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I’m going to Greece at the end of May. I was waiting to start methotrexate till after but things have gotten bad. What else can I do?

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭

I don’t go on trips like this often. This is a once in a lifetime kind of thing. I want to enjoy it all and not ruin it for my family. I was thinking the pain I know how to handle is better than the unknown but the last month has been so bad. New pain in hands and elbows that won’t go away. Do I wait? Do I take it? Im scared bc I also wanna look and feel good leading up to the trip. Lots of people are counting on me feeling good

March 16
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A myRAteam Member

@A myRAteam Member have a wonderful time in Greece! I'm going to need pictures!!!

March 17 (edited)
A myRAteam Member

Maybe give it a start ASAP.

March 16
A myRAteam Member

You should start taking it as soon as you can. Preventing joint damage should always be your #1 priority, regardless of your vacation plans, and methotrexate takes a few weeks to start working. If anything, starting now will get your body adjusted to the symptoms before you travel.

I understand not wanting to bring down your group, but vacationing with RA will require some adjustments at any stage of the disease. Talk to your family, let them know that you want to keep up with them, and make sure you're listening to your body. New pain is frustrating, but all you can do is take care of it (by taking your methotrexate) and take it slow. Have a great trip!

March 16
myRAteam

Should you start methotrexate now or wait until after your Greece trip?

This is a tough decision, and it's completely understandable to feel torn. The challenge is that methotrexate typically takes time to work—many people don't see significant improvement for several weeks or even months. One myRAteam member shared that Show Full Answer

Should you start methotrexate now or wait until after your Greece trip?

This is a tough decision, and it's completely understandable to feel torn. The challenge is that methotrexate typically takes time to work—many people don't see significant improvement for several weeks or even months. One myRAteam member shared that it took about six months before they really felt the benefits.

Starting now might not give you enough time to feel better before your trip, and you could experience side effects during the adjustment period. Common side effects include nausea, fatigue, and what some call "methotrexate fog"—feeling tired and mentally foggy the day after taking it. These affect many people, especially in the beginning.

However, waiting means continuing with worsening symptoms. The new pain in your hands and elbows suggests your RA is becoming more active, which could make your trip difficult anyway. Here are some options to discuss with your rheumatologist:

* Starting methotrexate now and timing doses for weekends, so you have time to recover from any side effects before the week begins
* Taking it after meals to reduce stomach upset
* Adding a folic acid supplement, which can help minimize side effects without affecting the medication's effectiveness
* Asking about short-term options like NSAIDs or corticosteroids to manage your current flare until you return
* Discussing whether a brief course of stronger anti-inflammatory medication could help you through the trip

Your doctor needs to know how much your symptoms have worsened and about your upcoming trip. They can help you weigh whether starting treatment now or using other strategies to get through the next few weeks makes more sense for your situation.

This is your once-in-a-lifetime trip—you deserve to enjoy it. Work with your healthcare team to find the best path forward.

March 16
A myRAteam Member

Great advice @A myRAteam Member! Things I never would have thought of and really helpful!

PS I added you to my Team! I hope that's ok with you? 🦋🌷

March 18

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Methotrexate

A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Greenville, MI
February 26, 2023

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