In a flare with some new symptoms....

[purple-lou]

I've just gone into a flare. I had a steroid injection just before Christmas. I always flare when the injection wears off.

My new symptoms are terrible, unrelenting pain in the back of my neck, on my spine. Nothing relieves the pain and I can't sleep. Also, shooting pains in my feet, which are swollen. Also, I feel really anxious and down. So many negative thoughts are going through my head. It's quite frightening. I think that is because I always manage to convince myself that I'm OK when the steroids are working their magic and then, bang, I'm bad again.

Any ideas how I can damp down the awful pain in my neck?

Thanks, Louise xxxx

[Melinda]

One of those bean bags that you can heat up in the microwave or the oven. You can wrap it round your neck. I've got one that my daughter bought me. I don't get neck pain very often, but when i do, i hate it. Hope this helps.

[purple-lou in reply to Melinda]

Thanks for your advice. I've tried the heat pads. No good! Oh well, more pills! Xx

[megs_tom]

Sorry to hear your flaring. So am I and also feeling low so your not alone hun. Big hugs. I get that awful pain in my neck. Where I just cant get comfy, and nothing shifts it. I have one of hose microwave heat bean bag things and have to say it intensifies pain for me if I ever find anything to help I will share!! Xxxxx

[purple-lou in reply to megs_tom]

I'm sorry you are flaring too. At least we aren't alone!! I've found something that helps my neck.... A rolled up scarf! Placed to support at the base of my head. It has eased the pain and I'm much more comfortable. Big gentle hugs xxx

[helsnz34]

Lupus is a right pain in the neck, I get it too usually worse in the evenings if I haven't rested my head/neck enough. the head is very heavy so puts massive strain on our muscles which because of lupus/ steroids are weak causing more pain. I use a wheat bag too and try and rest. Massage helps too, my othe half is a physio so I am lucky in that respect to get the help I need at home. take care