Finally we are getting somewhere

By CommunityMemberf1ac25

1 min read

So it all started with me becoming increasingly distressed and anxious, as no doctor could agree in the NHS what was wrong. Each had their own thoughts and no one would commit to one thing. After many cancelled appointments (them not me) over the last year, I decided to go private. Psoriatic arthritis had been bounded round, but no one was happy to put me on the drug I needed, as it was an immune suppressant.

Finally getting a psoriatic arthritis diagnosis

I ended up going private last month, and within 3 weeks after 4 years, I've had a full diagnosis, and I'm being started on methotrexate. I know there are a couple of things I need to be careful with, but I finally feel light at the end of the tunnel. The anxiety of being messed about, and feeling like I was going mad was more damaging than any drug I could have been given.

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CathyD Moderator
Hey <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf1ac25" user-id="8637818"/>, it's great to hear from you again, especially with such a positive update! I have been thinking of you since you last shared about your struggles with the cancelled appointments and differing opinions. I am SO glad to read that you finally have some solid answers and a treatment plan. Do you have a start date for the methotrexate yet? I've been taking this for the past five and a half years and it really does help me. If you don't mind me asking, will you have to pay privately for the methotrexate or can you get it prescribed on the NHS? It's been a while since I had a private appointment and I can't quite remember how the prescriptions work. Wishing you the absolute best for finding relief. Thank you so much for updating us all! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
CommunityMemberf1ac25 Member
Hi yes I am paying for it, I started the folic acid today for three days then on Monday I take Methotrexate. I only take it once a week and will be closely monitored <a href='http://with.blood' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>with.blood</a> tests 
1. Eric_the_Eric Member
 As a heads up, you might experience nausea while on MTX, though it generally settles down after a few weeks of being on it. If it's problematic, you can get a prescription for anti-nausea medication. 
2. CathyD Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf1ac25" user-id="8637818"/>, thank you for sharing. Will you be keeping your rheumatology appointment in January with the other consultant? I'm just wondering whether they may be able to take over the prescribing so that you won't have to pay for the prescription anymore. I'm glad to hear that you'll be having regular blood tests to check up on how you're doing with the methotrexate. I think I started having blood tests monthly and now I have them every three months. Some people have them more often though. As <inline-mention username="Eric_the_Eric" user-id="6704533"/> kindly mentions, you may get some nausea with the methotrexate (but we're all different). I had mild nausea at the start but it did pass with time. Hoping you'll be able to get the relief you deserve, finally! Please keep us updated if you can, and do reach out here with any questions. We're wishing you the very best for Monday. Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator
Diane T Moderator & Contributor
Hello <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf1ac25" user-id="8637818"/> , Just following up to see how you are doing. We know you had started on Methotrexate. How is that coming along? We would like to hear from you. Diane (Team Member)
1. Diane T Moderator & Contributor
 Hello <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf1ac25" user-id="8637818"/> , I am so happy to hear that you are doing better. I started on Methotrexate 20 years ago. Isn't it good to be pain-free? Keep it up and let us know how this medication is working. Yes, that was a pretty penny to spend, but I'm sure it was worth it. Diane (Team Member)
2. CathyD Moderator
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMemberf1ac25" user-id="8637818"/>, great to hear from you again, and with such positive news too! So pleased to hear that you're feeling the benefits of the methotrexate. Have you encountered any side effects on your journey so far? Hoping you continue to have good results as time goes on. You deserve relief! Warmly, -Catherine, Community Moderator

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