People with rheumatoid arthritis - experience of chest pain?

[Tagetes]

Please forgive me if this is in the wrong place - RA isn't generally regarded as life-limiting but I didn't think the general health forum was the right place either and I can't find a place for discussing chronic illness. However I'll get it moved if it upsets anyone.

I have had RA for over 20 years - generally well-managed with drugs. Over the past year though I have been experiencing increasing chest pain - usually brought on by quite mild exertion - think walking briskly to catch a train. Cardiac and lung investigations have found nothing - which is good - but it's still painful and I'm starting to have to modify my lifestyle to accomodate it which I'm not happy about.

Does anyone else have experience of this and did you get any diagnosis which proved it was either to do with the RA itself or medication? I'm on methotrexate which I've been told to stay off for a month but the only effect is my RA is flaring up really badly and the chest pain seems to be getting worse!

[Tagetes]

Anyone?

[BluePitchFork]

do you take nsaids?
they have chest pains as side effect

[RoseDore]

I occasionally get costochronditis, which I'm told is caused by my Ra. It's helped by an increase in steroids. It's quite common so would be surprised if they haven't thought about this when checking you over but it's worth mentioning to the medics.

[TJEckleburg]

Can be indication of anaemia if accompanies by breathlessness But not normal anaemia picked up by iron tests but anaemia of chronic disease which needs different tests to diagnose- you aren't short of iron but blood cells hold onto it rather than allow it to be used in body.

[TJEckleburg]

And never ever accept "come off the meds which are the only thing enabling you to live a normal life" as a treatment option for chronic disease side effects. If they want you off the meth they need to replace it with steroids or preferably a biologic

[Squeek1]

I had reactive arthritis after my first born, it took 2 yrs for me to fully recover (bit shaky even then). I made the decision for a second baby knowing it could come back and it did with vengeance. I had to have c sections with both and this condition although not life limiting as you say, however it is really hard and painful. I had no chest pains but have hurt both feet, both knees, my shoulder, wrists, fingers and now my jaw. I lost count how many joint injections, years of physio, wrist splints, jaw splints and so on. but it is an invisible illness and getting baby in and out of car or onto nappy changing stations, high chair is agony at times. My shoulder will not heal as I have to lift my baby. I think its too easy to forget that mums after babies are not always fine - just the little things like having door opened for me, or parking in kids bays are sooooooo important. I even had to ask help the other day getting my baby out of a high chair and was so touched to see about 5 people sprint across the café to help me. Of course seeing my baby and daughter smile every day is the most rewarding ad when I'm 80 I wont remember thi. But never is this a condition that doesn't have consequences. I feel some comfort knowing there are others with similar conditions but I don't wish this on anyone. I'm 12monts through this 12 to go :)

[Squeek1]

Sorry but this doesn't sound right if they haven't got a answer for you, you need to go back. RA does not affect your breathing and despite pain your supposed to be able to exercise in a controlled and gentle way. I was also told RA was a temp condition?