I went to my regular doctor today for my blood pressure check (since
the RD put me on Adalat for Reynauds, I have to have my blood pressure
checked weekly... I'm low anyway and he didn't want it to get much
lower). Anyway, when I was with the nurse I mentioned that this
morning, before I got out of bed, I had a pain in my chest and two
nights ago I also had a pain in the chest. I thought it was from
all the meds I am on. She told the Doctor, then they immediately
hooked me up and did EKG. Now, they scheduled me for a cardio
guy tomorrow. But she said the results of the EKG looked good,
however wanted to just be sure.
Does anyone else have chest pains from any RA meds they are
taking? I'm sure it's all fine. I just hate having to
put another doctor into the mix! Is costocrondritis
something that occurs with these meds or with RA?? Thanks!
Costochondritis is an inflammatory disorder but also a symptom, it can be caused by injury or it can occur in otherwise healthy individuals for no apparent reason. (Just for fun?
Heartburn (caused by meds) can give some people a burning or stabbing chest pain.
Good luck with Cardio Guy!
I often will use an ice pack and that does help.
You're might not be the same thing; but it's something to think about.
Plus, with depression being a common "additive" with RA, anxiety can cause chest pain. With out you even KNOWING IT. That's what happened to me in high school. Just a thought.!!!!RA causes all kinds of problems that can lead to chest pains. Costochronditis is the least serious. That means that the RA has affected the joints in your rib cage and breastbone, most specifically your breastbone. And, it really hurts!
You can also get pericarditis which is inflammation of the heart muscle itself or inflammation of your lungs. Both result in chest pains. Over time, RA can cause thickening of your heart muscles and your veins and arteries.
It is a very hard distinction for the doctors to make as to what is causing the problem. My Rheumy immediately sends me the Cardiologist. In fact, I met my Cardiologist before meeting my Rheumy.
Your EKG can be fine. The next thing that they will probably do is an Echocardiogram and a stress test. These tests are long, but not bad. They are expensive but vitally important.
The other thing to watch out for is problems with the lungs which also can present as chest pains. If you have any problems breathing or are having severe chest pains, especially since you've had problems in the last couple of days, go to the ER. Emphasize that you have RA and are scheduled to see a Cardiologist. The lung problems can be a blood clot, pleural effusion, etc.
Between the three doctors, Rheumy, Cardiologist and Pulmonologist, it seems to take all three to get to the "heart" of the problem. I've had pericarditis at least 2-3 times. They thought I had blood clots in the lungs twice (didn't) and I have had some pleural effusion. Along with that, I have developed high blood pressure and water retention. They had to treat all these things in order to improve things.
Keep in mind that heart problems do run in my family. So, I think that makes me especially vulnerable in this area.
I don't want to scare you because it likely a simple problem like costrochronditis. But because RA is so insidious, doctors have to take extra precautions and you must follow your own instincts as to whether you feel like something serious is happening.
I'm glad you are seeing the Cardiologist so soon. That is very good news.
Deanna,When I try to decrease my MTX....like right now it happens often so I know mine is from inflamation.
When it started we increased my MTX and that took care of it for a pretty long time. You minght ask your RD if this too could be your problem.
Lovie,Vicki,
Sorry that your visit was so distressing. Prednisone can give you high blood pressure. Multiple doctor visits can do it too. Really. I'm not kidding.
I'm not familar with those particular things. And, remember he is not looking at this from the viewpoint of a Rheumy but a Cardiologist. But RA can hurt your heart because it can be inflamed just like your joints and over time that can cause damage.
However, as distressing as all this sounds, at least they are on top of it. My younger brother has had two heart attacks. I don't know if you saw the pictures of him in the truck accident. He had his second attack there. The first one was when he was 40 and they had to put in a stent.
You want them to catch these problems now before some kind incident occurs.
Many times they have given me such scary news in the beginning and when they finally got all the tests done it was take a couple more pils and see me in a year. Hopefully, that is what it will turn out for you.
I know you must be scared though. But now you know you must take this seriously and that is going to save your life.
I hope that whatever they find requires only minor treatment. My thoughts are with you.
Sweetie;
Try not to get too upset.....but please take this serious. I was hoping; like me it was just due to inflamation....but it sounds like something else is involved also. It could be inflammation too; but those test wouldn't have should all this just because you were anxious.
