Related issues with Rheumatoid Arthritis and methotrexate

denbags61

I was diagnosed with RA and osteoarthritis last summer , I’m struggling getting control and have been in what seems like a constant flare up since then. I am taking methotrexate now and changed to injections 4 weeks ago, last few weeks my blood pressure went very high and it’s caused Atrial Fibrillation, has anyone else experienced issues that seem to be related to inflammation? To say I’m scared is an understatement, I don’t know where to turn ? I have an appointment with GP this week and don’t know if I need rheumatologist or cardiologist. Getting an appointment wity either will be difficult I know

MaryL44

Hello @denbags61  and welcome to the Community. We are a friendly and supportive group and I hope that will be your experience as well. I'm sorry to hear of your troubles with your arthritis and its treatment. I think it is very important that you discuss your feelings with your GP. They should be able to organise for you to see other specialists if you need to. You may also want to contact the Versus Arthritis help line (details below) - they may be able to give you some more information.

Our website is a mine of information so do look at it. You might be particularly interested in:

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/drugs/methotrexate/

and

https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2023/june/how-can-i-prepare-for-a-doctor-s-appointment-if-i-have-arthritis/

Also, our community members will have vast experience so keep checking back here for their responses. (I have changed the title of your post slightly so that our members can identify the subject easily)

Please keep posting now you are here and let us know how you are getting on.

Best wishes

Mary

Arciere

Hi there

I will say yes to your question, I think I’ve had some cardio related …things? Since being diagnosed. Firstly it was what they think was a vasovagal syncope - I passed out and had excruciating jaw pain after.

Then I sometimes get a bit of chest pain if I have a flare up. As it’s my tendons rather than joints that ache, I just put it down to that. I did get grouped into a whole bunch of cardio assessments and then I wished I hadn’t said anything. I think they didn’t know what to do, so just started throwing tests at me. After the third ECG I agreed everything was fine.

I think I’ve become quite sensitive to my body!!!

If you are worried, and only you can tell, then do press your GP for a cardio referral.

Not sure if this helps.