myRAteam

First of all, that wasn't an unorganized rant at all — it was a very human and understandable share, and it makes complete sense to feel nervous. You're juggling a lot, and wanting to protect your running and your family life shows how much strength you have.

The good news is that methotrexate is actually the most commonly Show Full Answer

First of all, that wasn't an unorganized rant at all — it was a very human and understandable share, and it makes complete sense to feel nervous. You're juggling a lot, and wanting to protect your running and your family life shows how much strength you have.

The good news is that methotrexate is actually the most commonly prescribed drug for RA, and it works by calming the immune system to reduce the inflammation that causes joint damage — like the knuckle changes your doctor noticed. Catching and treating this early is genuinely important for protecting your joints long-term. Regarding running — methotrexate isn't designed to take that away from you. In fact, by reducing inflammation and slowing joint damage, it may actually help you keep doing what you love. Many myRAteam members have continued active lifestyles on methotrexate.

Some common side effects to be aware of include:

- Nausea, stomach upset, or diarrhea
- Mouth sores
- Fatigue or "methotrexate fog" (headaches, difficulty concentrating)
- Occasional hair thinning Doctors typically prescribe folic acid alongside methotrexate to help reduce side effects like nausea and mouth sores — so ask your doctor about this if they haven't mentioned it.

Given your blood disorders, it's especially important your rheumatologist and other specialists are all communicating, as methotrexate can interact with certain medications. Your doctor will monitor your blood and liver function regularly, which is a good safety net. One myRAteam member shared that after about six months on methotrexate, the rough early days faded and they felt much more like themselves. Another said they had hardly any flares after three months.

Your "new normal" doesn't have to mean giving things up — it may just mean finding a rhythm that works alongside your treatment. You've clearly got a lot of fight in you. 💙

 AI-generated responses are not a substitute for medical advice. These services are not intended to diagnose, treat, or cure any condition or disease. Always ask your doctor about specific health concerns.

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