Methotrexate - still have too much pain

[TxKelly]

Hi ~ I starting taking methotrexate about 2 months ago. I'm no longer swelling but my pain level is still high enough that I'm taking lots of Advil and often pain killers. Should it be working better by now as far as the pain control or it more about controlling the swelling/damage than pain relief?

[Hidden]

Hi TxKelly - I'm sorry your are having so much pain, but honestly, it takes longer to get past that. It is great that the swelling has calmed down as that is when the damage seems to happen. If you are having that much paid, I would suggest that you get to your doc as soon as you can. There are many pain controllers out there, and that should make it easier for you to move, work, play. Take care!

[allanah]

Hi

Everyone is different. 2 to 3 months is the usual to start to feel improved.

However your pain relief isn't helping so it's a good idea either to call your Rheumy Helpline is possible as they could maybe sort stronger painkillers or even steroid to get you through the next month.

Or the gp; they are excellent at getting pain under control.

Hang on in there . When do you see your consultant next. If no plans do call the Rheumy Helpline or their Secretary and explain the situation.

Meanwhile hot / cold packs are Great! !and for me heated blanked!

[TxKelly in reply to allanah]

Thank you Allanah for your reply! I'm seeing the doctor next month. I use a heated blanket too. Cold hurts.

[allanah in reply to TxKelly]

It does me too! Except runs where cold is brilliant!

Well if you have a month I would see go asap and get some help pain relief. I'm lucky my gp is Rheumy trained he will give me steroids and even injections as needed!!

Good luck. Get some serious help x

[nomoreheels]

You should notice some improvements around now, which would seem you are as inflammation is seemingly better but if you're still experiencing pain do ask if an NSAID or steroid injection would be appropriate. Often when starting treatment we're prescribed an NSAID or steroid injection/short course of oral steroids to tackle the inflammation & in turn pain whilst waiting for the DMARD to become fully effective. I had 2 NSAIDs, one to take daily & the other to take if that wasn't enough, plus a month's course of oral steroids.... it did the job for me, it was a smooth transition meaning my pain was controlled, inflammation reduced & once my DMARD (hydroxychloroquine) had reached it's full potential I was near enough like before I had the first symptoms.

Do contact your Rheumy team, tell them what you've told us, they're not mind readers, we need to let them know if things are still difficult. 😉

[TxKelly in reply to nomoreheels]

Thanks for the advise!

[Matilda_1922]

Hi Txkelly

I think all the above have covered what I was going to say.

Just hope your pain starts to improve soon

X

[TxKelly in reply to Matilda_1922]

Me too! thanks Matilda

[KiwiGirl78]

I had a horrible time with MTX. Tried injections but no major improvement. Taking Mucinex DM helped with some of the pain. Also anti-nausea meds. Finally my doc moved me to sulfasalazine and I had instant return to baseline pain (without the added pain and issues from the MTX itself.) Still no good relief for me two months later though. Hope we both get answers!