About to start MTX

[+xausted]

I am due to start 5mg MTX on Tuesday,as long as my chest x ray is clear. What should I expect from it? (AS i WAS ALERGIC TO CYCLOSPORIN AND HAD BAD SIDE EFFECTS, WILL mtx BE THE SAME?)
my other query is that between a mix of regular sunbed and my mix of coal tar stuff my P is lookingthe best it has looked in ages. My worry is that if I continue with sunbeds and coal tar, it could be that that is healing P, therefore giving a false clearage reading to dermi. I am thinking that I should maybe stop them for a couple of weeks to give MTX a chance of showing whether or not it is really working. What do you guys think?

[NitroNick]

MTX can give unplesent side effects it has to be said. However some people have none, others have minor and a few have severe side effect's. Only way to find out is to take the darn stuff. Make sure you are taking Folic acid as well as this will help ease the side effects of MTX.

I would keep up with your other treatments as this will bring a clear a lot faster then just taking MTX on its own.

[Luvvi]

MTX can take about 3 months to kick in but the Derm might not like you taking MTX and having sun beds as sun bathing and MTX is a bit of a no no! so its up to you.  I had horrible side effects on both Ciclo and MTX but its a case of suck it and see....we're all different and you owe it to yourself to try it...if you can't tolerate it or don't like it then you can stop!

[Nicknackwack]

MTX can take about 3 months to kick in but the Derm might not like you taking MTX and having sun beds as sun bathing and MTX is a bit of a no no! so its up to you.  I had horrible side effects on both Ciclo and MTX but its a case of suck it and see....we're all different and you owe it to yourself to try it...if you can't tolerate it or don't like it then you can stop!

Definitely agree with Liz on this. MTX will make you more photosensitive +xausted and you have got to be very very careful indeed. Infact better to give the sunbed a complete miss whilst you are on MTX  If you are unsure then talk to your Derm.

[ellieh]

When I started I was told to be very careful at first as it can make you extremely photosensitive but actually it's not been a problem at all, in fact I try to get to the beach every weekend and although I went a bit pink on the shoulders the 1st week after that I seem to be tanning even less than other years so it really is a case of caution at first and see what happens, just like everything else about this condition we all seem to be different. Having said that, I imagine sunbeds are a lot stronger than normal sun even here where it's too bloomin' hot at the moment so I'd check with derm or dermie nurse or someone just to be on the safe side, you've got enough on your plate as it is, hardly need to go damaging your skin any more.

[+xausted]

Thanks everyone, I shall do as you say and avoid them.
I am due to start MTX tommorrow as my x ray came back today and I have the all clear to start. I am hoping in one respect that it does work - in that to be P free would be great. However I am dreading the no drinking and the possible side effects as cyclosporin and I so quickly fell out friends!
Fingers crossed

[scozzy]

Hi xhausted,

I am entering my 5th week on MTX & currently on 10mg & about to step up to 12.5.....No real side effects to speak of except..............I have PA into the deal & while my p & pa are generally improving at this early stage,the day after I take mtx I am incredibly sore & stiff all over to the point where I need help to to get into a radox bath on all fours!! its the only way I can get in,getting out requires help & I am exhausted from horrible lack of sleep.....Good with the bad,my skin is clearing up nicely & I have had the occasional drink for sanitys sake (accompanied by a glass of water for each) one & my bloods are Ok so good luck,its improving my quality of life although of course I'd rather not have to have it at all.....

[devilsofdarkness]

hiya hun...hows it going? glad the xray came back clear..at least thats one less worry....i cant really say much about the mtx im afraid hun as u know i cant tolerate it...i had trouble breathing on it and it came on quite quick so they took me off it and i went straight back to breathing normally again so at least oif u have any probs be assured they should right themselves if u stop with it...Hopefully it WILL be the drug for you tho...just cos the ciclo didny work out, the mtx may well so ive got my fingers crossed for ya hun....

ive done a really stupid thing,.,,i missed my derm appointment yesterday...for some reason i had it in my head that it was tom!! phoned derms secreatary and got new appoint for 6th august and he is going to call me as i havent got enough ciclo to last..might not be a prob tho as i am telling him that i am coming off of it..its done wonders for my skin but as you know the side effects are horrendous and ive had enough.....

let me know how u going hun as i do think of you often

debi
hugs
xxx

[jonathan harries]

I've been on MTX for 10 weeks now having finally deciding to try systemic treatments after 20+ years of trying to avoid.  I am fortunate to not have suffered any side effects to date and my p is 80% improved.  I have just increased my dosage from 15 to 20mg per week to try and get rid of the remaining 20% and I'm off to Turkey next week for 2 weeks holiday.

I wish I'd tried MTX years ago and have a real supportive derm.  I do have the odd drink which the derm says is ok but I'd rather lose the p than worry about the next pint.

Good luck with the treatment and fingers crossed little or no side-effects

[+xausted]

Well, no one thought I would actually have no side effects did they.!?!
 I woke up this morning after taking it last night and I feel as sick as a dog, my tummy is a little dodgy and I have a banging headache. However, so far, I would rather feel like this than what I did on the cyclosporin. If this is all I get then this I can live with. Keep crossing fingers that this is the worse it gets.