Non-stop pain

Hi Dorothy!

 

I just found this site.  I've been newly diagnosed with RA (April of 2007).  I am on the same meds as you-minus the percocette.  The Methotrexate can cause some thinning of hair.  It did it to me, too?  Methotrexate has been used in stronger doses as a chemo drug, and that is one of the side effects.  Although, we are using a much lesser amount of medication than cancer patients, it still has that as a mild side effect.  I have found that once my body adjusted to the methotrexate after 3 or 4 months, my hair loss has lessened.

 

Ali Shell 

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Hi Dorothy,

 

I'd check to see how much of the foilc acid you're taking - maybe you need to increase that amount to compensate for the negative side effects from the methotrexate.  I didn't experience much hair loss when I was on it, but I was also only taking 12.5mg/week.  I prefer the Enbrel and Plaquenil combo more though.  Also, don't let the pharmacists get you down, I deal with that too and I get such judgemental attitude and remarks, when picking up my Vicodin and Ambien.  If they only knew how much that impacted us.

 

Hang in there & I hope you feel better soon!!

 

-nicole 

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Hi Nicole, thanks so much for your post.  I think you're taking a lot more folic acid than I am.  I'm taking it twice a day now.  Now we'll see what happens.  I ended up changing my pharmacies.  I think the one I'm at now seems pretty good.  Thanks again for responding.  Take care!

 

dotti51

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I have had RA for 15 years now and have had total shoulder replacement which eased the pain but it isn't gone.   My ankles are very bad and some days I don't want to even walk.  I started seeing a new doctor and she prescribed vicoden 5mg. which really allow me to be able to get a few things done around the house.  I am 47 years old and will be starting methotrexate soon and am nervous about it.  Take care and good luck! Smile, Kim

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Hi Dorothy, I too was diagonsed with r.a. two years ago when I was sent to a rheumatologist by my family docotor.I was first tried on pain pills such as percocet and darvocet that didnt phase the pain. Then I was put on methotrexate,folic acid,and started out with a cortisone shot and prednisone. When the prednisone was gone the pain was back. I was then started on Humira and that helped for about 7 months until I started having severe allergic reations, all of a sudden major red blemish breakouts and itching.I have since been switched to Enbrel. Seems to be helping but not as well as the Humira. At least I can get out of bed in the mornings. I too have experienced the hair loss but it isnt terrible. Look at it this way do, I want to be able to function and have a little less hair? Or Have a full head and not be able to move without excruciating pain? I am 37 and in 2 years I have learned alot.I have a high tolerance for pain but this disease is no fun and not to be ignored regardless of how mild the pain because the damage is permanent.And for alot of us on going,If you ever need to talk to someone feel free to email me. Thanks and good luck. Don't let it get you down. A positive attitiude helps!
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I lost hair and eyelashes for a period of time every time they increased my methotrexate. It is a chemotherapy drug also used with cancer. (although in much shorter stronger doses) Six months is too soon  to expect it to stop yet, but know that there is an end in sight. Hang in there. I cried when I lost my eyelashes!

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