Methotrexate and Enbrel nerves

Mya

I’m new to the chat room and don’t really know what I’m doing. I’m desperately wanting to communicate with people who share my symptoms and concerns. Writing this has me tearful as I just want contact with people who have been through this before. Please help Mya

Chris_R

Hi @Mya

welcome to the forum,Great you are reaching out and communicating that is the first step, Everyone is friendly and will listen to you and give comments and reach out in friendship to you . I am so sorry you are going through difficult times at the moment it is good to chat and tell your story you will find that everyone on the foum will understand what you are going through as we have all been there with our own problems

Enjoy chatting to others on the forum . all the best Christine

barneyrubble

Hi Mya,

Like you I am new to this forum. I retired in December 2023 at the age of 66 with no ailments and classed my fitness levels as normal. In February 2024 I started to get pains in my feet, knees, hands and shoulders, and after numerous visits to the doctors and hospital appointments, I was finally told that I had Rheumatoid Arthritis. What a shock that was, as it came from nowhere.

I have been on 20mg Methotrexate ( taken once a week ) and 5mg of Frolic Acid ( taken 6 days a week ) since April 2024. I have had no side effects other than feeling tired now and again, but despite taking the medication I still have occasional flare ups. These might last for a day or two but I have no great pain, just discomfort which is bearable.

I do light exercise, walking and swimming, which I am told is beneficial, and I am currently trying to loose weight at the rate of 1lb a week. Hopefully this will help. I accept the fact now that this will be with me for the rest of my life, but still wonder why I was struct down with this so suddenly.

We are suffering with tens of thousands of people, and I am cheered to know that I am not suffering alone.

Keep your chin up.

Karl

Mya

HI I Kari, It’s so nice to get a response and feel you’re not alone. Thank you for that

helpline_team

Hi @Mya

Thank you for reaching out to us on the Helpline Online Community. As suggested by @Chris_R, this is a positive step connecting with other people that know what you are going through and can help support you. Looking after your emotional wellbeing is an important part of selfcare.

If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is a supportive space where you can ask questions and share experiences with others. 

You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm, if you would like to talk things through informally and in confidence.

You mention you have nerves about Methotrexate and Enbrel (which is the drug Etanercept). These are commonly prescribed medications designed to control the underlying cause of inflammation being driven by the immune system that causes the symptoms of inflammatory arthritis conditions. You can read more about these medications, and the conditions they are used for, within the links I'm sharing, but do talk to your Rheumatology Team if you have any concerns about your suggested treatment.

I hope you will find the information given below of some help.

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

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

Best wishes,
Helen, Helpline Advisor

helpline_team

Hi @barneyrubble Karl,

Thank you for posting on the Helpline Online Community in support of @Mya. I hope you also benefit from reaching out to our friendly community.

It can be a shock to receive a diagnosis, but it is a step towards finding the right treatment. It sounds like things have improved for you on Methotrexate, but do keep your Rheumatology Team updated if and when you experience flare ups, as you may need a medication review.

You are taking positive selfcare steps by exercising and eating well to achieve a healthy weight. I hope you will find the information links below helpful towards your goals, and enjoy your retirement.

If you would like to have more replies to your post, you are welcome to repost on our Living with Arthritis forum which is a supportive space where you can ask questions and share experiences with others. 

You are also welcome to call our Free Helpline on 0800 5200 520 weekdays 9am - 6pm, if you would like to talk things through informally and in confidence.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/diet/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/

Best wishes,

Helen, Helpline Advisor