how long for mtx to work??

[rocketship]

I've been injecting methotrexate since January for RA.  I'm at .8 - which I think is 20mg.  I also take plaquenil. I still have pain migrating from joint to joint and I don't feel any improvement and my CRP keeps climbing.  The joints that are bothering me burn and ache so badly I can't sleep or sit still.

My question is how long do you give this stuff a chance before trying infusions?  I have a lot of stuff I need to do for work and major certification exams coming up - plus my husband might need major surgery.  Needless to say I'm under a lot of stress and I have stuff to do!! I can't afford to be tired or in pain all the time!

[TrudieC]

I was hoping someone with experience with this drug would come along.  Do keep in mind that it is not a cure and that you will still have good days and bad days.  The stress is going to exasperate it too.  Talk to your doctor and explore your options.  Good luck.

[carolanivey]

Hi rocketship,

I took mtx orally for many years and switched to injections within the last two years, along with adding Enbrel.

You need a good 3 to 6 months to determine if mtx is going to work for you. I would guess that if you've experienced NO improvement at 5 months, it's time to start questioning your rheumatologist about adjusting dosage or changing meds. Placquenil never did anything for me, so maybe ask about dropping that and replacing it with either Humira or Enbrel. Both of these are also self-injectible and I'd try these first before resorting to infusions, for which you'd have to visit the office.

Are you also on an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug)? Adding this may also give you some relief.

Like Trudie said, you're still going to have ups and downs, even on the best cocktail of meds. It may take some time to find the right mix for you - everyone is different, and unfortunately there's no "one size fits all" when it comes to treating RA.

Stress is, indeed, a HUGE factor in how you feel. I think the key is to let go of anything and everything you can't control, and concentrate only on what you can do. Get plenty of rest, and balance that with light exercise. Hang in there!