Hi
Started Methotrexate 15mg 6 weeks ago. Before that I was on a weaning dose of Prednisolone, which was 15mg when I started Mtx. After finishing steroids 2 weeks ago, pain has returned. Rang RA nurses who arranged a steroid injection my thigh (pain in ankles, knee and shoulders) , but the pain has not subsided. This was last Tuesday. Was told injection would take 2-3 days to work. Obviously not working, anyone else had this experience?
Thank you
I had an injection in my buttock once, supposedly to work on all joints, but didn’t work on any. I’ve had successful injections in my spine, shoulders, wrists, thumb,knees and ankles. I’ve been on various doses of methotrexate for about 15 years, usually with another medication. At the moment I’m on. 15mg of mg and 10mg of oral steroids, waiting to see my rheumatologist in November for something else to add to the mix.
Thank you for your reply. They said to me that the injection would work on all joints, but it obviously hasn’t. No improvement in any. I guess I’m going to have to phone them again tomorrow 😟 good luck with your appointment. I’ve been told there are significant delays in seeing a Consultant for a follow up appointment in our area! HeyHo! Back on the phone I go!
I last saw my consultant in March, then she went on a sabbatical in Oxford and I spent 10 weeks in hospital. I was on a JAK inhibitor which stopped working in January so I’m hoping for something different.
Hi helenlw7, why were you in hospital and what Jac were you on, tenweeks is a long time Thank you,
My husband has dementia and I’d cared for him for 3+ years on my own. At some point in the 24 hours before the coronation I collapsed in my bathroom. day. I remember nothing of this but know I was there at about 9.30 on the Friday because Sainsburys couldn’t deliver my shopping, and still there at 10.30 on the Saturday morning when a lady tried to deliver afternoon teas I’d ordered to eat while the coronation was on. I was completely out of it for all that time, although afterwards my husband did say he thought I was just asleep!!!! Fortunately my daughter came round to watch the coronation and found me collapsed so phoned for an ambulance, and I regained consciousness for a very short time. They couldn’t get a line in because I was very dehydrated by this time. Apparently they had to take my bathroom door off to get me out of the bathroom, and then carried me downstairs in a sort of body bag. Fortunately I remember none of this, I don’t remember being in the ambulance or being in a and e. The first thing I remember is the first of 4 wards I was on. I had been immobile lying on my left hand side all that time I was in the bathroom so squashed the nerve that goes from my hip to my foot. The muscle in that leg broke down and debris went into my kidney, so caused kidney failure. I was having dialysis for 4 weeks on the kidney ward, then moved to the orthopaedic ward for 6 weeks. The paramedics thought I’d broken my hip so was taken to the one hospital in Birmingham where all broken hips go. I had a wound like a deep pressure sore but no fractures. They wouldn’t transfer me to the hospital 10 minutes from my home, leaving me in the one 35 minutes away. My wound is now 4cm deep and being dressed every other day by the community nurses. Apparently it was exhaustion that caused my collapse.
My methotrexate was stopped while I was in hospital, and not restarted until 4 weeks after I was out. Prior to my collapse I was on Baricitinab, but it had stopped working, and I’m 67 so can’t be on it anymore because of the risks to over 65 year olds.
Just read this and wanted to send support to you and wish you better days soon
Hi. Don’t give Up on the steroid shot too soon. I had one before I went on holiday three weeks ago and it’s taken till now to really start to make a difference. I’ve had many over the years and sometimes they work straight away and sometimes it takes a while. It may be, of course that you are unlucky and it doesn’t work in which case it’s worth getting in touch with your rheumatologist as it’s really frustrating to be in pain for any length of time. Do hope you get sorted soon and start to feel better.
Hi
Thank for your reply. I was wondering how long to wait. RA nurse said one would probably be 2-3 days before I noticed any difference. I’ve only just returned to work after 5 months off - so can’t afford to take anymore time off 😟
That’s hard when you’re still working, I remember that and needing to be better very soon, however, kind and helpful they were -and I worked for the NHS as a clinician. Fingers crossed you get some results soon.
