Newly diagnosed
Hi all
just had my diagnosis confirmed two weeks ago after years of fighting which many of you I'm sure will know! My psoriasis has not been under control in the slightest for going on three years. Joints in wrists, fingers and toes affected so far. On top of having joint hypermobility syndrome...debilitating and frustrating 😤
My rheumatologist has given me couple of options but he has recommended Methotrexate. Wondered what others peoples experiences are with this drug? Or have other medicationa that worked for both the joints and skin. Can't say I'm not terrified at the prospect of have my immune system suppressed or the though that this medication is commonly used for cancer treatment. I do know leaving it untreated means I'll continue in this hell I've been in and will only get worse as it spreads to other joints.
Always good to have the support of fellow people who have the same condition as much as I have it at home..not quite the same understanding.
Thank you
Karenann
, Thank you so much for sharing, Karenann. I always find that getting a diagnosis is relieving and disappointing, almost bittersweet if you will. I know many of our members have successfully used methotrexate to manage the symptoms, I am sharing an article with you that relates to methotrexate, I do hope that you find this helpful. https://psoriatic-arthritis.com/living/before-methotrexate.
Is methotrexate your only treatment option at this time?
- Clair ( Team Member)
Hi Karenann, welcome to the community! We're so glad you found us. That is a fresh diagnosis. How are you feeling about everything? I'm glad you finally have a diagnosis, although, of course, we all wish that none of us had to deal with this disease. I'm sure having both PsA and the joint hypermobility syndrome is a real challenge.
I completely understand and relate to your concerns about starting immunosuppressive medication - it took me six months to agree to my rheumatologist prescribing methotrexate, and another month or so for me to actually start taking it. I was absolutely petrified! I've been taking methotrexate now since April 2018, and it has really helped me. It took somewhere between three and four months for me to start noticing improvements in my PsA symptoms, and six months plus for it to reach its full effects. Psoriasis-wise, it actually kicked in much quicker - maybe three weeks? However, at some point I encountered one of my triggers and the psoriasis started flaring up again. We increased my methotrexate dose and I use Dovonex ointment too, and the combination of these two treatments does keep it more or less manageable for me. Side effects-wise, I had some mild nausea at the start which has improved greatly with time (to the point that it's not really an issue now) and I feel a bit groggy for around 36 hours following my weekly dose. This is just my personal experience though and we're all different - I hope others will chime in here as well. Did your rheumatologist mention folic acid to you as well?
Hoping you'll be able to find the relief you deserve very soon. Please keep us updated and feel free to reach out anytime you have questions or need support. We're all here for you. Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
