Hi Wendy...so sorry the MTX isn't working for you...to be honest though, it didn't do too much for me either, I was up to 25 mg. and I didn't see any improvement...I'm back on the Enbrel and I know my rheumy is going to try and push the MTX but I'm going to decline...I found it to be really harsh on my body too, dry skin & hair, upset stomach, etc. At any rate, I really hope you find something that works for you...big hugs & much love, my friend...

Thanks, Michelle. I'm expecting to go up by 2.5 mg on Friday - that will be 22.5 mg, then the next Friday will be 25 mg. That's as high as I'm expected to go and I can't really see that it will work if it hasn't up until now.

Thanks for the hugs.

Well Wendy, I really hope that it works for you, if not will you get the go ahead for a different treatment?

I think so. The trouble is my GP is the one providing treatment for me right now (he's fabulous - no complaints) but I don't know whether he will need to send me back to the rheumy if I need to start biologics.

Usually, or at least with my GP, they want a rheumy to prescribe that but maybe not since you already have a DX...I just hope for your sake that something gives and soon Wendy, you've had a pretty rough go of it the last couple of years...

Wendy, I had forgotten what your dose was...thought you were already at 25mg. My appt with rheumy was today and I asked about how long I would need to be at this dose to see if it worked. Since I did 9 weeks before and it didn't totally relieve anything and now I was at 6 weeks, with similar results, so he said to increase to 25mg this week. Most weeks I don't notice much of anything in the way of side-effects. At the worst, maybe a bit of subjective tiredness. If I'm busy, I don't notice it, so it might not be real. He also added Vit D since my test showed my level at barely detectable. Gotta catch some rays..LOL.

I hope this increase works for you.

Wendy,
I am wondering how you are doing today.
I hope they can find something that helps you soon!
Lon

Hi Lon

Thanks so much for your concern. No change really other than that my collarbone is swollen and I have a lot of pain at the joints between the clavicle and my shoulders.

On my way to work right now, sitting on the ferry typing this on my iPhone.

Wendy,
Hi. My new Rheumy told me I did not have AS, and that I ineed had advanced Fibro. and R.A. Your comments about your collar bone as so true with me. Sometimes mine sticks out like stick and throbs. I often have to roll on a 3/4 inch piece of copper pipe to get releif behind my should blades..
I enjoyed the Ferry rides in Seattle the first few itmes i went on them. The sunds of the ocean and the seals, and sea lions were so much fun for this sod buster.
I hope that work is going well for you?

Wendy, do hot baths help? I had to go back to those again, so that I could finsih out the day...

Your Friend,
Lon

Interesting, Lon, about the RA. Welcome to the small select group of RAers who are on this forum!
It's weird, isn't it, to have this inflammation and swelling in a collar bone!

Hot baths do help a bit - I usually have one before I go to bed to help me relax.

All the best, Lon