Effects of all the Meds | Arthritis Information

Hello, all!! JUST signed up here and I've been reading a lot of your entries. Have about a million questions...so, I'll just start with a few. Hubby (51 this year) started taking Enbrel about four years ago and is currently on Methotrexate, Indomethicin, and, of course, the ever faithful Folic Acid. I've been having some concerns, here lately. About three weeks ago, he couldn't sleep. Said he felt like someone was sitting on the veins in his neck and his head was gonna blow up every time he laid down, and complained about a "full feeling" in his stomach area (under his ribs). We took his blood pressure, and it was very high. Being highly concerned, as he's NEVER had high blood pressure in his entire life....I called the paramedics and we went to the Emergency Room. They ran a battery of tests...and, found "nothing wrong". We returned home with his blood pressure still too high, as far as I was concerned, and went to his regular Dr. He viewed the test results from the hospital and said, "Well, doesn't look like anything's wrong...have you been stressed out?"...no more than ever. Anyway, his Dr. did prescribe a "water pill". He's still experiencing a "full feeling", and I'm beginning to wonder if it's not related to his gall bladder. Has anyone had any reaction to any of his listed meds that would include high blood pressure? Also, anyone ever experience gall stones or other organs due to the effects of all these liver-stressing meds that would cause a full feeling or pressure in the torso area? In relation to the Enbrel, the only real side effects I've known him to have are occasional headaches and irritation at the injection site (lump and some redness). He's on 25mg 2x weekly, (8) 2.5mg methotrexate a week, and 75mg extended-release indomethicin 2x daily.

Just wondering if anyone's experienced any of this, and would appreciate your input.

Sincerely,

I haven't experienced this, but wanted to say hi and welcome Hi!

Welcome to the board. The only thing that I
could think of experiencing myself is that I've had a
couple of bouts with pleurisy in the past few months.
(From what I understand it is an inflamation of the
lining of the lungs. Both my RD and GP said it can
be caused be rheumatiod arthritis and/or some type
of left over infection from bronchitis. )

Anyway, my symptoms are just a sharp/swelling type
pain in my upper right rib area. The last time they
treated it with increased prednisone and an
antibiotic.

I hope that you guys are able to figure out what is
going on soon-take care!

Sorry to say what your husband is going through is exactly what I am going through right now. I'm on humira so there really isn't a difference there. Started a water pill for high blood pressure 2 1/2 weeks ago and haven't felt particularly well since. Will be seeing my pcp on thursday for a follow up and will let you know if i hear anything that may help you.

ginger