Methotextrate and burning muscle pain, stiffness

By 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 stiffness all over my body, and sometimes the muscle feel as if they are inflamed. The doctor doesn't think i have fibroymyalgia because I don't have deep muscle pain when touched. My muscle pain is more stiffness all over, and the feeling that the muscles are inflamed.

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pldlpn

10/24/09 11:36pm

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

Chris

10/25/09 8:04pm

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

Nan

10/25/09 4:53pm

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.

Chris

10/25/09 8:06pm

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

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

11/ 1/09 11:13am

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.

mab

1/14/10 10:41am

I've been on mtx for three years now and have had very few side effects. It took prob.4 weeks before I started noticing that it was working. Be sure to take it on time every week or you will notice symptoms again. Also, be sure and take that folic acid to protect your liver function. I also take ibuprofen for when I overdo things, which I do tend to do. If you're able to have access to a pool year round I would highly recommend that you do swim excercises at least twice a week, it's great in keeping those joints limber. Just keep moving and manage your RA, don't let it manage you.

Methotextrate and burning muscle pain, stiffness

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