Starting methotrexate.. KeithDawson

[KeithDawson]

Hello All

I am on my fourth week of methotrexate treatment. 10 mg on Wednesdays and 10 mg folic acid on Fridays. 
First, to this date no side effects.

During the first two weeks the itching was as severe as ever, however I experience longer intervals with calmer skin.
The Tuesday, at the end of the second week was a nightmare. I had severe itching the whole night.

The third week: Wonderful - Since that Wednesday afternoon and for the following  the itching is not so severe and at intervals none at all.

Since this Wednesday 8 August I must say that the itching is much less with longer calmer periods.

I am still using anti-histamine tablets in relation to the methotrexate treatment.

I was scared to go on the medication due to all the scary information gleamed from the internet. However, with the moral assistance of my dermatologist, the liver and kidney scans and the blood test, I am glad that I am using this treatment.

I know I must be patient and is positive to see good results after eight weeks.

[Fred]

Good luck, don't forget to update this thread so you have something to compare with later on.

I have moved your post to this new thread so it gets noticed.

Welcome to Psoriasis Club by the way.

Regards.

Fred.

[jiml]

Hi Keith and   to the club it’s interesting to read your experience with methotrexate , hopefully it will give you clearance it’s good to read that the itching has improved Let’s hope it will control the plaques as well before much longer

Your fear of going on methotrexate is understandable as most ( including me ) have had unpleasant experience of it , but there are probably a lot more that use it successfully and don’t come to tell of their experience but your story may help others that are feeling unsure about taking it

Good luck I look forward to reading your updates in future
Jim

[D Foster]

That's great news Kieth, I was on MTX 9 years and it worked well for me though it started with side effects eventually and I came off it . If you can get on to injections it's much better.
All the best.

[artemie]

sounds like it's working for you Keith, that's great. Hopefully you can be on it for a long time =]
thanks for keeping us updated.

[KeithDawson]

Thank you all for your positive response.
I will endeavor to keep a record of my progress at least on a weekly basis, but will try daily.

Before coming to the decision to use methotrexate I tried various over the counter products and did extensive research to help me with my condition.
I have also changed my diet (not drastically) four months ago. The main changes were to stop using raw sugar and avoiding food made from refined sugar and not consuming whole dairy products (skimmed and/or fat free milk and related food products are fine).

These two food products - sugar and whole dairy - are causing inflammation when broken down and I found that since cutting back, the itching flares were not so severe.

I trust this bit of info can be beneficial to some one else.

[Caroline]

Certainly valuable to have this informative conclusions Keith.

[KeithDawson]

Good day to All

Update: Entering my fifth week on methotrexate


1) No noticeable side effects.
2) For the first time there is a substantial decrease in the itchiness. This is now for the last two days and especially last night - had a better night's sleep.
3) I also noticed that there are much less scales. The plagues appear like red patches (without the usual white covering).

[jiml]

Good day to All

Update: Entering my fifth week on methotrexate


1) No noticeable side effects.
2) For the first time there is a substantial decrease in the itchiness. This is now for the last two days and especially last night - had a better night's sleep.
3) I also noticed that there are much less scales. The plagues appear like red patches (without the usual white covering).

Great update Keith so pleased to read that you are seeing an improvement already it looks as if methotrexate is going to work for you
I’ll keep my fingers crossed

[KeithDawson]

Good day to Everyone

Update: I have taken my fifth dosage of MTX early this morning (15 Aug 2018).

1) No noticeable side effects.
2) Had an itchy spell of about 20 minutes yesterday afternoon. 
3) Note: Although I have plagues on my back, some on my upper arms and elbows, the majority is on my lower legs (shins and calves).
    Since my third dose of MTX I noticed that the skin on my legs feels "tight" sometimes and the patches are sensitive to the touch. Still no obvious scales.

A bit of advice which may benefit someone else: Keep your skin moisturized, it helps with the itch and I have noticed that the ointment variants works better than the creams. Dry skin emollient with cetomacrogol works the best for me so far.