3rd July 2006
Hi again,
I tried a whole host of natural remedies for psoriatic arthritis, but nothing really worked. I wanted them to, and I treid acupuncture, homeopathy, etc etc. Maybe they work for some people but they didn't work for me. The only thing that worked for me, was getting my body to the best shape it could be. The more muscle mass the better. But it's almost impossible to do this without pain relief and drugs. The best thing I can say to you is that the side effects aren't as bad as you think they're going to be. Like I said, I was petrified but once I started them it was nothing like I expected. I take them on a sunday, with my evening meal. I always make sure I treat myself to whatever I like for my sunday meal, and I always have a yummy dessert. It makes me feel better about taking the MTX. I generally don't feel any different, apart from it's a little more difficult to get up the next morning (bu i am lazy anyway!), and I sometimes feel a little bit sicky, but nothing that a bit of fresh air and lots of water doesn't sort out and it doesnt last longer than until midday monday. Obviously everyone is different though. I can honestly say that I havent noticed any more of a rise in illnesses, which was a worry. I was scared I'd catch anything and everything but I havent. The doc prescribed folic acid to take with the MTX as it sometimes helps with nausea, but I dont take them as I havent needed to.
Ive heard that some people take other types of injections, like 'gold' and 'enbrel', but the doc was adament that it was going to be MTX first before any of that. I think that the injections mess with your organs more, even though they work faster.
Taking your first dose is really scary, but honestly, it works. Slowly but surely it works. Eat healthily, exercise as much as your body allows (swimming and walking are good) and slowly you'll be able to exercise more which will make it even better.
It's difficult to come to terms with a life of routine and hospital appointments and even now sometimes I get scared and feel separated from other people my age, but for the most part i have quality of life back and I'm glad. Hopefully one day there will be further advances in medicine to help with this horrible illness, but for now all I can do is try and make you not worry so much. It's scary and never be afraid to admit that it scares you, but it will get easier and the MTX is nothing like I imagined.
Oh and for the psoriasis, betamethasone is the best thing going. And less worrying helps as well. ;)
Please don;t be afraid to ask anything else or just to have a moan. I find that saying 'its not fair!!!!' helps a lot, cause let's face it, it isn't is it?!! Acknowledging that it aint fair somehow helps you to eventually comes to terms with it ;)
Sending you my very best wishes and I hope to hear from you soon.
Tina
xx
I tried a whole host of natural remedies for psoriatic arthritis, but nothing really worked. I wanted them to, and I treid acupuncture, homeopathy, etc etc. Maybe they work for some people but they didn't work for me. The only thing that worked for me, was getting my body to the best shape it could be. The more muscle mass the better. But it's almost impossible to do this without pain relief and drugs. The best thing I can say to you is that the side effects aren't as bad as you think they're going to be. Like I said, I was petrified but once I started them it was nothing like I expected. I take them on a sunday, with my evening meal. I always make sure I treat myself to whatever I like for my sunday meal, and I always have a yummy dessert. It makes me feel better about taking the MTX. I generally don't feel any different, apart from it's a little more difficult to get up the next morning (bu i am lazy anyway!), and I sometimes feel a little bit sicky, but nothing that a bit of fresh air and lots of water doesn't sort out and it doesnt last longer than until midday monday. Obviously everyone is different though. I can honestly say that I havent noticed any more of a rise in illnesses, which was a worry. I was scared I'd catch anything and everything but I havent. The doc prescribed folic acid to take with the MTX as it sometimes helps with nausea, but I dont take them as I havent needed to.
Ive heard that some people take other types of injections, like 'gold' and 'enbrel', but the doc was adament that it was going to be MTX first before any of that. I think that the injections mess with your organs more, even though they work faster.
Taking your first dose is really scary, but honestly, it works. Slowly but surely it works. Eat healthily, exercise as much as your body allows (swimming and walking are good) and slowly you'll be able to exercise more which will make it even better.
It's difficult to come to terms with a life of routine and hospital appointments and even now sometimes I get scared and feel separated from other people my age, but for the most part i have quality of life back and I'm glad. Hopefully one day there will be further advances in medicine to help with this horrible illness, but for now all I can do is try and make you not worry so much. It's scary and never be afraid to admit that it scares you, but it will get easier and the MTX is nothing like I imagined.
Oh and for the psoriasis, betamethasone is the best thing going. And less worrying helps as well. ;)
Please don;t be afraid to ask anything else or just to have a moan. I find that saying 'its not fair!!!!' helps a lot, cause let's face it, it isn't is it?!! Acknowledging that it aint fair somehow helps you to eventually comes to terms with it ;)
Sending you my very best wishes and I hope to hear from you soon.
Tina
xx