I think it depends which steroid they use. I had one jab which had no effect. When i saw the nurse again he tried a different one and it worked a treat . Perhaps ask about a different one. All the best 🙂
I have had numerous intramuscular steroid injections over the years. They vary greatly (and I’ve no idea why!) Sometimes they work after a couple of days, sometimes they take a week or two. Sometimes they last months sometimes they last a few days. Don’t give up hope yet.
Yes. I’m afraid that is quite common…sometimes a steroid jab can ‘take’ within 24 hrs…other times it doesn’t work at all…have you asked for some more oral..they should help at this point?
However, don’t despair the next time you need a steroid injection it could last month ..l.it’s just one of those “ RA things” !
I too have had numerous intramuscular injections, and it can take a while before it kicks in. I would definitely get back in touch with your rheumatologist, if after a couple of weeks you feel no better. As somebody previously mentioned, there are a number if different ones, so worth going through alternatives with your rheumatologist, or alternative neds. Don't just accept it. Make sure you are given further treatment. There are many RA drugs out there now, other than steroids. It is trial and error before you drop on one that suits you. I have sJIA abd AS and I found a healthy diet along with doterra lifelong vitality have assisted me with my inflammation as well as biologics and steroids. Although weaning off my steroids now, due to longterm use and side effects. Good luck. Keep persevering,
Thank you for your reply. I’ve rang today, so I’ll wait to see what they say. I work full time, so it’s very difficult putting up with the pain/stiffness. I’m sure they’ll sort me out soon.
Hi WilfDog, I’m making contact as I have a diagnosis of Adult Onset Stills Disease JRA (1979 aged 17 now 61) which for me manifests as small joint pain, swelling and immobility. I have other AI conditions and recently diagnosed with Orthostatic Hypertension possibly caused by Serotitis .
I’m interested in your story but your bio is blank ?
Better to just take your Predisone by mouth
Really useful information as I’m going for a steroid injection tomorrow and will now check it’s the same as I one I had five years ago that worked. Can I ask does methotrexate come in any other form instead of tablet ?
Methotrexate can come as an injection - Metojet or Methofill....so much nicer/easier as you just press it on your skin and it slowly injects the mexotrexate.
Hi. I had an injection in my buttock called Kenalog 80 mg, in august, and it helps great for me. Now on Methotrexate 25 mg since 7 weeks and hoping the pains wont return. (Inflammatory Arthritis)
The injections never worked be for me, so in flare ups I always take oral Prednisolone on a four or six week decreasing dose which has worked every time. My RA has continued its march unfortunately despite 25mg Methotrexate and various other drugs in between and I'm about to start a JAK Filgotinib in November alongside the MTX. I’m 64 so just getting in before the age 65 cut off. Keep contacting your nurses and discussing what works best for you. RA is definitely not a condition where one size fits all.
Thank you for your reply. I hope the new treatment works well for you.
Give it a chance. My steroid injections take almost 2 weeks to work. If the tablets work the injection should.
Thanks, I’ve rang them today to ask as they said it would work within 2-3 days. I’m glad you’ve seen the benefits 😀
I had an injection into my knee that gave me instant relief and was such a blessing. The next time I had the injection, same doctor, there was no relief and I had a reaction with BP racing up, face hot, severe headache. They said it couldn’t be the shot but when I asked the nurse she told me they had started using another manufacturer. Doesn’t take a medical degree to see there was something wrong. But they refused to acknowledge the medication was any different. I’m in the US.
That’s a bit naughty, over here (uk) they’d have to report that!!
The rest of the story gets worse and I believe should be reported but nothing will happen. If I feel up to a wordy follow up, you’ll see what I mean.
Don't worry you'll always get the odd one or two that don't work doesn't mean others won't. Give your RA nurses another call and explain to them the situation. They'll be understanding I'm sure. Good luck x
Just a quick question if I had a steriod injection on Monday when will it start to work 
Fighting Diet & Steriods.
upping Steriods
Steriod or Sulphazalaline? Methotrixate!I
Methotrexate injection 
