Side effects of methotrexate

When you have a chronic illness like RA, it's really important to be a good advocate for yourself. That means educating yourself about your disease, you medications, asking questions of your doctor to make sure that you have all the information you need to make the decisions that are right for you and do a sort of subtle shift of power from the doctor to you (you can read more about self advocacy here). Your doctor is an important member of your healthcare team, but you are the team leader and that means you make the decisions based on the advice and information given to you by your doctor.

First, about the methotrexate. If the side effects are this severe, your dose may be too high. I've found that I often need to start with a really low dose, get my body used to that, then increase in little, get my body used to that, increase more, etc.  That said, although it sounds like it could potentially be side effects from methotrexate, if it's only happened once, you could have had food poisoning or a stomach bug and it was a coincidence that it happened right after you took the medication. Unfortunately, I'd recommend that you try one more dose and if you have the same result, then you know it's side effects.  That said, I'd suggest you call your rheumatologist and ask why he changed the medication.  All medications have side effects and some are manageable (light your acid reflux) and easily outweighed by the benefits. However, some side effects require that you change medication. You need to find out whether he had serious concerns about the rash. If he didn't and you can live with the rash, then suggest to him that you switch back to Arava.  If you end up going this way, you may want to ask them for referral to a dermatologist who may be able to give you some cream for the rash.

I think maybe I am just venting and worried. RA is already such a confusing and mysterious illness. I go to my rheumy every 2 months with about 20 questions which he answers to the best of his ability. He admits he's only a doctor and is doing his very best with me. And I understand no one really reacts the same way to all meds or treatments. And every time I see my doc he orders new tests, which seem to only lead to more tests and I feel as if I am never fully in the know as to what he is going to change as a result of the last test and by the time you think your questions are answered all new tests have been ordered, new meds or new side effects. I am sure everyone here has been through the battery of 100 xrays, mri's, bone scans etc... and for 2 years no answers. I am sero-negative so he has to watch the changes in my body and base his diagnosis on test results.

If it weren't for reading the posts here on how everyone is reacting to new meds or their personal venting I'd probably have worried myself sick.

Thanks to all for your posts that help me keep my sanity and know I am "normal".