neuropathy and methotrexate questions

[trc1962]

Hi. I have had neuropathy off and on for the 10 years I have had autoimmune issues but have been totally free of it for a couple of year (prior to that time I was on prednisone for a liver issue caused by Imuran). The prednisone time totally healed everything and I was good to go. However, I am now in quite a flare. I had a mild respiratory virus in May and maybe that got everything going and I got over tired (not very smart I know). I started a prednisone taper and have spoken with my rheumatologist who ordered blood work and said it is probably time to consider methotrexate. I was previously on Imuran and it did a good job but eventually caused my liver values to rise and I jaundiced (it was a high dose). Since that time I was on either a bit of prednisone, or nothing. I know many do take methotrexate on this site and just wanted to know if you experience side effects? I am concerned about starting any hair loss as I dealt with it years ago and it has recovered nicely (it took years) and I don't want to restart it. Right now though stopping the attack on my legs is important. It makes my muscles tight up into my back side and it is painful. I just wish it would all go away. I know it can be controlled as the pred has always done the job but it isn't a long term answer. Any info is appreciated.

[Rgs]

Hello
I can't answer your question but maybe I can find help here ...
I'm also dealing with sjogren and neuropathy from it, but the issue is that I can't get diagnosed for the neuropathy ( 5 different Emg/ ncv tests normal) , I know its related to the sjogren as its getting really worse when the dryness to
Do you have a recommend for me? How to get diagnosed and treated?
I can't understand how can autoimmune neuropathy will not show down in Emg test, Drs say it's very sensitive to neuropathy...
Trc1962 hi, can you describe your neuro issues?
Thank in advance

[rnathans]

EMGs are not good at showing small fiber neuropathy which is what we usually get. it is diagnosed often with a skin biopsy. It needs to be done somewhere with experience in reading them, usually a university hospital setting. If you tell us where you live we might be able to make suggestions.

Some, but not all neuropathies are helped with IVIG. I was never able to get high enough on methotrexate because it caused elevated lfts. I also had to stop immuran because of raised LFTs.

[quietdynamics]

Methotrexate/Hair: Prior to Methx I was leery of brushing my hair since it was falling out. With Methx hair stopped falling out and I see it growing in along hairline. Also some facial/skin issues are controlled.

Dr. tapered dosage up to what worked best. And of course monitoring labs.