methotrexate injections and trapped nerve

[slim03]

hi can any tell me can I still take my methotrexate injection even though I have a trapped nerve in my neck which is very painful. I have two damaged discs in my neck and whilst packing to go on holiday last week I turned my head an my neck just went into spasm and my nerve trapped the pain is all down my left arm and has been there for two weeks I went on my holiday abroad but ended up at the pharmacy for pain meds didn’t enjoy my holiday to say the least the pain is so bad I couldn’t wait to get home I’m home now and due to take my methotrexate injection for the 1st time starting these can I still take it ? I’ve contacted Rhuemy but have to wait for nurse to ring me on Monday at 3.30pm please can anyone advise . I’m on naproxen and cocodamolfor the pain

[KittyJ]

I’ve only ever been told to stop for an infection and if I’m on antibiotics. I can’t see why a trapped nerve should stop you taking it, why do you think you might need to?

[slim03 in reply to KittyJ]

Hi kitty ,thanks for replying , a friend told me it would delay the healing process because with no immune system that the MTX causes?

[KittyJ in reply to slim03]

Mtx doesn’t cause you to have no immune system, your friend is incorrect. I hope you get relief soon.

[Nyreedw in reply to slim03]

Mtx brings our over active immune system back to normal levels. It just means if we are ill we stop to allow our immune system to help us recover. I've had op and stopped mtx until my clips are out. Once rheumy knows clips are out and he's checked my blood results I should be able to restart it. I didn't stop for a fractured pelvis either. X

[Runrig01]

Yes of course you can. You only stop for infections and antibiotics. It doesn’t wipe out your uni e system completely, and it won’t delay healing. Surgeons generally tell patients to continue MTX.. I live my life with slipped discs and nerve related pain, and MTX doesn’t impact it.

[Spanelmad]

I've a permanently trapped nerve in my spine ,always take mtx.Take as normal and see your GO for help with the nerve/disc issues

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Hi I know how you feel hope you get relief soon The trapped nerve a nightmare

I'm similar but not in the neck etc

Not sure if gp gave you nerve pain med yet may help more

I'd maybe hold of untill Monday if possible

See wot they say

It does sou d severe for you

[KittyJ in reply to OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

You don’t need to hold off taking mtx for a trapped nerve, what would be the reasoning behind that?

[medway-lady]

I’m not sure but when I broke my leg and ankle they told me to carry on as normal. That was with AZA and Benepali. It doesn’t impact on healing.

[Tonkie]

ooh on the subject of healing on MTX does this mean I could have laser removal on it? I was waiting to ask my rheumatologist but I thought the answer would be no as it wouldn’t heal. Basically I’ve been looking at tattoo removal and hair removal.

I only ever stop my injections when I’m on antibiotics which is every month sometimes for a few weeks. I think they’re taking me off MTX soon as my immune system was so rubbish before it and I can’t fight anything. Instead of a week of antibiotics for recurrent sinusistis and pneumonia I now have to take 3 weeks worth. I don’t think I feel the benefit as I have to come off it so much. But any nerve issues/sprains/strains I stay on it. I would try to take it whenever you can so it helps you as best as it can.

[medway-lady in reply to Tonkie]

I don’t know but my skin wasn’t broken. Could be different so best to ask the RA nurse or consultant. I had a problem with chest infections and saw a Respiratory Consultant. I had a lot of tests and it was diagnosed with Cylindrical Bronchiectasis. And MRSA ! I was given 3 months of an antibiotic known to kill MRSA which was the bug doing damage which just had never gone awayand did a Lung Rehabilitation Course. That was 5 years ago and no antibiotics since despite being on Benapali and AZA so might be worth asking GP for a referral as it was RA nurse who told me go back to GP as I had 9 lots of antibiotics in 11 months. So do GPs just prescribe broadly and they just damp down infection rather than cure it. Just worth thinking about.

[Tonkie in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks for that. I have been struggling for so many years now but no one ever wants to investigate anything! I get recurrent Haemophilus infections and I don’t think it ever clears up completely. Thanks for your advice and I’ll certainly speak to my GP about it. In fact I have an appointment tomorrow for some long awaited steroid injections in my thumbs - I may steer the conversation to the infection issue whilst there! Really glad you’ve got over that horrible period of your life and thanks for giving me hope!

[Happy5]

Very sorry not qualified to advise on this, were you shown by the RA nurse sites to put the injection in?

Is it a pre filled pen? If so they are designed to administer the medication into the muscle on the site. As said can't see why you can't take your first dose, and follow up help with the other painful issues.

[slim03]

thank you all for your help and comments very much appreciated . I’m not sure how to reply on here yet so I’m doing as a comment . Thank you so much all for your support . The Rhuemy nurse is ringing me tomorrow at 10am . I think she will say the same at least I will be able to start it now .

[KittyJ in reply to slim03]

There’s a reply button under each reply ☺️

[slim03 in reply to KittyJ]

Thanks kitty 🙂