Struggling

[Cornwa11]

Hi, I had my initial diagnosis almost a month ago of rheumatoid arthritis. Currently waiting for hospital appointment. I was given naproxen for pain but they aren’t touching it so struggling especially in the night and first thing in the morning.

[Hidden]

Hello and welcome

Sorry to hear things are bad for you right now. It's tough in the early days, but it does get better.

Once you see a rheumatologist things will start moving in terms of treatment.

Hang in there.

[Cornwa11 in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou. How bad does the pain get or does it vary?

[Beachwalk]

Hi ask for a fast track appointment to see the RA nurse she may give you a steroid injection to calm it all down.

It worked for me

[Cornwa11 in reply to Beachwalk]

Thanks. I rang them earlier but they don’t think it will be this side of christmas

[oldtimer]

Keep ringing the appointments line. You may get a cancellation earlier if you can go at short notice.

[Elswick]

Sorry to hear your in pain that’s what they started me on then sulfrazine then methotrexate then hydraquine it’s a long road but hang in their I have had ra for 12 months still sorting right meds x

[roseyx]

Hi Cornwa11,

Sorry to hear you are struggling. It's a tough and anxious time, waiting to hear what next. I also found naproxen didn't do anything but diclofenac helped a bit. Like Beachwalk has already said, a steroid injection can often give great relief. I go through my GP for this who has to ring the rheumatologist to authorise it.

[Cornwa11 in reply to roseyx]

Thanks. I will ask

[Hidden]

Never had Naproxen, but did have Diclofenac back in the darkages. My first DMARD was Sulphasalazine back in 1987. It was a wonder drug for me. Now on Methotrexate, Leflunomide, Prednisolone and Rituximab. How times flies when you're having fun.

[Cornwa11 in reply to Hidden]

Wow that’s a long time. Do you still have really bad days or is it under control?

[Hidden in reply to Cornwa11]

I'm trying to get my rheumy to let me go back on Sulpha again (along with MTX) and stop Leflunomide because of Hypertension. RA seems settled, it's everything else that's plaguing me.

[Rooby-Dooby]

I found naproxen no help at all. Diclofenac it arcoxua are better for me.

I also had steroid injections in the early days, Kenalog I think, which were really helpful. I would push to be seen sooner so you get some relief. Pester the clinic or rheumatology nurse helpline, or even ring the rheumatology consultants secretary....

Take some multi vitamins and try to be healthy....accept help from others if you need it and be kind to yourself. If you need time off work, take it. Look after yourself, no one else will do it for you...!!!

Glad you’re using this forum too, I found it a big help...expert advice from those who understand!!! 😊

[Cornwa11 in reply to Rooby-Dooby]

Thanks. Most definitely good to find people who understand how awful the pain is. Think I would rather childbirth!

[jojo_71]

Hi.. I see beachwalk has said it, but I will reiterate.. Try to get a steroid, kenilog injection in mean time.. It will really quieten things down, while you wait.

Even some GPs do them.. I think!

Even when you go on meds they can take a while to kick in, and in meantime if you are flaring, this can damage joints.. Which no one wants.. So shout for something to calm it all down.. Shout now!

Take care (I've had RA for over 30 Yrs and still love and enjoy life.. You will be fine hun.) (but you must shout.. 👍)

Jo x

[Cornwa11 in reply to jojo_71]

Yes I think I will make a nuisance of myself!

[Beachwalk in reply to Cornwa11]

Sorry to be pushy but unless you turn up at the surgery and cry , they think your ok and can Waite. Please I’ve been there go and advise them you cannot carry on like this. Doctor must talk to a RA nurse get you an injection done now.

[Cornwa11 in reply to Beachwalk]

Thanks. I will first thing Monday. I can’t carry on like this. I appreciate the advice.

[Kirkgate]

Hi sorry to hear it will take some time depend on person to person some time it’s take longer to see any difference but hopefully will get better

[Raek]

Hi I'm new to this site. Just saw your post and I was exactly the same at the start It got so bad I couldn't walk and dreaded going to bed knowing I'd wake up all stiff and in pain. My doctor gave me prednisolone and dihydracodiene - worked really quickly and within a couple of days.