Definately continue to follow up with this issue. My ex-husband had a major heart attach at 37 this spring. He never saw it coming.
My thoughts and prayers are with you.
Vickilee,I am also having problems with chest pain. It started about 10 days ago, just very painful under my boob and right at the sternum. Because I have heart issues I immediately took nitro, and when it didn't help the pain I knew that for me it wasnt heart related.
I've had pleurisy several times and it isnt that kind of pain. My gallbladder is gone, so it isn't that. When I saw the Rheumy on tuesday we talked about it and she thinks it is either costochronditis or a pulled muscle from all the vomiting I had with that gastro flu about 3 weeks ago. I'm getting xrays on monday to figure out what's going on, and til then, heat, and gentle massage seem to help.
Kathy, it sure sounds like the costochronditis, especially your description of the location. I do the same thing, take the nitro and see if it helps. However, over time, I've started to be able to distinguish between the two a bit. The nitro does help but I rarely have to take right now. But I do have some heart problems.
When I got bronchitis last year, they figured that I did the same thing, bruising my ribs from the really sharp coughing spells. Also, when they did the lung tests a couple of years ago, that really hurt that area. I went to the ER even though I didn't think it was a heart attack. The ER doc told me that area of the rib cage can get so fragile, mostly because of prednisone, that it can actually break in some patients who have a Pulmonary Function Test.
The good thing about it is that it does seem to heal up and not cause problems unless irritated by being sick or the weather. It might take a couple of weeks though it that is what it is. And yep, it hurts!
Vickilee, my blood pressure has always been low, too. So much so, that after I delivered my daughter, when my blood pressure dropped to 90/60, the doctors freaked. I told them it was normal. I've been on Prednisone for about a year, now, and my blood pressure is creeping up and up. I go see my GP next week, and we're going to have to talk this over. I hate to take MORE medicine, and I'm trying very hard to get off the prednisone, but I'm still at 5 1/2 mg. I don't know if I can dump it completely.If the Cardio made you feel uncomfortable with his treatment, then you absolutely should take steps to find someone you are comfortable with. I just love my Cardiologist which I think is very important when you are facing serious tests. He and his staff have a calming influence. I also know that he treats patients on almost every medical plan. So, money is not his prime motive. He always listens to me and takes even minor things seriously.
I think a different Cardiologist is a good idea and cannot see a reason that you doctor shouldn't send you to one. However, there are heart problems that can cause large fluctuations in blood pressure and heart rate. Just be sure that you don't ignore the symptoms.
Thanks Deanna,Yeah and none of that "oh, I'm dead wanna see my coffin?" crap either..... :| You BEST send me pics! Hahaha my e-mail is avlb. on my lil profile here, but I'll post it for you as well. I have no shame. And a great spam blocker too...LOL
Yes, Viki, please take care of yourself. My brother was not even aware that he had his second heart attack. He thought he was just having a panic attack. Well, it was stuck in tons of steel for two hours and he's claustrophobic.
Now, he has to see the Cardiologist every 6 months, no excuses.
Awfully glad that you are going to let your family know what's up. If you start to have problems during the flight though, speak up. I know it's short, but still. And, get someone to carry your luggage, etc. Baby that body.
Call ahead to your airlines and request assistance. You can get a ride thru the airport to your gate and to the luggage area. I did it when I had to fly back home when my Dad passed away. I just had a high tibial osteotomy on my left knee and was completely non weight bearing. I was also able to get thru the security points faster and did not have to wait in line.
I completely understand how it is with grandkids. I have one myself that I completely adore and that wears me out. But it is worth every second of it. Grandchildren are our reward for making it thru the teenage years with our kids lol. Have a wonderful time with your family.
Just been thinking about you Vickilee and wondering how you are doing.YAAAAAAAYYYYYY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
So glad you had a good trip. Get yourself checked out! You shouldn't have all these random pains. And for so long.
Haha you're back not even a day and already getting yelled at. It's cause we love you!
Thanks Katie!!!!! I missed all of you!!! Now it will take me days to read all the posts I missed! Oh.... You are very chatty Katie!!! 514 Posts... I am impressed!!! I love all your trivia and nonsense!! It keeps me amused.