I have arthritis as well as lupus . Is there anything anyone does to help with their arthritis . I am unable to bend down using my knees . I elbows can't be straightened properly. I am very weak as well. .
Does anyone take any painkillers to help with pain as paracetamol and ibrophen tablets don't help . I do occasionally use ibrophen gel
Hi LouLamb, I too have Lupus and arthritis, I suffer pain in most joints, hands knees, feet, neck spine. I take tramadol, Celebrex, and use voltarol rub. My hands are very bad at the moment, think the cold weather makes it worst. The Celebrex is very good and voltatol, my rheumatologist put me on Amytriptaline at night which really helps to get sleep when in a lot of pain. Its such a pain having lupus as well, l hope this helps you in some way. Lucymay
I have started using some aids to pick things up off the floor; I take tramadol, and I'm on biologics which helps with the swelling. I turn the heating up - like HIGH, not even kidding, the Dutchman has to remove his jumpers when he comes to my house. Any lower than that and I'm hobbling. I also take cod liver oil, do some yoga, and try and have as hot a shower as I can stand (I can't do baths anymore). I'm hearing you - the winter is pretty miserable for me. I wish you strength.
My heating is on a lot but it just cost to much . It goes so quickly . My house is cold anyway . I brought an aid to help put my socks on , completely useless it was
I had to shop around for the right sock aid; I found one in terrycloth that is larger than average as I have HUGE feet, and it works well. Don't give up! I assume you're in the UK, depending on whether you rent/own/are in council housing there are various schemes such as Warm Homes and grants to improve your heating sources and insulation. I stropped at my council about the poor insulation/damp/poor space heaters (really? heating bricks?!) in my home, and they replaced them the following year. I have a heating blanket I plug in to sit under and a space heater I run (I sock away quite a bit of money through the year to be sure I can pay for it during winter, and thankfully I ended up in credit by a fair bit this year).
You may be able to get a heating blanket for short term, but during the year try and chase down some help for heating during the winter. And if you're really struggling can you get a referral to a physio or an OT who can maybe find some ways to cope with limited mobility? I got a rising chair last year when my OT watched me struggle onto and off of my Couch-of-Pain.
I wish you ease!
I live with my mum and we have a council house . I'll get her to look into the poor insulation and stuff . Thank you
Hi loulamb
Sorry to read your suffering with arthritis at the moment. What lupus treatment are you on?. Just wondering if doses could be increased for a short time to help?. Are you due to see your Consultant?. Another thought is the possibility that your pain might be Fibro and its treated differently with painkillers , your GP can help with this. The reason I mention it is you saying the ibuprofen tablets not working, this would fit with Fibro as its non inflammatory.
How are you managing at work, can't be easy!. Hope your still enjoying it. X
I'm not currently on any meds . I went to Rheumy before Christmas ( a different one as mine is off she had a baby ) . He said my bloods were all ok and to check them again when I go back in March now . But he didn't put me on any meds .
Work is fine . Having trouble with my knees which makes it a bit difficult taking each day as if comes. Also struggling in the mornings
Hi loulamb
It's a nightmare when appointments are put back!. You could ring the clinic and ask to be put on a cancellation list. It's worked for me!. It does sound like inflammation as mornings difficult. Good timing to check your bloods. Your GP could advise about NSAIDs to help you in the meantime!. Your doing wonders to cope with work. Good luck X
Haven't read any other replies but a topical gel like Deep Freeze or Olbas Oil helps especially after a co codamol - if you can take codeine. Two tablets you mentioned are useless. If you can take Neurofen Plus. I haven't needed a tablet since I started taking small amount I'd Turmeric daily. Go to TurmericforHealth - a natural anti inflammatory! Good luck
So sorry you're miserable with your knees. There would be different treatments depending on whether it is due to common osteoarthritis or an inflammatory lupus arthritis. I haven't had any luck with topical treatments for my lupus arthritis ( hands, wrists, feet, one knee and one shoulder), but every lupus med ( or RA med) I've been put on has made some amount of difference. It's the trial and error of trying different ones with your rheumatologist and the side effects that is difficult, but if you keep at it, likely you will find a combination that works for you, or at least helps it to be manageable most of the time. I have needed a combination of my lupus meds ( hydroxychloroquine , quinacrine and various disease modifying or biological drugs) and vicoprofen and prednisone to keep it so I can function. While you're waiting for appts, all of the above suggestions might be helpful. I use ice frequently too. Good luck - you have a lot of company. Most of us have lupus arthritis as one of our symptoms.
Hello....yes I have osteo arthritis, its widespread my gp told me after x rays. The pain mostly affects my right hip, lower back and at the moment I'm getting pain in my right shoulder and upper arm....I get flashes of sharp pain in my wrists and I havent been able to crouch for a few years now, very frustrating, my knees just wont take it
I saw an ENT specialist a few years ago who told me I even have arthrits in the tiny bones in my ears...that was a huge surprise, its affected my hearing
I have paracetamol that I buy and on prescription I get tramadol. I tend to take 2 paracetamol and one tramadol when I'm fed up with it and that takes the edge off...Might be worth talking to your gp for something stronger xxx
Hi Loulamb,
Have you spoken to your GP about being referred to a physiotherapist?
Joint/muscle aches and pains as well as extreme fatigue and weakness are common symptoms of lupus. We published a factsheet on ‘LUPUS: The Joints and Muscles’ which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...
It is advised to speak to your GP about alternative painkillers and topical medication you can be prescribed with to enhance better movement of the joints. The NHS choices website provides tips on how to ease pain which I hope is of help to you: nhs.uk/Livewell/Pain/Pages/...
Wishing you the best of luck, let us know how you get on.
Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis?
Lupus and Arthritis
Lupus & Rheumatoid Arthritis 
Groin pain flare = inflammatory arthritis?
Lupus/Rheumatoid arthritis & subcutaneous nodules.
