RA symptomS

[Fogster22]

hello, I came on here at the beginning of the year as a devastated parent of a 26 year old son who was diagnosed with severe RA, firstly want to thank the lovely people who reassured me that things would improve, and they have, he is on methotrexate and worlds away from the young man in absolute agony, unable to do anything because of the pain. One thing I would like to ask is has anyone experienced sweating during the night, disturbed sleep or high blood pressure these are symptoms he has started to experience. Thanks in advance xx

[Hidden]

hello devastated parent.

Don’t be, please, read my profile of diagnosis of adult onset Stills Disease at 17. I’m 60 now and have worked and had children and lived a full live. There is hope.

[Munro76]

Hi,I'm 33 and was diagnosed in July. I had terrible night sweats before I went to see my GP along with all the other problems I was having. I've been on MTX for 10 weeks now and just finished a course of steroids which I've had for 3 months. My symptoms aren't as bad as the beginning. I think the methotrexate is working a bit. But still lots of joint pain. Unfortunately I've had night sweats for the last week now and haven't slept properly in a few months. I hope things improve for your son. I'm hoping things improve with time.

[Sheila_G]

I definitely experience the first two, although I don't know if they are caused by the disease or the mxt but my blood pressure is fine.

[barbieg]

Yes, I developed high blood pressure and night sweats except my night sweats happen during the day too. When I mentioned it to my consultant I was told it was the RA. This was years ago , I didn’t believe it to start with but have since changed my mind.

[Dobcross1]

Hi, yes I'm on MTX and experience both night sweats and very disturbed sleep. Unfortunately I don't have any answers for you sorry.

[Leics]

I’ve had night sweats and increased BP. For me I’ve found steroids have been a big part of the cause but not totally. They can disturb your sleep and as my pain wasn’t well controlled when I was taking them my BP was always through the roof. I always take prednisone early in the morning with food and loads of water because if it got near to lunchtime then I knew that the sweats would bother me that night. However I still took them in small short courses as I was glad of the relief they provided.

[oldtimer2]

Is he on steroids? That causes night sweats I find - but so does inflammation....It does suggest that something is still going on and he needs to tell his rheumy team about them.

Steroids also cause raised blood pressure - but so does anxiety and he is almost bound to have that! He might find doing relaxation exercises or controlled breathing exercises help with that - Tai Chi, Yoga, etc all help to keep you flexible and learn how to stay calm.

[nomoreheels]

Hiya Fogster. I'm pleased your son is doing so much better, we do like updates especially when things seemed so bleak. 

Can I ask if your son is currently only prescribed MTX, no other meds either for RD or another issue? As others have said the symptoms can in some be experienced from corticosteroids such as prednisolone. Other meds can too though, why I ask the question.

Is he still part of the trial you mentioned in your previous post? If so it's worth investigating if his symptoms could be related to whatever he's been given be it the med being trialled or placebo. 

NSAIDs are commonly coprescribed & some may increase blood pressure, some can disrupt sleep & cause night sweats, but so can RD itself if not as well controlled as it could be. Even though he's so much better than he was pre-diagnosis sometimes we forget how 'normal' felt (usually not until we have a steroid injection & experience the people we were before RD!). There can sometimes be room for improvement. 

I'd suggest he mentions his symptoms to his Rheumy at his next appointment, especially if they've only started since his previous one which was probably his follow-up appointment. As we all know everything is easier to manage if we're having restful sleep, RD is no different. Your son will find his battery running low the longer it continues, that makes things all the harder with everything else so best to find the culprit sooner rather than later.

Will you let us know how he gets on please? Also, if he wishes to join in the conversation he'd be welcomed, particularly so by the other men who I would think would be pleased for an opportunity to swell their ranks! He may find it helpful just talking with others who have likely experienced the same things, especially when anything out of the ordinary happens. ☺️😉

[Pulfs]

so please medication is working for your son. I was 44 when RA started now 72, been on methotrexate for over 25yrs and manage to do do most things ok .With the sweating I’ve not got an answer yet as I also sweat during the day I’ve put it down to the immune system not working properly but it it’s something no one has given me a remedy for. Hope he carries on feeling well ❤️

[GordonEdin]

I definitely suffered night sweats and disturbed sleep (due to pain and the sweats) when I first developed RA - indeed a full set of flu-like symptoms. Methotrexate got rid of these symptoms - for last ten years now. It may well be that he is still experiencing some RA symptoms. I improved significantly in six months but continued to improve for two years

I don't feel that the methotrexate is likely to be the cause of these symptoms - though everyone is different and you need to get your doctor's opinion.

As for BP, mine has stayed pretty well optimal while on methotrexate. As others say, if you are on other meds, these might have other side effects

[Angels54]

Hi I think this is normal until it gets into system 👍

[Happy5]

Glad the treatment is working, I get night sweats not sure if RA or MTX or both causing it?

Sleep disturbance yes mostly sleep about 4-5 hours at a time ususally able to go back to sleep. In the early days of taking MTX needed to pee often day & night eased off as system got used to it. I find drinking lots of water day of & after taking MTX helps with symptoms.

No idea about high BP check the info that comes with MTX & contact GP/RA consultant. I call the advice line, & find the RA specialist nurse very good to discuss things with.

[Sarmita50]

Hello FogsterFirst of all l feel sorry for your ypung son to be diagnosed RA

However, with RA he will havd inflammation and remission. I wass diagnosed 25 years ago in my early 50s.Since the I am taking MTX. I haven't experienced any symptoms which you describe but people have different reactions to MTX

Please consult your Rheumatologist if he is sweating nd high BP. Possibly tjis is not suiting him

With my best wishes