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Started MTX todayy

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 10/26/2016 8:00 PM (GMT -5)
I have lots of pain associated with the pointer finger of my right hand. I don't really feel pain in the joint but touching the ligaments that run from the wrist up into my finger is very painful. I'm taking meloxicam for pain. Just wondering how long it takes for MTX to start working.
Posted 10/27/2016 12:22 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Rigby,
I have found that when I have one particular joint that is giving me grief I sometimes need to resort to getting a cortisone injection to calm it down. Something to consider if the mtx doesn't kick in soon.
Beth
Posted 10/27/2016 7:52 AM (GMT -5)
Thanks for the reply. It woke me up multiple times last night. I could move my finger into a position without pain, basically loosely resting on the edge of the mattress, and I was ok until I moved again.

Should the MTX be removing the inflammation or do I have to depend on an anti-inflammatory? Likewise for pain, will I have to be on pain medicine the rest of my life too?
Jim
Posted 10/27/2016 11:39 PM (GMT -5)
It won't hurt to take an occasional OTC anti-inflammatory.

I've found that over time my pain tolerance has doubled. What I feel daily now would of had me popping tylenol like crazy years ago. Now I just grunt a little. ;))

Some people as their pain progresses need stronger pain meds. I know one day I will need something stronger than gabapentin or occasion tramadol.
Posted 10/28/2016 1:44 AM (GMT -5)
Hi Jim,
Do you see an orthopaedic doc? I see mine more often than the rheumy for stuff like you are experiencing. I've had several surgeries arthroscopic to take care of torn ligaments and such. An x Ray of that particular joint might be in order if the inflammation doesn't go away soon.
Beth
Posted 10/28/2016 3:20 PM (GMT -5)
The extensor tendon is the worst of it - sharp stabbing pain like I'd imagine cutting there without anesthetic. Just touching the skin is bad. I guess I'll ask what I can take along with meloxicam.

This is no fun, and I'm just a newbie. With ccp >250 the future is scary.
Posted 11/28/2016 11:19 AM (GMT -5)
Well it seems the MTX is starting to work, at last. I was able to hold a coffee cup by the handle without pain for the first time last Friday. So it "only" took 5 weeks for it to start working instead of 12 weeks. Still have inflammation but the methotrexate seems to be keeping the pain under control.

Thanks again for the words of encouragement.
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