hi everyone,

well i had my review with my Consultant this morning ... was worried i wouldn't get there as we got up to snow and my appointment was early. fortunately once we got onto the main roads it was slushy.

i've been on Methotrexate since June 17th going from 10mg to 20mg ... although my CRP has come down it's still too high.

i told her i am convinced the Methotrexate has interefered with my sleep, i know it's not listed as a side affect but i know my own body and my sleep pattern has definately changed ... and she agreed we are all different and couldn't rule it out.

but i have to try another drug before i can be considered for Anti TFN's.

so after much discussion ... have to say she did give me a choice i am going onto Hydroxychloroquine. if this fails then i will go onto the Anti TFN's.

we spoke about Leflunomide but i do suffer from high blood pressure but it's now controlled very well and i know it can raise it, also spoke about Methotrexate injections ... but i said i would prefer to add another drug.

so will have to give it 3 months and see.

i am now on an anti-depressant to help with my sleep and it does, but still not a good sleep.

also had a Depo, the last one didn't work so fingers crossed although i am not in terrible pain ( i get more pain from the Osteo in my knee's ) she said as the RA is active a Depo would be a good idea.

i am anxious about starting it as i was about the Methotrexate where i managed to lose over half a stone in a week with worry ... so trying to stay more calm as i am a few months down the line now and learnt so much more, mostly from this Forum.

have to say i do get fantastic support from my RA Unit.

will post how i am getting on as and when,

Suzanne x

Hi Suzanne

Please, please don't worry about taking plaquenil. It doesn't have all the nasty side effects which can show up with all the other stuff. You will have to have an eye test before you start on it, and get your eyes checked every year as it can (although my optician has never come across this happening in 18 years) cause the start of catarract.

With regard to mtx injectable: Because it is absorbed directly into the blood stream, it is often the case that a smaller doseage is sufficient. A lot of the efficacy is lost with tablets because the body expels much of it through the kidneys. It also does away with any sickness as it doesn't damage the tum and can help with the tired feling.

I've been on anti-depressants for several years and once they are in your system, they will help with the sleeping problems.

Take care, and try not to worry too much - it'll only bring on a flare!!

Love Jeanxxxxxx

Hello Suzanne,

Pleased that you had a good appointment with your Specialist. You do not appear
to get 'rushed' so lucky you. I hope the depo helps your pain within a few days
but very advisable to rest now for next 48 hrs to give it a chance.

As I understand the mtx inject are much better for the tummy, sickness etc. as they
go direct into the systemn unlike mtx by tablet form. However you made your choice
and I am sure you will be fine adding the hydro into the mix. I saw an eye specialist
in readiness to start with it along side mtx and sulph. but my liver went 'odd' so
didn't get to start it.

Good luck and don't worry


Rose