The Big M...

That would be Methotrexate... a drug I've been avoiding for two years. That's how long ago my Rheuma doc recommended it. The time has come. I can no longer avoid at least trying it and hoping that it works without too many of the side effects.

Those who know me know I have been struggling with RA and Psoriatic Arthritis for many years now and have already lots both hip joints. My feet and toes are affected by this disease also and now it's attacking my knee and my finger joints. I has become very painful to go up stairs and knitting hurts. I've done a couple of courses of tapering Prednisone and I'm trying one more time before I actually start the other drug in the hope that I'll have a few more months of peace but I don't hold out much hope.

My Rheuma doc also seems to think that just possibly this drug will help with my bowel issues. They are still hanging in there and she thinks it is inflammatory bowel disease in the small bowel which isn't visible with a colonoscopy. Since I've had every test going she's fairly certain.

I have decided that I'm going to start Methotrexate on Sunday night. It's a once a week dose and I'll spend Monday's just hanging out hoping I won't be too sick. It's a chemo drug and very potent with too many side effects to write about. I'll need regular blood tests to make sure my liver can handle it too which is the scary part. My choices for avoiding this stuff have run out, I don't want to have knee replacement and I'll do anything to avoid it. Wish me luck...