anybody on methotrexate?

[susanr]

I would love any input anyone would have about methotrexate. I am on plaquenil, which seems to help, but still have fatigue, allover achey, swollen neck glands all the time, swollen saliva glands and jaw pain, sometimes I have trouble opening my jawand the dry eyes, mouth, throat, etc etc. My Dr thinks the methotrexate will help, the side effects scare me a little and he is not very forthcoming with info. I am going to try to get a second opinion, but in the meantime I was wondering if anybody else has experience with this treatment for Sjogren's..
Thanks!

[eyeamdry]

Hi susanr-
I was put on methotrexate as soon as I was diagnosed two years ago.  I was also on prednisone for awhile as well, but stopped that a long time ago.  Some months after starting the methotrexage, the doc put me on Plaquenil too.

When I started the methotrexate, I had been really sick for quite awhile.  I could barely get off the couch and I thought I had SJS. but no proof yet.  After the positive bloodwork, I started the mtx.  I knew it took a long time to work, but i swear by the time for my second dose (it is taken weekly) I felt some better.  I've had no side effects from either as far as I know. 

I still have some problems with joint, muscle pain--but don't even want to think of how it would be if I wasn't on this stuff. 
Lucy

[Linda196]

I've had about the same experience as Lucy, started on oral MTX at diagnosis, with high dose Prednisone, and switched to injectable after about a year because I hadn't had any side effects, and any good effects could have been from the Pred, so my rheumy wondered if I was absorbing it.

Still no side effects, and slow but steady improvement. I'm still taking 20 mg once a week by injection, with blood tests every 6 weeks to monitor possible liver side effects.

[susanr]

thanks so much for the input, it helps. I was worried about side effects, but if it can possibly help me feel better, I guess it's worth it.
Thanks again!