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Can methotrexate and/or hydroxychloroquine make RA worse?

Posted by sheilaray @sheilaray, Mar 28, 2022

I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis about 8 years ago, but am RF negative. I started on hydroxychloroquine and eventually methotrexate in addition. I felt these were helping me. In October 2021, I was diagnosed with breast cancer and had to stop both of these medications before my surgery for infectiion risk reasons. I dreaded the pain I'd feel by doing this, but I didn't have any pain. I was surprised to have no joint stiffness, swelling, or pain at all. About 6 weeks after surgery I was cleared to begin my RA medications again. Within a week, the joint pain and stiffness started again. Now I wonder if the medications are causing the pain, but I can't seem to find anything to confirm that. I'm also starting to wonder if I'm crazy and never had RA? I'm struggling to communicate with my rheumatologist adequately due to some language barriers and very strict office rules that seem to make his staff "short." I'm considering a new rheumatologist, but will have to travel quite far to get to one since the one I see is the only one near me. I just wonder if anyone else had pain that has gotten worse with these RA medications. Thank you!

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jilliemo12345 | @jilliemo12345 | Apr 4, 2022
In reply to @loribmt "Good morning @jilliemo12345 Your message for @psa44 is so warm and encouraging. I think it’s a..." + (show)
@loribmt

Good morning @jilliemo12345 Your message for @psa44 is so warm and encouraging. I think it’s a wonderful reminder to be kind to ourselves; compassion does begin at home. Your message is also an example of what makes Connect such a supportive and welcoming community. ☺️

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Thank you❤️Yes, I’ve misspelled many times when quickly writing a post then too late discovering that it’s been sent.
I appreciate you giving guidance. Many Thanks. Jill

REPLY
patelk2 | @patelk2 | Apr 4, 2022

You were taking two disease modifying treatments. Such mess help by being in your system long term creating a sustained level. So by six weeks your stores had finally depleted and you were bound to relapse. Once Mayo Clinic had posted the qualities of a rheumatologist we should look for. All I had said to myself then was find me one if he/she exists. Please keep looking till you find one. This is a progressive disease and a lot is being done to help patients if we have a right doctor. Availability of our rheumatologist is very important. Share your concerns with your doctor . Do not be facing serious damage to your joints and bones, pinched nerves etc just because your RA was not treated aggressively or your md was not there when you were in need of advice/care. Know that you can prevent osteoporosis. Take care. Keep hope and faith close to y
Oh.

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kenyalama | @kenyalama | Apr 4, 2022

It scares me to learn what prednisone has done to you. Would you share what dose you were taking ?
I am taking the lowest dose, 5mg a day, which doctors assure does not really have serious side effects
I am still on Humira and Methrotexate
I am on Medicare and it diez not cover all different biologics
I would like to try cosentyx or others but it will not be covered
For now I only care about feeling better and getting out of the wheelchair inside the house haha
Good luck to everyone !

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momsys | @momsys | Feb 6, 2023

I am on hydroxychloroquine for RA. I was diagnosed 6 months ago. When I told my ophthalmologist the drug I was on. He said he wants to see me right away. I will drive 3 hours to see him today. My rheumatologist is a 9 hour round trip drive. I am looking for someone closer. If you have to drive for the best treatment, do it!

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