Hi all me again.Had chat with with support nurse on phone today.Going to see her with a possibility of changing tablets.She discussed both mtx and steroid tablets as i am currently on sulfasalazine.She told n me i was anaemic as i said i felt washed out.
Just wondered if anyone who uses either treatment could cast a light on effects.Any info would be greatly appreciated,Regards to all John

Hi John,

I agree with all Doreen says. I was terrified of the methotrexate but have been on it for over 3 years with no bad side effects. The close monitoring with blood tests would show if you have any intolerance to the drug or you were suffering any ill effects. I started on 15mg per week and it worked like magic for me for over a year. In Sheffield, they only really give steroid on a short term basis where possible, normally to ease symptoms while other drugs such as methotrexate 'kick in' - as it can take up to 12 weeks. You can also have either individual steroid injections into specific joints or an intra muscular steroid injections which works on many joints and can last for up to 3 months. I didn't take the steroid tablets very well but find the intramuscular injection of depomedrone an absolute godsend to keep me moving. As you will see, we are all different and react differently to the various drugs on offer. I hope you find the right combination soon.

Julie

Hi John,

Like everyone says, MTX is amazing for what it can do. I have and been on both of these and still on MTX. You really have to read it once and then put it away and look forward to the benefits. As was said it will show very quickly if it does cause problems. IF you were to read and be scared of everything you would take nothing. It is hard to accept you are on these drugs but try to be positive. Take care and good luck with it. Lorna