Alternative anti-inflammatories?

[NalaPuppy]

Hi everyone - I've been living with various conditions since I was 16 which got re-diagnosed with SLE when I was in my early 20's. I am coming to this forum for assistance with managing joint pain (and hopefully avoiding immunosuppressants whilst I can). I've been very fortunate that my condition has been well managed with hydroxychloroquine until now but recently have been having issues with my joints especially hands and wrists. Anybody had any success with alternatives to anti-inflammatories? Naproxen isn't touching it and not sure what to do. Any suggestions/advice much appreciated

[PMRpro]

If Naproxen isn't working at all it is pretty unlikely any other NSAIDs will do much either. Other pain-killers like paracetamol or codeine won't have the antiinflammatory action.

[NalaPuppy in reply to PMRpro]

That's why I was wondering if anyone had been given alternatives to NSAIDs such as CBD (my husband thinks this can be used for inflammatory but not sure if Lupus/RA) or something else I can then discuss with my Dr.

[PMRpro in reply to NalaPuppy]

Don't know about lupus but CBD doesn't make a difference in the inflammation of PMR/GCA. I doubt you would be "given" CBD, it is very strictly regulated in the UK so I assume that applies in the Channel Islands. Anyone who does try it buys it themselves - and thereby hangs the problem: there is no reliable research about dose.

[Hidden]

Hi, note I do not have SLE but Stills Disease which manifests as RA. My wrists are my wort joints pain and mobility wise. I get the best relief from hospital supplied splints that are from knuckle up to a few inches below the elbow with metal plates within the underside. I also wear a thin tubular bandage underneath to prevent them rubbing. Wearing them means my wrists are immobile but the feeling is heaven. We’re all different of course and I hope you find something to help you.

[NalaPuppy in reply to Hidden]

This sounds like something that would give me relief on the days my wrists are bad - especially when picking up my little girl. The pain moves around my wrists, hands and fingers so hard to know what will hurt from day to day.

[Hidden in reply to NalaPuppy]

That’s exactly what my pain is like, different every day in terms of intensity and moves around too. Some days I can’t lift my hair brush but on other days I can manage to do the ironing. Generally I accept that I’m in pain everyday it’s just a case of which bits hurt most and then I adapt my day around what I can do. The splints are awesome and you can buy similar in specialised shops but advice should be sought as we are all different. I can drive in mine and do most things as normal. Hope you’re having a ‘good’ day 😀

[MusicalFurbaby]

Hi NalaPuppy and welcome! I get terrible joint pain and I found relief in taking turmeric supplements. A GP sang the praises of turmeric to me, and I’m here to join the choir!

If you decide to start turmeric, a couple of tips: get a really good quality brand (quality matters) like BioCeuticals, take it for at least a month (takes a while to kick in), and take it with pepper (helps with the absorption). I started on a single pill and soon went to double, and it reduced my arthritic pain by about 50%. When nothing else helps, that’s a win!

[NalaPuppy in reply to MusicalFurbaby]

Sounds good I'll discuss with my Dr but I don't imagine a turmeric supplement interfering with my other medications. What sort of pepper do you take it with?

[MusicalFurbaby in reply to NalaPuppy]

I take black pepper but I’m not sure if the type of pepper makes any difference. You’d have to look it up. The GP didn’t tell me about the pepper, I found out through my own online research!

[marypw]

I've been having a lot of pain in my wrists and hands lately and had an ultrasound on them 3 weeks ago, which clearly showed inflammation (red spots) in the worst areas.I'm waiting for rheumatology to come back to me on whether they want to change my meds - I've been on hydroxychloroquine for 11 years. I find wrist supports help a lot plus regular ibuprofen and paracetamol.

I'll also get some private physio which has helped in the past.

It is horribly disabling - buttonholes are getting really difficult! Best wishes.

[NalaPuppy in reply to marypw]

I get upset as I can't put my daughters tights on most days. I'm also currently considering changing my meds, have been told by my specialist to read up on azathioprine and mycophenolate - both are immunosuppressants - but I think I want to avoid these if possible. Maybe I just need to take the ibuprofen and paracetemol and leave naproxen for a while and see if that makes a difference.

[marypw in reply to NalaPuppy]

Yes, it just doesn't feel like a good time to start immunosuppressants. But do try some wrist supports - they do help.

[Paprika60]

Hi, if you are looking for an alternative option, you may try this one listed below. I have heard very good reports on green lipped mussel products. But this one has numerous other things included. Worth trying for a few weeks at least

Taking painkiller daily is not a good idea as it could be damaging to your kidney or liver in the long run if you take it daily all the time. Occasional usage is ok but...

Have you tried magnetic bracelet on your wrist? Hope you find a solution. It is good that you are trying your best to stick with Hydroxy only.

amazon.co.uk/Twin-Pack-Supp...

[Lions-lake]

Hello my rheumatologist put me on Celebrex for joint pain and I have found it really good and tolerate it well.I'm not sure if you have to use a computer a lot but I use an adapted keyboard and mouse which are much more ergonomic and have really helped my hand and wrist pain.