RA- Spider veins

[Harvey0279]

I started my meds in Feb for RA (methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine and sulfasalazine) and have recently started getting spider veins on the side of my bum and thighs? Anyone else had this? Another side effect to add to the list 😒 x

[helixhelix]

Could be a complete coincidence? Spider veins do happen to many people, even those without RA and not taking drugs.

[Harvey0279 in reply to helixhelix]

Very true, but along with all the other side effects you cant help but think it may be x

[Jesnaskah]

Arrg! I was just thinking the same thing...add it to the list along with baldness and rashy skin 😥

[Harvey0279 in reply to Jesnaskah]

😥😥 feels neverending doesn’t it! Did you find anything to help with the hair loss?

[Jesnaskah in reply to Harvey0279]

Certainly does!

No. No matter what I've tried, it just doesn't matter. I just need to try and relax, stay positive...bc my chronic stress is probably the biggest factor in my hair loss (more than the RA or drugs). I've had my iron, ferritin, zinc, vit D, and thyroid tested and they were all fine and within normal range.

Yesterday was a record breaker. Lost a ton of hair throughout the day.. then as I gently combed it before shower, then during shower, and after shower. I could make a wig out of my own hair that's fallen out!

[Hidden in reply to Jesnaskah]

Thats awful jes; i lose a bit: this disease just carries on taking. Can they do anything forit? My daughters friend has lovely thick hair but bald spots alopecia n says this is auto immune response Like you it's worse when stressed: hope something helps soon x

[Lyn-h in reply to Jesnaskah]

Try oregano oil in shampoo and conditioner or add to water and spray on the roots of your hair, it has helped me regrow hair, I also swapped out folic acid for folate which is a 100% better option

[Jesnaskah in reply to Lyn-h]

Thank you for your suggestion. Here I am 4 years later still struggling, down to 1/4 of my original hair left, honestly I don't know how I've got anything left on my head! I've tried rosemary in the past, I can give oregano a whirl. Thank you again. At this point I've lost all hope. I have purchased a few high quality wigs which I wear in the winter. I can't imagine wearing them in the summer heat though, I'm in California. But fortunately, I can still wear my hair up and get away with it. Fingers crossed this is always an option for me. I take a b complex vitamin and it includes folate ☺️Thanks again! 💕

[popsmith1874]

Yes it's just not the disease we have to contend with the side effects don't help either

[Needforname]

I've noticed some, but not sure if they are a result of the MTX or other meds. One thing I have noticed however are tiny pink freckle spots all over my chest. I find it strange that so many popped up all of a sudden. I've read this can be a sign of liver issues. Anyone else experience these? I've been on MTX, Sulfasalazine, Symponi Aria infusions, and zoloft.

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to Needforname]

I’m on mtx and sulz I also have tiny spots like I’m cold but I’m not. I’ve taking a photo of mine so I can show my remy doctor when I see him tomorrow. Can’t help with hair lose as I’m in same position. I’m hoping it stops before I run out of hair 😲

[Needforname in reply to Nuttyshirlz]

(Edit: My initial reply assumed you were someone else, so I have edited the comment).

Sorry to hear. I wonder if a change in meds could help. Do your current meds help with the pain?

I too have those white spots above my ankles (remind me of what happens when people have cold extremities like you were saying). I also have brown spots above my ankles that were never there before. Almost look like cigarette burn marks or something. This disease is the worse. The fact that don't even label it as a disease is beyond me. People hear "rheumatoid arthritis" and they always say "I have arthritis too". If they only knew.

I'm now tried a dozen different medications and nothing has helped. My doctors say there is nothing else they can do for me. It seems they would find insolvable cases as a challenge, or have a team of doctors look it over. Apparently that's what John Hopkins (in Maryland) does... they have a team of good doctors all share thoughts on how to fix people. Maybe something to consider if possible. I live in NY, so it's a 5 hour trip for me.

[Nuttyshirlz in reply to Needforname]

Lol I was going ask how you seen my photo. No it’s the meds that cause hair loss I have google it and can’t remember who said it but it was an American doctor who said hair lose caused could be from Dmards 🙂

[Lyn-h]

I have a lot of spider veins since taking RA meds, I was taken off sulfasalazine because it caused blood pooling in my ankles, I was only on it for a year or so, I have since had numerous spider veins all over my legs which I think are from methotrexate, I’m going to stop taking it, I’ve discovered not having any wheat products or sugar has helped with RA , also taking omega 3 oil, B1, B12 and vit D, I’ve decided to fight RA with a natural approach because side effects of drugs are unacceptable and it’s working, going on a meat only diet made RA go away completely but it was incredibly difficult to stay on.