New RA Symptom or...?
Hey everyone,
I have been reading a lot of the articles of this site for a bit now, but I had a strange symptom pop up last night/this morning and I wanted to see if it may be from RA before I start worrying about it to much.
I have had the symptom of dry mouth, but last night my mouth started to hurt a little more. I woke this morning to multiple canker/kanker sores all over my mouth. I am not sure if this is from the dry mouth, or if it is the RA going a little further.
Any input is greatly appreciated!
Thanks
Hi kkyian. Thanks for your question. Some RA medication can cause mouth sores. Some are Methoraxate, Arava (leflunomide), and Rituxan. This is definitely something I would bring up with your rheumatologist. Here are some articles that discuss the side effects of the drugs I mentioned. https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/methotrexate/ and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/arava/ and https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/rituxan-side-effects-safety-review/. I hope this helps give you a place to start. Thanks for being a part of this community! Have a good night, Erin (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member).
I am not currently taking anything other than naproxen for the inflammation and T3's as needed at night for the pain. I am currently waiting for my first appointment with my rheumatologist.
Hi kkiyan! Since this is a new symptom for you, I would definitely bring it to your physician's or rheumatologist's attention. If you have a long wait until your first rheumatologist appointment, you really might consider seeing your primary care physician. I hope you get some answers and relief soon! Have a good afternoon. Erin (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member).
Hi Kkiyan ~
As Erin mentions, any time you experience a new symptom the best person to discuss it with is your doctor - as he or she has the best understanding of your overall medical situation. Dry mouth can sometimes be a symptom of Sjögren’s syndrome which is another autoimmune condition that sometimes occurs with RA.
You can read more about it here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/medical-conditions-occurring-along-with-ra/secondary-sjogrens-syndrome/
If you have been diagnosed with RA, getting in to start treatment with your rheumatologist is key to getting your symptoms under control. You may want to call back and see if they will offer you a sooner appointment or if they would be willing to put you on a cancellation list in case one comes up. I know it is easier said than done when you aren't feeling that well, but often you really do need to advocate for yourself to get the care you need. As they say - it's the squeaky wheel that often gets the grease!
In the meantime, please remember that we are here to support you!
~Mariah~ (Site Moderator)
