Managing joint pains

[Lioness42]

Hi everyone I'm new to the group. I'm so glad to have joined because I feel like I'm alone dealing with lupus!. I am currently having a bad flare with joint pain being my worst symptoms. I usually take imuran daily for the last 10 years and was doing well on it. This has come on out of the blue. Iam currently waiting to see my rheumatologist no appointment yet. In the meantime the gp wouldn't give me steroids until I see the consultant. I'm finding the pains in my joints incredibly hard to deal with I'm taking nsaids cautiously because they hurt my stomach so much. That leaves only paracetamol, cold packs but I'm really struggling. Can anyone give me some tips for coping or remedies. I'm a mum of 3 with a full time job and I cant take time out from either of those two. Any advice would be sooo gratefully appreciated. Thank you

[Jmiller623]

Welcome Lioness! I am so sorry that things have been going so poorly for you recently. I do get joint pains but probably not as bad as your describing.

I actually found Plaquenil helped with my joint pains. It took a few months. I also have problems taking naproxen because of GI issues so I’ll take Pepcid/famotidine on the days I use naproxen. Something else you may want to ask your rheumatologist about are selective COX inhibitors like celecoxib/Celebrex which have minimal effects on GI system but work just as well as ibuprofen/naproxen.

I do hope you find relief soon. You’re in excellent company on here. I’m sure there will be many who can give you more advice to help ease your pains. Sending hugs your way! ❤️

[Lupiknits]

Welcome Lioness! You have my sympathies about being a mum and having a full time job. That’s more than enough without the pain.

If your GP is willing, celecoxib is an NSAID, but I have found it workable as I take Omeprazole anyway. The other possibility is co-codamol. Your GP can prescribe the kind that’s stronger than OTC, and this could help until you get your Rheumy appointment.

Take care

[Mrsdoozer]

Welcome Lioness you are in good company here and it is an amazing place to be so much love and support. I feel your pain, I suffer with terrible joint pains swelling and stiffness. I've had Lupus & Sjogrens for 20 years and I can say that each day has been different.I suffer with not sleeping well which doesn't help as I become stiff and ache in the night and it wakes me up. Lack of sleep is not helpful especially as I have to go to work the next day all be it part time but to get me through I take Co codamol and add 600mg Ibuprofen to the mix for really bad days and take Omeprazole to protect my tum daily. It doesn't always get rid of the relentless aching but it dulls down to a bearable and workable level. On better days I knock the Ibuprofen off, just have to remember on your good /better days not to do to much and push yourself to much as Lupus likes to give reminders we have it and kicks back. Hope you find your right mix of pain meds to suit you soon. Don't worry you are not alone and we are always here it's a good place to chat and vent and best bit everyone understands as we are all waging the same war xxx

[Krazykat26]

Hi Lioness 💐

Welcome to the pride!!

Totally agree that being a mum of three with full time job is enough..let alone with your current problems.

I too would go back to GP to see about possible increased pain relief..if u manage better with paracetamol them maybe cocodamol would be an option short term until u get rheumy appt!!

I find rubbing Weleda Massage Balm very helpful..it's homeopathic with lavender, rosemary n arnica in the ingredients..it's a bit pricey but a little goes a long way!!

I hope that u get an appt soon..🤞🤞

Kat 😽😽 xx

[Hidden]

You’re looking for relief while waiting for your appt? I would suggest continuing with what you are doing, but also try some soaks in Epsom Salt bath water. And a good topical analgesic has always helped me a lot. Idk why when the pain is in there so deep, but they seem to really help. I don’t ever use nsaids for the same reason you avoid them, they totally thrash my stomach and I get gastritis. We need healthier guys to fight off flares, so nsaids for me are counterproductive.

🙏I’m wishing you the best and hope you find relief very soon.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Lioness42 ,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK Community Forum. I hope that you find this a helpful place for information and support.

We have an article on our website about managing pain which has lots of tips from people with lupus that you may find helpful - lupusuk.org.uk/pain-managem...