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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/8/2010
Posts: 3
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I have not been on here for quite a while. I had a stroke in May 09 which left me with left side pretty useless.
I do not have high blood pressure, high cholesterol or furred arteries.
I had a shoulder replacement 6 months previously but they do not think the clot could have been from that.
I am wondering if the RA drugs could be a factor. I take mtx. naproxen & co-codamol.
I have now been told that I have lost bone density on my left side (the side affected by the stroke).
The docs have confirmed mtx could be a factor.
Would appeciate hearing if anyone else has had similar problems?
Thanks
Carol
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Carol,
So sorry to hear of your stroke, what a terrible time you have had!
I can understand the bone density loss because exercise plays a big part in bone density and you have lost the movement in your left side.
I have not heard of mtx causing strokes but of course I don't know everything about it!
I have read that Naproxyn can cause cardiac problems but don't know if this would include strokes.
Sorry I can''t be much help, but I do wish you well and hope you are able to make a full recovery in time.
How has all this affected your RA, has it made it any worse?
Take care,
Love, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 3/8/2010 Posts: 914
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Hi Carol,
Sorry to hear you have had a stroke, how frightening for you. So glad you are recovering well. Hoping it hasn't left you with any permenant damage. I have been on MTX for almost 3 years, it's very alarming to read it could be the cause of a stroke. I have never had any problems taking it other than tiredness. I do hope you continue to improve, thinking about you Lorna x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 351
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Sorry you suffered a stroke. My GP has warned me twice recently, which he says he has to in accordance with Government Guidelines, that NSAID's i.e. Naproxen, Indometacin, Diclofenac etc. can cause heart disease and strokes/vascular problems but, as we have to take these drugs, the benefits outweigh the risks. I'm not sure if the longer you take these drugs, the greater the risk? Anyone else been told similar? Carol
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009 Posts: 1,524 Location: W. Yorkshire
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Oh Carol, what a terrible time you've been having. I haven't heard of any connection so can't help there but I'm glad you feel better enough to come back on the forum. YES I'VE CHANGED, PAIN DOES THAT TO PEOPLE.
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Rank: Newbie
Groups: Registered
Joined: 6/8/2010
Posts: 3
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Thank you so much for the replies.
Although I am doing exercises to try and strengthen my left side they do not seem to think I will get full use back.
I also have been left with foot drop on that side.
As far as the RA is concerned the effect of the stroke is positive. Much reduced pain on that side. They say it is quite common for RA to dissappear completely from the stroke affected side.
Before I had the stroke I was contemplating retirement. I couldn't make up my mind & kept saying life will give me a sign. Tempting fate!!
On the positive side at least this year I can watch the tennis in peace!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,689 Location: Durham
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So very sorry to hear of your stroke, Carol, and I hope things will improve for you. I think there are risks with all our drugs, but it is the NSAIDs which seem to worry my GP most - he was very keen for me to stop diclofenac wherever possible. Do take care, Kathleen x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Carol
So sorry to hear what a bad time you have been having. I can't advise at all, but wanted to wish you well.
Love Jeanxxxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 357
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Hi Carol Sorry to hear what a bad time you have gone through of late. My thoughts and best wishes are with you. Take care. Hugs Jo. 2012 Fundraising for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS) http://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/RoboJo
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 327
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So sorry to hear about your stroke, Carol - but how brilliant of you to actually find something positive about it.
Yes, my doctor has warned me of the dangers of mtx and changed my blood pressure pills to lessen the risk, so it does seem likely that meds may have been a factor in your stroke. Here's hoping that your recovery continues - as long as you don't get all the RA pain back!
Anthea x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/10/2009 Posts: 653 Location: Notts
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Hi Carol
I'm so sorry to hear about your stroke, I hope you are recovering well. I suppose that having less RA can be seen as a sort of benefit, but one you'd perhaps rather not had!
I do worry about having a stroke, I have high blood pressure and high(ish) cholesterol, which has been brought down with statins. There's not a lot I can do to prevent it, apart from being sensible with my diet, which I mostly am, and trying to exercise when I can.
I hope you enjoy retirement, personally I find it great. Enjoy the tennis, and football if you're a fan!
Lyn
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009
Posts: 854
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Dear Carol,
I am so sorry that you have had a stroke. The cause is still important as you have to continue taking the drugs to help your RA so I hope that 'they' come up with a definitive answer for you. Take care , enjoy your endorced retirement in the best way you can. Tennis, afternoon films or whatever. i wish you a good recovery .
Eleanor x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 336
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Hi Carol, I'm sorry to here about you having a stroke, it is good of you to bring this subject up. I have problems with my arteries and can't help wondering if the drugs or the RA have anything to do with it. It can be very worrying. I had taken diclafenac for two years which was a great help in helping with pain, my GP took me off it and then my Rheumy put me on Naproxen which is meant to be safer. Then after seeing my GP and talking it through I now take the Naproxen when I have a flare and take Tramadol all the time. The anti-inflams always state that there are risks of heart attack and stroke. It's difficult to know what to do. Glenys.
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