I’ve been taking methotrexate for about 20 years, and on the rare occasion that i paused the treatment, my joint aches worsened. This time, it’s been almost two weeks without the methotrexate, and my joints are either the same, or feel better. Is there any research about this? I’m 61 years old, with Crohn’s disease, associated joint pain and a j-pouch.
My bathroom symptoms haven’t changed at all this time.
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Hi Ellen,
Our immune systems change over time and as we age. Often rheumatologic diseases, including enteropathic arthropathy, can lessen in severity or burn themselves out. It is not uncommon for patients, even those with severe RA, to require less medication over time or even be able to taper off completely. I can’t speak to if this is the case in IBD. Glad you’re feeling better.
Hi, I've found that without Methotrexate, I have joint pain. But I had to stop Methotrexate as it lowered my White cell count. I was taking it in conjunction with Biologics. So now I am trying Naturopathic medicine to help with the joint pain. We'll see how it goes!
