Has anyone here had numbness in their hands and balance problems similar to MS? I was taken off the Enbrel because these Neurological problems might be a side effect. Have any of you had this problem? I have been off about 4 weeks and the numbness and balance problems are still there. And I had a major flare without the Enbrel. I don't post often but I am sad to see so many problems with this disease. We just have to remain positive and hang in there! I hated to post this problem because I didn't want to upset anyone by the worry of another side effect, but I guess we are all here to help one another. So thank you for your reply and I hope you are having a good day! Susan Lee
I've had numbness and tingling in my hands and feet...on and off for the last couple of months. I'm going to mention this to my doctor when I see her in 3 months.
I don't have a problem with balance though..and I've never been on enbrel.
Susan, this can't be ignored. Have you been seen by a neurologist yet and had a brain MRI. Some numbness seems to be a common problem in the hands with RA. But the balance problems suggest something else. You said that your doc took you off of the Enbrel. Has he/she got a followup action to that?
I'd call and get seen by a neurologist immediately. Other causes can be in your cervical spine or even problems with your knees. This definitely needs more investigation.
Don't hesitate to put your worries here. That's why we all come. We are all worried and have different problems and sometimes solutions.
I hope you find some answers soon and let us know what happens.
Kelly, Please pay attn to these symptoms. The sooner the better you know what is going on. You are one tough broad and logical. You need to know what you are dealing with. I keep getting hit with more symptoms. I sure want to know what I am dealing with. I've had the numbness & tingling in my hands, for sure, but it seems to go along with flares. Balance, no, I haven't. I'm with everyone else - have it checked out. Could be something as small as an inner ear problem, but you really need to know.Sometimes biologics like Enbrel and Humira can bring out the symptoms of MS. Sometimes once the medication is stopped the symptoms go away.....other times it just brings on MS years earlier than it would have probable shown up.
Definately follow up with your doctor. Don't wait around with this one.
How serious would you consider the balance problem? Can you describe what happens?
Thank you all. Yes, I have been to a Neurologist and she wanted to take an MRI. But, I have trouble breathing in an MRi because I have restrictive lung disease and cannot lay flat from Polio. This is a huge problem when it comes to diagnosing.
I discussed this with my RA doctor. He said exactly what you said Lovie about Biologics. I will be seeing him on Monday for a follow-up. I have full faith in him.
As for describing my problem the numbness goes up my arm as well and the balance problems come and go. I have fallen and twisted my legs up and almost tripped at other times. If it is MS I guess the only way to know is to take that MRI. I just don't know how they are going to do it.
Have any of you had these symptoms? Hope you are all having a good day? Susan Lee
I think the MRI is essential because they have to look to see if there are any brain lesions.
I hope it's not that.
Good Morning, Susan Lee. I have had numb hands and feet, sometimes up into legs and arms, too.
My neurologist, who happens to be my pain specialist, also, has diagnosed me with neuropathy. This can cause lots of odd and painful feelings in your extremities. Sometimes, I even feel like I have cold water on my arm or leg, but there is nothing there.
As to the falling, that also happens to me. In fact, I took a pretty bad fall 2 nights ago. Didn't break anything, thank God, but it always scares me and this time was pretty painful. Bruised up my left elbow and knee pretty badly, also l. hip.
The balance for me isn't dizziness. In fact, I never feel it coming. I just can't walk straight or stand straight. I use a walker at home, just so I don't fall down every day! I just kind of drift off to one side without walker, and also have a lot of pain in my back and legs without the help of my walker.
My neorologist says the neuropathy, in my case, is caused from arthritis. I have both OA and RA. Apparently, the damage from arthritis has caused damage to my nerves.
I hope I have explained this well enough. I'm not saying this is what is wrong with you. As you know, with us, it could be any number of things. This is just one of many possibilities.
Best wishes to you. My prayers are with you.
Nini
Thank you Nini for your information. So sorry you have to go through this. I will pray that each step you take will be safe and easier.
I really think that your explanation about the damage caused to the nerves from the arthritis is right on track. After a bad flare in my hand I picked up a tremor. From there it started the numbness which gradually went up my arm. As for the balance...it too could be from the many bad flares in my feet.
And thanks Deanna for you message on a Vertical Xray. You might have just solved the problem and I am so grateful.
Thanks again to all of you and if anyone else has some information I would appreciate hearing from you. Susan Lee
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