Using Methotrexate

Duh · Guru

Using Methotrexate

Duh · Guru

I've been using it for about 9 months, it does make you tired and also prone to skin cancers and a lowered immune system so you are more likely to get all the bugs floating around etc as you have no or little resistance. Also not feeling like doing anything, exercising, going out etc.

On the positive side, it does help alleviate painful joints and swelling which is the trade off. In the past I just either put up with it or took painkillers (eg; Panadol) can't take anything stronger than that due to other problems.....

One of the problems with Methotrexate is you have to have your wits about you when taking it, dosage is weekly but some deaths have occurred where due to not reading the instructions properly or maybe age related memory loss people have taken it every day or taken too many.......

-- Edited by Duh on Wednesday 5th of December 2012 01:55:27 PM

Duh · Guru

Already have, and done some research on the subject, however am also interested in how others have found the medication if they are using it, the reason for my thread as previously stated.

-- Edited by Duh on Wednesday 5th of December 2012 06:11:37 PM

Gerty Dancer · Guru

Geez, Vic I hope you arent as crook as the person in the wikipedia pic! How long have you been taking it, and has it had any beneficial effect?

Rip and Rosie · Guru

Don't you think this is something you should discuss with your doctor?

msg · Guru

My mother was on it for many years for osteo and rhumatoid arthritis. Without it she would have been bedridden. Certainly dangerous, and yes problems but she lived and was mobile from about 70 to 87. Worst case of arthritis I have ever seen.

Duh · Guru

Thanks msg, that's the type of feedback I was looking for I haven't been able to find anyone else who is using it.

I am glad she had some quality of life using it.

I am a bit wary of how many drugs etc I take, I only have one kidney (kidney donor) and don't want to stuff that up with too much drug loading etc.

jimbo · Guru

I think it's great when somebody ask how certain Medicines work on our bodies.....It all acts so much differently on certain people..

Duh · Guru

So true Jimbo, some have different experiences with the same medication than others as you know.

I agree that we should always be guided by our doctors and specialists, but during my lifetime I have found it good value to ask others that may have used the same medication as well, if any doubts ask your chemist or dr about it.

In regards to my own body I have stopped taking it for the time being (one of those you can without weaning yourself off it etc) and will use my own judgement on how I feel with and without it. It does say that under certain circumstances it can be stopped for awhile.

ibbo · Senior Member

Duh wrote:
So true Jimbo, some have different experiences with the same medication than others as you know.
I agree that we should always be guided by our doctors and specialists, but during my lifetime I have found it good value to ask others that may have used the same medication as well, if any doubts ask your chemist or dr about it.
In regards to my own body I have stopped taking it for the time being (one of those you can without weaning yourself off it etc) and will use my own judgement on how I feel with and without it. It does say that under certain circumstances it can be stopped for awhile.

Duh Mate,take care when you self medicate.I learnt the hard way.I fully understand your reasoning,but be careful.Meanwhile if I can dig up any info.I will certainly pass it on to you.

Duh · Guru

Thanks Ibbo,

I've read all the google stuff on it etc, I am not really happy with the side effects in relation to myself, I am not really self medicating, just stopping one that was prescribed for me I am not happy with taking because it is fraught with dangers etc.

Part of taking it is having regular blood tests before each appointment to see what different levels are, so will have the next blood test to see what difference it has made if any before I see my specialist again, will inform him about my actions etc and see what he says.....

Pm me if you have anything you think I need to know or be wary of, I am pretty sure what I am doing is harmless, otherwise I wouldn't be doing it.

Diggings · Senior Member

Gooday, I have been on methotrexate as a treatment for Psoriatic Arthritis since 2001, had an operation on my knee and was told my leg was full of cancer and nothing could be done for it, I got a second opinion from a Dr Croker in Tamworth and was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis and started treatment the same day, only been off it once due to an abnormal blood test, would have to be a believer.

Duh · Guru

Thanks for the feedback Dave, even though I have stopped mine I am thinking of going back onto it, my arthritis is getting worse and my psoriasis has regressed, was improving quite a bit while on Methotrexate. cry

I appreciate your post. smile

-- Edited by Duh on Wednesday 25th of September 2013 07:37:09 PM

neilnruth · Guru

And thanks for bringing the topic up again. Having read through the wiki info I found a few interesting things I didn't know.

Diggings · Senior Member

Gooday Duh, don't be scared off the Metho It keeps me going, took a while to get used to it but all good now would not be able to keep going with out it, doctors have told me 3 times that I wouldn't be able to keep working, but still going and working on the retirement plan but that's still 2 years away, all going well. The other thing with Psoriasis is that you should eat a green vegetable every day if you can, not that easy I know.

Duh · Guru

Thanks for the feedback Dave, I am managing ok without it presently, not the greatest at times, but then I am retired so don't have to work.

Sorry for the late reply, I don't visit the health section very often although I should.

Thanks too for the comment NeilnRuth.