Kickas.org Forums Ankylosing Spondylitis General Discussion #1 AS Web Support Group A complication of Methotrexate?

I have only been on Methotrexate for about 5 weeks. Does it cause UTI's? I am miserable and won't see the Doc for another week. I am drinking cranberry juice but it hasn't helped. Any suggestions? Becky

Get to a doctor right away, even if if you have to go to a walk-in clinic. Bring a morning mid-stream urine specimen with you if you can. You need an anti-biotic stat. I always have a few sterile sample bottles in the bathroom for just such an emergency.

Don't know if related to MTX.

MTX did cause your UTI but because it has suppressed your immune system and probably your bone marrow you were very suseptible. A good anibiotic should clear it up but go ahead and get on it soon before you develop septicemia. Ottis

Becky,

Do not wait a week before seeing a dr. about your UTI. It can be cleared up easily with an antibiiotic but if you wait too long it can cause complications that you do not need to deal with right now. So please go see a dr. today.

Debbie

Thanks for your input. . . I am going to a walk-in clinic today to get some antibiotics. Do we have to deal with infections all the time while on methotrexate? Is it worth it? Becky

Hi Becky, I'm no help with your current problem, but I wanted to welcome you to KA.

I'm glad you found us.

Hugs,

Becky, I'm so glad you found us and decided to join the group. I just read your bio and am sorry to hear both you and your bro have AS. I came across a website which has an ongoing study on AS in siblings. I posted this on June 7 and don't know if you've seen it, so I'll include some of it here just in case you'd be interested in following up on it.

AS Family Genetic Study

The Spondylitis Association of America has been working together with the University of Texas (Houston) and the NIH to do genetic research to try to find a cure for AS. They are looking for siblings with a confirmed diagnosis of AS to participate in this study, and it looks like they still need more siblings to complete their research.

Sooooo, if you and your sibling(s) qualify, check out the link below and see if you'd like to participate.

http://www.spondylitis.org/patient_resources/as_study.aspx

This link also reveals some interesting insights into the HLA-B27 gene for general information.

As an aside (particularly since testing in the US can be $$$) NASC medical centers can offer free x-rays, exams and the HLA-B27 blood test to symptomatic family members of a patient with an established diagnosis of AS. This could be a blessing to someone in need of confirming a diagnosis who has limited means.

As far as MTX goes, I'm not there - I'm being managed with Naproxen. You should feel better by tommorrow morning with the antibiotics in you. I would continue to drink the unsweetened cranberry juice and lots and lots of water, even though it may hurt to eliminate. It may be protecting your bladder/kidneys and if you want, you could try cranberry capsules - less calories if that matters to you (I take one daily). Prayer's for grace and healing headed your way...

Thanks Guys! I went to the Doc and am on Cipro now for the infection. I am so glad I found this site and all of you. I put off going to the doctor because I fear being perceived as neurotic. This stuff can be overwhelming at times . . . and it helps to know that others are there for support. Thanks again. Becky

Hiya,

Sorry to hear of your infection.....

I noticed a distinct peripheral improvement in 2 weeks on MTX now upto 15 mg and it helps alot with the bad flares everywhere....no cure though for me!

It is important with this disease and the meds that you have continuity in your care.....so they trend what is happening....and spot changes!

You should be having regular blood work anyway......and not just liver function but FBC WBC ESR etc....

As for the UTI, can sometimes be inflammation we get with the disease as opposed to infection. Pretty common so if the anti-biotics do n;t work maybe need a different type or maybe inflammation. But a Dr that knows your case will be better a judging that than a walk in clinic/different clinician.

I've been on MTX for some 9 months and to date no infections, even with the kids and their bugs......Some seem to get a rash of infections be it MTX or the biological meds when they first start, maybe that infection is what is spurring on the AS itting there in hide mode stirring up the immune system.

I'd be avoiding ill people whilst on any of the immuno supressants though.

Hope things sort out and quickly!

David