Hi

I'm really not sure where to post this! But I've been taking MTX since November, and I've been feeling unwell for a while now with upset tummy problems, the only thing is no one is sure if it's MTX causing it or the fact that I am very low in myself and getting stressed about things.

Over the last few months, I must have been to the Dr's every month sometimes a few times a month! But Im so fed up of feeling like this. The problem i have now is that whenever i go anywhere, even round to family and friends, i start getting stomach cramps and have to rush to the loo! I seem to be getting this everyday now, I get the bus to work and have about an hours journey the whole time I'm thinking that i need to get off the bus. I try reading my book or listening to music but it helps for a little while.

I even felt like this, going to the hospital yesterday!

I also have a loss of appetite which is very unlike me but i think its because think that if i dont eat to much then i wont need the loo!

A few weeks ago i was prescribed tablets for anxiety and IBS, then on Tuesday i went back because I've had enough of everything and have been feeling so low about everything, well its the baby thing to be honest, i think all the stress of the failed IVF attempts and trying to cope with everything else has finally hit me.

I saw my GP on Tuesday and I have now been prescribed anti-depressants, I know this tablet wont sovle my problems but i hope it will make me feel stronger to tackle them.

I explained all of this to my rheumy nurse yesterday and she advised me to stop my MTX for a couple of weeks and then I might need to think about taking MTX as an injection so that it avoids my stomach.

I've called in sick again today, which means in the last three months i have had time off every month! I've told them everything today but i really worry about that as well.

I just dont understand how and why this keeps happening, what is wrong with me! Well i guess i dont help because i guess if I'm thinking that i need the loo then i will do!

Sorry for my long post but i feel safe to express how i feel on here.

Lou xx

Hi Lou,

Lots of us with RA take anti-depressants, unfortunately depression is widely experienced with chronic diseases and there is no shame in taking antidepressant drugs to put it right.
If you Google "RA and Depression" you will find lots of information.
Make the most of your day off sick, rest and spoil yourself!

Love and hugs,
Doreen xx

Hi Lou

Just want to say how much your stress with the failed IVF will affect you. My daughter had 6 years of failed IVF before the very last egg of the very last cycle grew - and 9 months later our wonderful grandson George came along! Don't forget you are filling your body with all sorts of extra hormones etc which will all cause some unbalance to your state of mind.

Don't be afraid to take anti-depressants as they really do help.

Much love
Jeanxxxx

Hi Lou
Sorry your feeling so unwell and down.. Ive just started anti depressants as I think I need a bit of help and stress shows up in different ways (like with your tummy probs) . I inject methotrexate and that might help you, hope things improve soon take care luv Ceri xx

Hi Lou

So sorry to see you are feeling so low at the moment. You sound like I did a few weeks back. I started on MX just after Xmas but prior to that I had had no meds because of side effects and the RA was obviously advancing on me, the pain, tiredness and feeling useless and IBS nearly finished me off. But after all the help and support on here I began to feel a lot more positive. It also made me realised that taking anti depressants is a good way of looking after yourself. You are number one Lou. Have a good rest you have been through so much. I get IBS and so does my daughter and of course as you know stress makes it worse. Try and get the counselling appointment it's worth it if YOU feel it is something that will help. I saw my local psychologist, which took weeks, but it helped me to put things into perspective at the time and was a tremendous help.

Hope you feel a bit more positive soon. Take care of yourself.

Julie x

Hi Lou

sorry if I'm hijacking your thread, but apart from the ivf it could be me. Add to the mix bereavement. There are days when I can't face anything and work has become incredibly stressful. I'm getting complaints about my work and quite frankly am begining to doubt myself and my ability. I was sick yesaterday the day after takng mtx. This happened once before. Often I can't eat. Ioften get wobbly moments when all i do is cry. My gp has sent me to see the gastroenterologist to rule out anything physical- I'm going this thurs. Once thats dealt with I can ook at other things. Let's hope they can get to the bottom of this (sorry- no pun intended ) for all of us

Take care- if you have the chance to have a beak, do

Maria x