Methotrexate

Hello 

I have been diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritiis (also have degrees of Rheumatoid  Arthritis and Osteo which is severe in right hip . also take Thyroxin for under active Thyroid) and have been on Methotrexate for some while now (sub cut inj) and sulphasalazine . I have varied my painkillers between Celecoxib (Celebrex)  ,High strength Ibuprofen with Paracetamol  and previously Naproxen . I stopped the sulphasalazine as it did not appear to make any difference. Apart from bright yellow urine!!!

Things have been getting worse with regards to my pain and general stiffness , which in turn is affecting my mental health (been on anti depressant Paroxetine for many years,believe depression exacerbated by work stress) 

This time last year I considered requesting a change in Meds having seen a NICE article but did nothing . 

I again this year saw mention of a new drug Apremilast  and asked for an appt to see my Rheumatologist to see if this drug might be suitable for me . I did not get an appt for over 3 months so in the meantime stopped the Ibuprofen/Paracetamol and went back onto Celebrex but had very bad mouth ulcers . Was told to stop and that they were looking into another drug called Leflunamide for me .

I was sent details and told to stop the Methotrexate but also had to submit a BP reading ,which I did and it was high ! so sent off another a few days later and that was higher still . I was aware that you are not able to take the Leflunamide if BP is high as it can elevate it . Went back onto Ibuprofen and Paracetamol and was crippled for a week with pain and stiffness. Awaiting decision from Rheumatology as to whether I could have the drug or what !! Next week plus was dreadful. Eventually confirmed not able to go onto it because of high BP so need to see my Dr re that . Was supplied with high strength Cocodamol and Naproxen and await confirmation of what to do . It was then decided that I should go back onto Methotrexate and Sulphasalazine ,which I did having missed 3 weeks worth.

I am back to square one and awaiting an appointment for an X-ray guided injection into damaged hip joint as I feel I am at 57 too young for a hip replacement.

I try to do as much a possible having horses and dogs (cannot ride now due to illness ) but strength is depleted and weight is excessive .

Walking is difficult without a stick .  

Heres hoping the Methotrexate might perform a miracle second time of trying