Hi new to this site

[Kwoods]

Hi my name is Kwoods I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis approximately 10years ago. I never seem to feel good and my RA Doctor says it can't be in my shoulders or spine but that is where my really bad pain has been lately.  Does anyone else have pain here if so what are you doing for it

[Momof446]

Was diagnosed with RA two years ago. Also have fibromyalgia, hashimoto's thyroid. Rheumatologist referred me to a neurologist . I was diagnosed with sleep apnea, found to have problems with my L5 S1 in my spine. Had shoulder pain and numbness in arms and hands from severe arthritis and bone spurs in neck and shoulders. The first rheumatologist I saw put me on methotrexate, increasing dosage over time. That did nothing to relieve symptoms. He didn't want to put me on any other medication and I felt I had hit a dead end. I really could not function due to pain and fatigue. Changed doctors and am now on sulphalizine, with dosage being increased. I do feel better. Was recently diagnosed with a severe vitamin D deficiency which may be causing the overwhelming fatigue. Am now on Meds for that.  I have found water exercises to be helpful.  Have had several years of feeling non functional in all aspects of life. Could barely get out of bed. Rheumatologist may try biologics if I am not getting enough relief. I take an antiflammatory drug, Tramadol for pain twice a day. Also am on an antidepressant and Meds for high blood pressure. Neuropathy began a year ago and I take ropinerole for that daily. Have been frustrated with length of time it has taken to diagnose all these things. I have had 5 flare ups in 2016. Take prednisone when that happens and get great relief from it -- but know I can't take it on a continual basis. Doctor hopes with adjusted medication we can control flare ups to 1-2 a year. This has been a miserable, eye opening experience. Finding the right Doctor and being prescribed correct medication is the key. Heat seems to relieve shoulder pain to a degree. Hope this helps.

[kchris]

I was diagnosed with RA 5 years ago. I had severe shoulder pain from day 1. I could barely lift my arms, until I started Humira.

[TeneyaCanyon]

Hi, Kwoods.  I found it interesting that your doc said it couldn't be in your shoulders.  I need to ask that specific question of my doc because that's where I also experience much of my discomfort.

I can usually work out much of the pain with exercise, but there's almost always some residual.

Do you have full range of motion with your shoulders?

[TeneyaCanyon]

Kwoods ... I read recently about RA affecting the sheathing around tendons ... and am thinking that may be the cause of the pain (really discomfort) I'm experiencing in my upper arms and shoulders.  I intend to ask about that during my next doc appt.  you may want to as well.