I saw the doctor again today. After a lot of discussion we came up with a treatment plan that will hopefully keep me from loosing the use of my hands and keep me out of a wheelchair-- Enbrel and Methotrexate. Enbrel is an injection that I will take twice a week… it suppresses the immune system. Methotrexate is oral. It is a chemotherapy drug for certain leukemia's, lung cancer and some other cancers, but it also works for Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and Psoriatic arthritis (PsA). I take six pills over the course of 24 hours and then no more for a week. I have to wait for the insurance to approve the Enbrel, plus there is a bunch of blood tests, a chest X-ray, TB test and other stuff they have to do before I can start taking it.
So, I started my first course of Methotrexate today. All I can say is I wonder if the cure is worse than the disease. The literature was right about the nausea, achiness, being worn out, feverish (low grade), dizziness. Fortunately, from what I have read, I only need to put up with these side affects for 24-36 hours, then I will be back to normal.
Unfortunately, one of the other side affects is slow hair loss. Hopefully that one won't affect me.
If there are any of my readers out there who have PsA or have taken methotrexate, please feel free to email me if you are comfortable. If you have found this post because you have PsA or think you might have Psoriatic Arthritis, again, please feel to email or comment below and I will gladly share any information I know or experiences I have had.
I'm starting Methotrexate tomorrow. How did you do with it?
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