Re: MTX - Another day, a new thing happens

[Guest guest]

Hey OKD, You could have Pleurisy it is very painful and the first time you have

it it is very scary. Sorta makes you feel like you're having a heart attack.

Although it's painful and scary a dose of prednisone will fix it very quickly.

Good Luck! Michele

>

> Hi folks, here I am needing advice again.

>

> So yesterday, I started to feel some chest tightness, only I wasnt sure it was

internal, as opposed to the bones in my chest, I cant really tell the diff, its

in between the breasts. Never had heart probs, high cholesterol or any of that

stuff. Not sure if the MTX, or the RA causes it, or I have become super

sensitive all of a sudden? I had high B/P the other day, but I walked up the

stairs and I was flaring, and I just started the meds, so it wasnt a fair

assess.

>

> What do u guys think?

>

> OKD

>

[Guest guest]

Could it just be stress from dealing with the flare and worrying about what will

happen?

Lori

http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/

http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com

[Guest guest]

I have the same pain in my chest even before I was dx  with ra, tense preasure

in between breast bone was hard to take deep breath or cough felt like something

was going to break even after mtx i still get the pain at times, my rheumy said

we have a joint there and it can become inflammed, so let me know what you find

out. Thanks Marie 

________________________________

From: cofade_2000 <Cofade_2000@...>

Sent: Wednesday, June 10, 2009 10:40:51 AM

Subject: [ ] MTX - Another day, a new thing happens

Hi folks, here I am needing advice again.

So yesterday, I started to feel some chest tightness, only I wasnt sure it was

internal, as opposed to the bones in my chest, I cant really tell the diff, its

in between the breasts. Never had heart probs, high cholesterol or any of that

stuff. Not sure if the MTX, or the RA causes it, or I have become super

sensitive all of a sudden? I had high B/P the other day, but I walked up the

stairs and I was flaring, and I just started the meds, so it wasnt a fair

assess.

What do u guys think?

OKD

[Guest guest]

Hi Marie:

I will let you know, I have to learn how to tell the diff between heart and

breast plate inflamm. It cant be pleurisy, I am not coughing at all, nor

trouble breathing.

I did feel like that area was enlarged, which caused my heart to start pumping

(got a little anxious). About an hour later, I was in full flare glory.

When I get the hots (aka flares), I get anxious and flustered, dont know how to

get relief yet. Last night I immersed my whole face in a sink of cool water,

dampened my chest, it seemed to work.... for a hot minute. I ended up taking 10

mgs of prednison last night instead of in the AM, because I didnt want to wake

up with this.

IT WORKED. I know the Rheumy said to take it in the AM, but at least when I am

sleeping (ok when I can sleep, I should say laying in bed, praying to sleep,

haha) it has a chance to work.

Thanks OKD

>

> I have the same pain in my chest even before I was dx  with ra, tense preasure

in between breast bone was hard to take deep breath or cough felt like something

was going to break even after mtx i still get the pain at times, my rheumy said

we have a joint there and it can become inflammed, so let me know what you find

out. Thanks Marie 

[Guest guest]

Stitching Queen:

i do believe that is contributory, yes. Worrying makes it worse, I believe this

pain is either an effect of the MTX/Predni or inflamm. I have to learn how to

tell diff.

OKD

>

> Could it just be stress from dealing with the flare and worrying about what

will happen?

> Lori

> http://home.comcast.net/~queenstitcher/

> http://stitchingqueen.multiply.com

>

[Guest guest]

Hi OKD - I'm glad to hear you got some relief with the prednisone. Do you find

that if you take it at night it keeps you awake? It does me that way - just

curious.....Doreen

" ...I ended up taking 10 mgs of prednisone last night instead of in the AM,

because I didn't want to wake up with this. IT WORKED. I know the Rheumy said to

take it in the AM, but at least when I am sleeping (ok when I can sleep, I

should say laying in bed, praying to sleep, haha) it has a chance to work. "

[Guest guest]

Hi Doreen:

Truth be told I havent slept well since i took it at night, having palpitations

too. But I am not inflammed/stiff, not sure how long the Rheumy will let me

stay on the steriods. Dont have an appt until July, so.....

All this is enuf to make one really frustrated trying to figure out what works.

OKD

>

> Hi OKD - I'm glad to hear you got some relief with the prednisone. Do you find

that if you take it at night it keeps you awake? It does me that way - just

curious.....Doreen

[Guest guest]

Hi OKD - I feel your frustration. This disease is very frustrating. What works

for one doesn't necessarily work for another - its enough to make your head

spin. I have had a lot of inflammation this past week or so and had to break out

the ole prednisone again - but I take it in the morning. I don't sleep well as

it is and I don't want anything to mess with that. I get palpitations at higher

doses of prednisone, too - although 10mg doesn't usually bother me. How long

have you been taking the 10mg/day? They are scored so you could cut them in half

and only take 5mg. If you're not having inflammation and stiffness, then I

wonder why you were put on it to begin with. Unless this is a sign that it IS

working for you - then that's a good thing.

Please remember that while these doctors have the medical degree, WE PAY THEM

for our services and they work for us. Call them anytime you have a question or

concern. They should get back to you the same day. If not, then its time for a

new Rheumy. Don't wait until your next appointment. Do they have you on anything

else besides prednisone?

Doreen

Hi Doreen:

Truth be told I havent slept well since i took it at night, having palpitations

too. But I am not inflammed/stiff, not sure how long the Rheumy will let me

stay on the steriods. Dont have an appt until July, so.....

All this is enuf to make one really frustrated trying to figure out what works.

OKD