About a month ago I took myself off mtx as it has caused me nothing but grief since I started taking it 3 years ago - always feeling sick despite stomach protection, lots of liver probs etc etc. I continue to take hydroxychloroquine.

(I just want to say at this point that I know a lot of people who are very well whilst on mtx and have no problems whatsoever associated with it - we are all different)

My inflammation levels have been very high and, having stopped taking mtx, I waited for the results of my last bloods in fear and trepidation. Guess what - ESR and CRP almost normal (never in the 6 years before have they been remotely normal) and everything else is also normal.

Jenni (who is usually right on these things) reckons it's a duff result and also points out that the mtx stays in your system for up to 6 months. However, for the first time in 3 years I am without pain, my hands look normal and my feet are fine. I also feel better in mysef than I have done for a long long time.

Do you think that perhaps the hydroxy has started to work its magic? My rheummy said to give it 12 weeks and it's now 14 weeks since I started to take it.

Would be interested to hear what you think.

Please DON'T FOLLOW MY EXAMPLE AND GIVE UP YOUR MEDS WITHOUT CONSULTING YOUR RHEUMMY

Love
Jeanxxxx

GREAT NEWS JEAN ! I HOPE THINGS STAY THE SAME FOR YOU WITHOUT MTX. SOMETIMES I THINK I WOULD LIKE TO STOP IT TO SEE WHAT WOULD HAPPEN. I AM WELL ON IT SO I CANT COMPLAIN. KATHLEEN MC. X

Hi Jean

I think first off the hydroxy has finally kicked in and combined with the reserves of mtx has given you a huge boost. That would seem to me to be the most obvious explanation. That being the case long may it last!! You might find that your next bloods are not quite so good due to the continuing depletion of the mtx stocks in your system. However, there's always a chance that the mtx was doing you more harm than good. We all know that drugs react differently from person to person so perhaps mtx was never actually suitable for you and coming off it has actually given your body a break from its toxic effects. There again, as Jenni says, it could be a duff result, but that would be a bit of a coincidence wouldn't it?! I do accept coincidences happen, but likely? I don't know.

Let's rejoice in your new found feeling of well being for now whatever the cause and watch this space for the next lot of results!

Lyn x

I hope it lasts for you Jean - RA is such a strange beast, who knows what is going on? Whatever it is, I`d take "normal" any day!

Kathleen x

Good idea Jean, to take one day at a time .....and even so, maybe no pole vaulting for a little while....
Seriously tho' i am really pleased you are feeling positive and hope these feelings of wellness long continue for you xxxxx
With lots of love from Liz xxxxx

Oh Mari - that's great news. We'll have to keep in touch!

Lots of love
Jeanxxxxx

Having taken your comments on board, I'm going to make a gp appt. and talk it through with him. Maybe I should re-start the mtx but at say 7.5mgs per week instead of 20 at present and see how it goes from there!
Love Jeanxxxx
PS Thanks for your help.

Jean, sounding really good!!! whether its the plaquenil kicking in, and giving you this pain free time, with or without the mtx, who can reallysay? so long as something is doing it!!! I am due to start on my plaquenil on Friday, after I have my bloods done again. Hope it continues for you x

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