Hello out there....
I was recently diagnosed with MCTD and Lupus. My Rheumotologist (new one) is starting me on Methotrexate, as well as the prednisone shot she gave me today! I am just wondering how anyone else tolerated the metho, and any ideas for coping with this disease. I am a little shocked, but obviously it's good to know what it is. I am fortuante that we cought it early enough that it doesn't appear to have casued any permanent organ damage. I just wonder now what the rest of my life will be like, the quality of my life, how old I will get.....sorry to ramble, sometimes I just need to get it out!
Sorry to hear about your recent diagnosis, S.... I am not sure if you'd be interested in this or not, but I work for a nutritional science company whose products have helped a lot of people with lupus and many other health issues. Send me a PM if you'd like some info. Otherwise, best of luck to you in your treatment!
I do not have the same autoimmune disease as you but I did take Metho for several months. I tolerated the side effects just fine. I did end up switching to another drug later and now my disease is in remission so I'm off all meds for the moment. Try not to worry too much about everything and everyone's story is different so you can't compare yourself. Take it a day at a time. I did and still do lots of praying and trusting in God.
Much depends on you alone. Is this what you want to continue? I mean w/out looking into alternative possibilities? Metho (MTX) is a chemo. I took it for 6 mos. for ---alleged----MS. No differences. Before that I was on prednisone until I learned it's bad for the heart, is a steroid. I quit cold turkey.
I would find an alternative practitioner for 'what it is' answers. A lot of diseases and disorders are so similar to other things. E.g., a tick bite can cause all sorts of trouble and is often diagnosed as MS. And vice versa. I would look for specific practitioners who specialize in Lyme disease, because your own average doctor is not a specialist, and often times will pooh pooh the idea it could be anything other than what he/she has diagnosed. There's a Lyme disease website for Michigan you might find specialists on.
Hi S.,
A good place to start is The Lupus Foundation of America at www.lupus.org.
This site has a lot of great information and may help to answer your questions and ease some of your fears.
Living with lupus may require some lifestyle changes, especially with getting enough rest, exercise, and learning to say no (to avoid overload), but it can be done!
Take care and best wishes for good health!
J. F.
