was told methotrexate wont help with eye or mouth dryness?

[valene2009]

i was told by 3 diff rheumys that methotrexate wont help with dryness in sjogrens.but on here i read a few of you who say it does.. does it help? if so how much?  My RA isnt that bad -just sore neck and shoulders but nothing that excrutiating..
i welcome any advice. thanks everybody!!

[eye2dry]

the only reason I consented to the methotrexate was because my rheumy said it could help my eyes. My eyes are terrible.

I have sjogrens and RA. My rheumy says that RA can affect the eyes...the sclera and cause uveitis. I looked it up and it's true, maybe thats what is wrong with me besides SJS hurting my eyes.

I can't really tell you if it helps me out with my eyes or not. I was off methotrexate for 2 months recently and it never appeared to have worsen my eyes, but maybe it was still in my system.

I am too worried to stop methotrexate.
You may choose to try it, it may really make a difference for you.

take care.
eye2dry

[eyeamdry]

Valene, I take MTX but it never did anything to help my eyes.  Just before my diagnosis and I was very sick, when I finally started the MTX, I swore I could tell that I felt a bit better before my second (weekly) dose was due.  I was told it might take 6 months but I think it worked much quicker.  Sorry that it wasn't my eyes too.  Lucy

[Woolygimp]

Evoxac helps dryness in every part of my body, as odd as that sounds.  I know this isn't a typical manifestation of the drug but it may work for you.  It helps the mouth dryness tremendously, I start drooling and my skin becomes more moist.  I can actually sweat again while on the medication.

It seems to affect the eyes less than everything else but I do believe it helps eye moisture as well with me.  I haven't had to use eye drops since starting it.

[Carebear]

Like Lucy, I have not noticed an improvement with my eyes or mouth since starting methotrexate five months ago.  It improved the joint swelling and pain, and increased my endurance, though.

[lori]

 if you have RA take the mtx!!!!!! early agressive treatment is the best option.. ra can cause horrible damage before you even notice it... i do holistic things to help but i take mtx and huimira to keep the  ra under control. i called the research office for the arthiritis foundation and talked to someone- they totally backed up my rhumey about early agresssive treatment.

and it may just help your dry mouth- ra cuases that too!!!

God bless

lori

[valene2009]

thanks everyone.. Eye2dry.. does it help with the dryness level?  make more moisture..??
I have high RA levels and stiff neck and upper back but am able to workout wheni have energy and dont hvae trouble getting out of bed-physically that is.. i guess my RA hasnt come into full play yet?

[eye2dry]

Good morning Valene.

I have not noticed any improvement in moisture to my mouth or eyes.
I did notice my redness and burning symptoms have decrease on MTX but unfortunately not enough to suit me!!

One interesting thing about my medications and my illnesses...my husband says I have been helped regarding joint pain and fatigue. He feels after being treated with Plaquenil and MTX for over 1 year he sees and hears a difference from me. He says I move around more, do not take as many naps or mention as often as I did that "this hurts today" or "I am so exhausted".
Apparently I have improved but will never be like I use to be.

take care and keep fighting the fight

eye2dry

[valene2009]

thanks for responding to me! i really appreciate it!