Back Pain and Methotrexate

As stated in my previous blog post, "Best Laid Plans ... You Know How The Saying Goes!", dated January 27th, living with a chronic illness such as lupus can and will keep you on your toes with it's intensity and unpredictable nature.  And as your lupus symptoms are forever changing at a moments notice, so will your medications and corresponding treatment plan.  Proper monitoring of a chronic disease means having to make periodic adjustments, tweaking prescriptions from time to time and keeping your medical team informed.

When I last blogged about my debilitating back pain, which occurred the day after my weekly methotrexate injection, I was quite concerned about its sudden onset and intensity.  In addition to the searing back pain, I experienced nausea, dizziness, alternating fever/chills, runny nose/eyes and my throat was tightening causing breathing difficulties.  The more I thought about it the more alarmed I became.  After all, I had just spent the past 6 months reducing the dosage in a controlled manner in hopes of stopping the medication altogether.  I was looking forward to eliminating this toxic drug from my daily arsenal and sure didn't want a repeat performance of the previous week.  Since I already had a rheumatology appointment scheduled, I made the decision to fore go my next methotrexate dose.    

During the appointment, I recounted my recent "turtle on the back" experience and how it had taken more than a week to regain full range of motion in my back.  My doctor expressed her concern at the sudden onset of symptoms .... it could've been a sign of something more serious.  She reminded me of the importance in reporting any future symptoms to their office immediately and/or go to the ER.

To ER?  Or not to ER?
In hindsight, it probably would've been a good idea to go to the ER to rule out heart involvement and address the anaphylactic symptoms I was experiencing.  But, if you're a seasoned lupus patient like me, you are well aware of the increased dangers from an ER visit.  Being exposed to viruses and other unknown contagions can have serious consequences to someone with an already compromised immune system.  It's all too common dilemma for anyone living with a chronic illness.  Do you go to the ER and risk further exposure with crowds and more germs, or not go and risk worsening lupus flare symptoms?  

So, the good news is my rheumatologist decided to discontinue the methotrexate injections, effective immediately!  Yay!  The bad news .... another round of prednisone was prescribed to address the increased chest pain and inflammation.  I have to say, after 17 years of taking methotrexate, I'm looking forward to not being nauseated every day of my life.  And I hope and pray my lupus doesn't flare up even more, sans the methotrexate. I guess, only time will tell .....  

This might just be a good reason to celebrate!  If you live with a chronic condition, it's important to take a moment and recognize the good in your life and be thankful for small victories.  One of my favorite things to do is treat myself to a pedicure ... and maybe for Giggles, too!