Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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magienoire 08/08/2014

Relatively new to MTX and wondering is it common to feel more joint pain after your weekly MTX dose?

Snyeguy 08/08/2014

I take mtx before I go to bed - it's supposed to help with any side effects because you should be able to sleep through many of them - (if you can sleep lol) -

I do however have a really rough day - sometimes two - after taking it. I try to make sure not to have anything big scheduled the day after just in case I am having a tough day -

So for me I have to agree with you - a lot more pain seems to follow taking mtx - but it subsides in a day

Take care -

magienoire 08/08/2014

Thank you.

journeythru 08/08/2014

I started MTX 2 years ago, and I remember having an increase in pain. But, after a month, it decreased, and it was just the normal pain. For me, it took four months to get pain relief, well, I'm not ever out of pain, but when I have to stop the MTX, the pain, especially in my ankles, wrists and elbows is really bad. I even have a difficult time walking, while off MTX.

I hope it starts working well for you!

magienoire 08/09/2014

OK so I am not going crazy. And it is hard to figure out whether staying somewhat active, like we're supposed to do, is helping or just flaring it up worse.

journeythru 08/09/2014

I think active is good, but overdoing, gets me every time. I overused my hands yesterday and was up all night in pain, and I'm still trying to manage the pain. Sometimes, I wonder if I will ever learn!

Sunvalleygal 08/09/2014

I tried MTX of 2 different occasions but have found much more relief on Plaquenil and 1000 mg of ibuprophen daily. I know that's a lot but I always take it w/ food. Sometimes I take Tylenol and Tramadol. I find when my shoulders and neck are really hurting I do yoga and walk... and lift very light weights. I can not believe how much this has relieved my pain. I don't do it for long and I don't go hard at it in a workout... but it has really helped me deal w/ pain to get more active when I can. Sometimes it's a nap or early bedtime w/ cold press or heating pad... but sometimes it's a little movement ...

GabrielAngel 08/10/2014

I started on 6 pills & found that if I take 2 pills starting late afternoon at 2 hour intervals I do much better. I take mine on Saturday that way I can get everything I need done on Saturday morning. I also don't schedule anything for Sunday as I spend the day vegging out. I still get a headache but that's about it. I am getting ready to switch over to injectable MTX but plan to do the shot late Saturday and leave Sunday open.

Good luck to you.

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