Hello, I was diagonsed with RA in 2008 and have been on Plaquenil, Methrodraxte,Enbrel, Arava and steroids. My doctor is looking for new drug for me. My question and I've never seen this posted by anyone else. I have severe chest pain it's my breastbone. I have seen a cardiologist and I am healthy. The pain went away on MX but i can no longer take it because of an allergic reaction. The other drugs I mentioned I was also allergic to. It is scary to have chest pain everyday, I am on the verge of calling 911 daily. Does anyone else have this pain? Thanks for any information
Q: Does anyone else have chest pain from RA..besides all the normal RA pain.
Answers (6)
5/ 6/10 12:49pm
I would recommend that you try getting a second opinion from another cardiologist, just to be sure. However, if you get a clean bill of health again, check out costochondritis - it's an inflammation of the cartilage that connects the ribs to the breastbone and can be very painful (and scary, given that if you protesting). You may want to look into that, as well as check out the section on fibromyalgia on our Chronic Pain site, as the two appear to be somewhat similar, at least in terms of what can be helpful. You may want to ask for some muscle relaxants that you can take before you go to sleep.
As well, RA can cause inflammation in muscles and tendons, so if your RA is not well controlled, it may be related to that. Talk to your doctor about treatment options -there are many new Biologics, so I hope there is something that out there that you're not allergic to (check out Lisa Emrich's series on the different Biologics).
Good luck! Please let us know how things go?
4/29/10 9:54am
5/ 2/10 9:21pm
Hi Ginny,
I was dx in 2005 with RA. I'm taking Methotrexate x 5 years. I quite frequently have sternal bone pain. Both my GP and Rheumatologist have stated that its Arthritis in the joint where the ribs come together with the Sternum. Mine is typically triggered with increased stress. You're definately not alone with that type of pain:)
5/13/10 11:19am
I too started having chest pains. I think it was the methotrexate. I would have pain for a couple of days after taking it. I'm now weaning off MTX due to rashes that are appearing on my face. They look like small fever blisters. I had a bad flare over Mothers Day weekend. I hope it isn't from weaning off MTX. I also take Humera. I think part of my chest pain was anxiety. I take 1/2 of a .05 xanax which in nothing and it goes away in about 15 minutes. Have you tried to take tums. That also helps me sometimes. Best wishes.
Mystic
12/23/11 2:29am
Hi Ginny!
I'm sorry you are experiencing severe chest pain. Occassionally, I have the same problem. My Rheumatologist showed me a medical diagram and explained that there are joints between the breast bone and the ribs. RA can attack those joints just like the more common joints. I'm sorry you have it so often. It is scary and extremely painful. Rubbing a small amount of Arthritis cream onto the breast plate does provide a little relief. Be careful where you apply the cream. It can irritate your eyes and more sensitive areas of your body. Massage all the way up to your shoulders. I hope this helps!
Julie
12/23/11 7:12am
Hi Julie..Thanks for your response. It is some relief that so many other RA patients have the same pain. Since May it has eased up alot and doesn't happen nearly as often. My new meds have finally kicked in. I will try the arthritis cream when it happens again.
Thanks again for the info
Ginny
4/27/12 3:01am
are you or your dr. sure your chest pain or continued cherst pain isnt to do with all the meds you were taking for your ra? i know aa an out of practice med proff, that steroids and other med advised by physician dont always mean theyre for you, your problem, theyre just meds that over the yrs have show to proven to help, slow down effects and in some cases solved the problems. but eveyones chemistry is different and not only with steroids but mixing so many meds to gether arnt to your benefit, not dr.s but he or they love to please and want you to make you happy with answer and at times at no fault of there own and at times yes, cause of lack of doing interaction checks, this can prove to become a worse problem than the start.. understand this is just my opinion but its sincere and to the main question, yes my husband has a type of chest pain, not heart pain but a cramping paing across his ches a up his neck and especially in his hands.. ive been on this computer trying to figure correct place to go to see if he can get approved for the free 1 yr trial or whatever their offer is, my best friend was part of the study when it first was bein put in action and now she continues to get it but has to reapply evey yr. hers is for her skin, im lookin for my old mans RA.. he cant get medicare so hes half way there from what ive read. if you have any advice to lop holes to this problem for applying for this enbrel id be abliged.. thank you and i hope your pain and troubles resolve themselves.. concerned wife !!
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By Ginny— Last Modified: 04/27/12, First Published: 04/28/10
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Thanks for the confirmation that I am not alone with this. I have talked to the Rheum Dr he said it could be the RA coming from the ribs that attach there. He keeps telling me that everyones RA can have different symtoms. I don't have problems with swelling in my feet like most RA patients have, but the hands, elbows and knees are bad.
Thanks again
Ginny