Methotextrate and burning muscle pain, stiffness

Chris Living With It Send Message Subscribe: Chris

Saturday, October 24, 2009
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I am newly diagnosed with RA. I have been prescribed Methotextrate, 4 tabs once a week. I have only taken 2 dosages so far, no relief yet. My question is how soon before I start to feel some relief? Also, does RA cause burning muscle pain. I have constant muscle stiffnes...

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pldlpn
Saturday, October 24, 2009 at 11:36 PM

Methotrexate seemed to kick in after week 3. I am also taking Ibuprofen, Tramadol, Prednisone, Folic Acid and Vit D.

re: Untitled Comment
Chris
Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 08:04 PM

Thanks so much for your help! It makes me feel better talking to others that are going through the same thing. I've always been healthy, so it is hard for me to accept that I now have a disease. I'm hoping the meds will work. Dr. said they think I am in the early stages. I really don't have too much joint pain, just some in my fingers. Main problem is the muscle pain all over my body. I wish you well with your treatment! Sincerely, Christine

methotrexate
Nan
Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 04:53 PM

I have been on methotrexate for 4 months now and love it. Every couple of weeks I have noticed improvement. For the first couple of weeks it was rough on my system, throwing up, diarhea and overwhelming fatigue. As my RA symptoms improved, my tolerance for it did somewhat. I still have stomach upset and fatigue but am overall very happy with it. Somedays its hard to get off the couch and I am naturally a very busy, active person, but I'd rather be wiped out tired than wiped out hurting. Muscle pain comes with RA, I had that same question, its hard on your muscles and tendons. Once the methotrexate starts working, I noticed in about 4 weeks, that should start to improve. My doc also added nexium to help with the stomach issues. Good Luck, it does get better. I was in your same place just a few months ago.

re: methotrexate
Chris
Sunday, October 25, 2009 at 08:06 PM

Thanks so much for your response, it makes me feel better talking to others that have the same condition. I've only taken 2 doses of the Methotrexrate so far, I hope to see continued improvement. I haven't had any sides affects yet, just really haven't noticed any improvement. I guess I will have to be more patient. Thanks again for taking the time to respond to my question, I wish you the best! Sincerely, Christine

Untitled Comment
Lene Andersen
Sunday, November 01, 2009 at 11:13 AM

Methotrexate usually takes about 6-8 weeks to really kick in and you may want to ask your doctor for some prednisone to help bridge the gap between now and the meth working. the muscle pain could be RA, as well - RA can cause inflammation in tendons and muscles, as well, so this may subside once your medication takes effect.