thanks again, Sweet Lady! :rose:

I will be praying you find a treatment that brings some real relief. I have 3 kids, and I know how difficult and disheartening it is when your body won’t let you be the mommy they need you to be.

I wish you the best of luck. I am not on Embrel or any of those because you cannot take them within six months of pregnancy and well Ive been ttc for 25 months now. I take an Epsom salt bath EVERY SINGLE NIGHT, I take muscle relaxants in the evening with Ryzolt which is a 12 hr extended release Ultram. I also sleep with a mattress pad that is heated and heating pads on joints that are particularly painful. I got one of those orthopedic pillows, see a chiropractor and physical therapist also of course my rheumy.

Try empsom salts baths
orthpedic pillow
heated mattress pad or heated blanket
heating pads too

and always remember you are NOT alone. This what you are experiencing right now will give you so much appreciation for the medications that you begin to take. If the pain gets too bad contact your dr again re: steroid pack, they are amazing.

Wishing you all the best. Hang in there!!

It sounds like your new Rheumie is a keeper. She is seeing you with clear vision. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Still on the 20 mg methotrexate, Enbrel and 5 mg prednisone here. Week 5 of the Enbrel added into the mix. The swelling has gone down. Probably about 30% reduction in symptoms. We’re giving the Enbrel at least 8 more weeks to see what it can do.

Take care. I think you are on the right path.
Love, Noelle

Can I Delay Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis? part 1

Rheumatoid Arthritis Requires Disease Treatment and Symptom Treatment

My Quest for Answers to Questions About Rheumatoid Arthritis

Palindromic Rheumatism Is Not a Rare Form of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Hysterical Diagnosis, Part 2

What Makes Diagnosing Rheumatoid Arthritis So Difficult?

Anyone interested in the debate on early treatment should click on the tag “diagnosing RA” in the tag dropdown at top of page. Why are patients not able to have early diagnosis / treatment? Many reasons have been discussed on RA Warrior, but prominent is this: Too many doctors are ignorant of the realities of Rheumatoid Arthritis, its early (first few years) symptoms, and of the points that you make here.

Dr, everyday I speak with people who have had their symptoms ignored and minimized by physicians who looked straight at their RA and do not “see” it until it is much too late. Or docs say that it is too early to treat aggressively. I hope we can both work to promote the truth.