Methotrexate

[magdelaine]

My husband was just diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis and for this he has been prescribed Methotrexate. This is a drug labeled “X” with regards to pregnancy; ie it’s a teratogen. It has a very bad effect on the genes of sperm or ova, and it is recommended that pregnancy be avoided for men or women who are taking it. There is also an issue with the fact that the drug concentrates in sperm, and it’s possible that I can absorb the drug.

The problem is, I’m currently not cycling as I’m bfeeding a 14 month old. With our last child I didn’t start ovulating until he was 18 months, however that’s not a for sure thing. My husband has little/no faith in NFP and he doesn’t see the problem with condoms. We have not had a disagreement up to this point b/c he does believe in being open to life, but now… I don’t know what to do!

He is just starting treatment. There are other treatments, but none work as well or are as cheap as Methotrexate. He wants to see if it will work. He would be very opposed to abstinence, but he doesn’t want the consequences of a potential “monster” pregnancy either.

Has anyone had to deal with this problem? Is there anywhere I can go for advice?

 

[Lucania]

Magdelaine, I don’t have any advice for you, but I will offer up some prayers for you & your DH. I understand the pain of Arthritis. My DH came down with Psoriatic Arthritis & Rheumatoid Arthritis when he was about 30 years old (he is almost 55 now). He has been on several meds throughout the years, not Methotrexate, though. His Mother has been taking that for years & it has helped her with Rheumatoid Arthritis. My DH has been on Humira injections for about a year & it has been wonderful for him. Your dilema is not an issue for us since I am post-menopausal & when DH first came down with Arthritis, we were not Catholic. As I mentioned, I will keep you both in my prayers. I know living with Arthritis & caring for a loved one who has it is a cross to bear.:hug1:

 

[terrysa]

I think that you need to pray about this, as there are no easy solutions.

It sounds like your husband’s views are actually the most of your problem: he is perhaps not as committed to NFP as you’d like him to be. (I have been using the Billings method for 19 years now, and I know it works, but it takes a HUGE amount of commitment and openness on the part of both spouses.) My husband has struggled with NFP at times and I think, only prayer got us through the rough spots.

I understand that this is a terrible affliction for him…but is it possible that he has not considered the alternatives carefully enough? If you rearrange your budget a bit, doing without what is absolutely necessary…isn’t it possible that you could afford an alternate treatment? Would your husband agree to go to someone trained to teach the Billings Method? It is actually more effective than the pill when used properly!

We have no idea what God has in store for you…maybe your fourteen-month old is destined to have a brother or sister (or both!) and this hurdle is something that is being used by the evil one to thwart a very beautiful future for your family.

Put this in God’s Hands. Pray about it. I feel certain that He has the answer for you if You approach him with faith, and trust Him to guide you through this.

peace and blessings,

Terrysa

 

[noclevername]

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We have no idea what God has in store for you…maybe your fourteen-month old is destined to have a brother or sister (or both!) and this hurdle is something that is being used by the evil one to thwart a very beautiful future for your family.

Why would you say that? You are basically saying that the devil is causing his arthritis and that’s why he has to take that drug and if he prayed hard enough it would all be gone. Is that what you are saying? I really hope not.

 

[magdelaine]

Thanks for your responses. It’s good to know that there are those out there that use this treatment and get relief from it. It’s not right that a 40 year old limps around like an 80 year old.

I think that the Billings Method may be the way to go. In the past, even before I was Catholic, I used TCOYF. I did find it to be a little complicated, and as I have ADD (though I didn’t know it at the time) charting consistently is a real challenge. Billings is more simple, and scientifically more reliable that other, illicit methods. By pure coincidence (or maybe not) we have been invited for dinner by the couple who teaches NFP at our Parish! I’m hoping that if my husband can talk to someone else about this (other than me), especially a man, he might be more open to it.

As for more kids…I’m going to be 40 in January and we have 4 already. In spite of that, I felt oddly sad that all prospect of more babies is now now off the table. In reality, though, it’s not. I definitely don’t want to get pregnant now, but if I really feel the call again in a year or two, he can stop taking it for a little while. Or, maybe it will be time to look into adoption.

I do feel that the devil uses our weaknesses and our illnesses to sow dissent. He has done so in the past. Not that he creates the illness, but simply uses it to his advantage. Rotten scoundrel. Thank you for your prayers, I appreciate them. I pray that my husband is open to learning the BM really *is *effective enough for our purposes.

 

[CKNICKERBOCKER]

Methotrexte is also a drug used to treat cancer. You do not want to get pregnant. Your husband may have to make some sacrifices (abstini=ence) during this trial period to see if this will work. My husband and I had avoid relations for 8 months…it can be done!
My thoughts and prayers will be with you.