People with rheumatoid arthritis frequently are put on the prescription medication Methotrexate. Aashi Bhimani noticed that many patients expressed fears about going on methotrexate due to the side effects that some patients experience.
However, many others take it without many problems and experience relief from their rheumatoid arthritis. Aashi put together a panel of eight patients, including Cheryl, to share their stories with methotrexate. They all have either rheumatoid or psoriatic arthritis, and they’ve had their diagnosis for anywhere from a few months to 17 years.
You may also be interested in episode 58, which includes an update from Jo, Paulina & Ananthi from October 2021.
Episode at a glance
- Introduction to Episode with Methotrexate facts (0:00-5:00)
- Patient introductions (5:00-10:00)
- Patient stories about being on methotrexate: Paulina, Cheryl, Ali & Ananthi (10:00 – 41:00)
- Discussion about natural methods versus medications and decision making around that (41:00 – 47:40)
- More patient stories about being on methotrexate: Jo, Aashi, Kristen, Jenny (47:40 – 1:09:00)
- Patients share tips on injecting methotrexate or other rheumatic disease medications (1:09:00 – 1:31:00)
- Tips for coping with “miracle cures,” unsolicited advice & medication shamers (1:31:00 –
Speaker Handles:
- Aashi Bhimani @adoseofdisability on Instagram
- Cheryl Crow @Arthritis_Life_Cheryl on Instagram
- Ananthi Ramachandran @ar_versus_ra on Instagram
- Ali Digiacomo @anotherdaywithRA on Instagram
- Kristen Brogan @warriorsmovemountains on Instagram
- Jo Mistreanu @thejosphere on Instagram
- Jenny Parker @cute_n_chronic on Instagram
- Cheryl Crow is an occupational therapist who has lived with rheumatoid arthritis for seventeen years. She’s passionate about helping others with rheumatoid arthritis live a full life, by using effective tools to manage physical, emotional and social challenges. She formed the educational company Arthritis Life in 2019 after seeing a huge need for more engaging, accessible, and (dare she say) FUN patient education and self-management resources.
Episode Sponsors
Rheum to THRIVE, a community support & education program Cheryl created to help people with rheumatic disease go from overwhelmed, confused and alone to confident, supported and connected. Join the waitlist for the next group, which starts in October 2022!
This is a self-paced online course Cheryl created that teaches you how to confidently manage your physical, social and emotional life with rheumatoid arthritis.
Episode links:
- Resources to learn more about Methotrexate:
- Rheumatoid Arthritis “In the Clinic” – Annals of Internal Medicine Article (2019)
- ““In most patients, RA is a chronic, progressive disease character-ized by episodes of disease flares or long-term chronic inflamma-tion. Only a few patients achieve long-term remission without the need for long-term medications.”
- “About half of all patients treated with methotrexate have little or no radiographic progression, although 30% will require addi-al DMARDs (like biologics):
- Global Healthy living Foundation research into how prominent methotrexate side effects are
- Methotrexate Side Effect Stats from the Arthritis Foundation
- Rheumatoid Arthritis “In the Clinic” – Annals of Internal Medicine Article (2019)
- Cheryl’s Arthritis Life social media pages:
- Arthritis Life Podcast, Practical Tips and Positive, Realistic Support – Facebook group
- Cheryl & Arthritis Life on Instagram
- Cheryl’s website: Arthritis Life
- Arthritis Life Tiktok: @ArthritisLife
- Arthritis Life Facebook Page
- Cheryl’s Twitter: @realcc
- Arthritis Life Youtube channel
Medical disclaimer:
All content found on Arthritis Life public channels was created for generalized informational purposes only. The content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
