Does RA make you feel totally unwell ? I started on mtx a few months ago and had to stop them - I am waiting to see my consultant end of oct

[barty105]

[Hidden]

Yes RA can give you almost flu-like symptoms. MTX injections caused a severe reaction for me

[barty105]

I was beginning to think id lost the plot - thanks for reply at least I know it's not in my head !

[kizzy12]

i have felt ill since i was diagnosed 9 years agao lol.....am one of the unlucky ones where i struggle to find meds that work for me...hope you have better luck xx

[Kittykatxxxxx]

I feel ill everyday. I have always had health problems though so wouldn't know what it is like to be well to be honest

[Dotty7]

Yes, like total s***e. The overactivity in the immune system is like the body's activity when dealing with a virus, hence the flu-like symptoms. For some people, me included, the fatigue sticks around long after the pain has gone. And the drugs are pretty hardcore too, so they can make you feel rough. It can be hard to sort out whether it's the disease or the drugs in the end.

Good luck,

Dotty x

[barty105]

Thanks - hope your ok !

[Hidden]

I've been off MTX for just over two months now because of poly parasthesia and feel pretty lousy. I'm not finding that any of my joints are excruciating but all are weak and achy and I struggle to sleep. If I'm still things are worse and I haven't felt well or full of bounce and energy for months. I was lucky MTX worked well for my RA for 18 months and I think enough must have accumulated to tide me over for a while but its coming back slowly I think.

I hope you have more luck with tolerating drugs than

I have had. My body is just ridiculously oversensitive! X

[barty105 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks for this ! I hope you keep as well as you can - take care

[Trulyfedup in reply to barty105]

Yes I felt ill before it was diagnosed. I went to clinic with the unbearable pain but asked why I felt so ill. I can remember standing under a shower and feeling so

lousy p, I cried because I couldn't understand why I was feeling this way. I still feel lousy most days but I can often have 2/3 days where I'm not too bad. The tiredness though!! !!!!!!!! That's another thing. It is a nasty complaint as a lot of we don't look too bad so it's hard for othersthe time.

The flu like symptoms make you feel so poorly. I've just come of MTX for a break as side effects were becoming too much for me but I'm still having infusion of fliximub.

I hope they find the right balance of meds for you, it can take a little while but fingers crossed. Mary x

[Annielou]

I too have felt unwell for the past six months. Something has definitely changed since my meds (methotrexate injection and plaquenil) had worked quite well for a couple of years. I often feel exhausted, in a 'fog' and generally unwell with numerous aches and pains. I'm convinced the drugs only work for a limited time before their efficacy dwindles. I am currently waiting for an appointment with radiology to scan some of my joints. The rheumatologist won't give me any steroids due to my ESR being fairly low and there being no outward sign of very badly inflamed joints. I feel as though the medics think I'm lying but I know how I feel and my health has definitely changed for the worse lately. This RA never goes away and well-meaning relatives sending articles on 'how to cure RA with Zumba' or fad diets really just make me feel worse ):

[ibere]

Ibere

Methotrexate nearly ruined my life. It was much worse than the RA. I still have problems with weakness in my legs. Walking has become a problem.

[barty105 in reply to ibere]

I can totally understand what these meds did to you ! I do hope things improve overtime for you and you regain strength take care

[Trulyfedup in reply to ibere]

I too have great trouble walking. It never occurred to me that it might be the MTX. I've been on 25mg injection for over five years..I'm also on infliximub infusion. My knees give way ...backwards! ....I'm off MTX for a break as side effects were building up. I am frightened the pain comes back...as you know how horrendous it is..I.ll just have to wait and see...fingers crossed x