Hello everyone, I've been hijacking Tilda's blog ( thank you so thought I would write my own for some advice? I was diagnosed earlier in the year after two years of constant stiffness and pain, i was diagnosed as Sero-negative and the RA was mainly affecting my hands but also my knees, ankles, shoulder. Well Tuesday afternoon I developed a dull pain and stiffness in my left arm between my armpit and elbow, by 5am this morning I was in complete agony. I've been to see my GP who said she thinks it's coming from the shoulder joint and that I'm flaring. I'm not disputing what she's saying but if it's coming from my shoulder joint why is my arm in pain and not my shoulder.....sorry if I'm being dim!? I know this is a medical question also and I've contacted my helpline who haven't replied yet but can you use a pain relief gel, naproxen and co-codamol
together..... I'm in so much pain I will stuff it all down if so? This is my proper real flare but have had fairly mild ones before but nothing like this so my total respect and sympathy to anyone who has suffered like this before and now. Thank you x
Hello Amanda
So sorry you are in so much pain with your shoulder. I have shoulder problems and can completely relate to the associated arm pain. I think that when the shoulder is inflamed, it can trap nerves, tendons etc and we also tense up because we are in pain which I think can also cause the rest of the arm to hurt. My arms nearly always hurt as you describe when I am having trouble with my shoulders.
As for what to do - as you say we are not medics but if you have pain meds/anti-inflamms available, you might find they help. I can't take anti-inflammatory tablets but I do use anti-inflammatory gel as well as pain meds and I find that does give me some relief. If you are unsure about what combination of meds is safe to take, you might find your pharmacist can advise you on that - or better your GP since you have seen her about your shoulder.
I really do hope your shoulder pain eases soon Amanda - and that the helpline calls you back so you can talk to them for advice.
Tillyx
Thank you Tilly for your valued advice and yes you're right I need to contact a professional about my meds I think I'm ok with what I'm doing to help it but will double check tomorrow. No reply back from Rheumy helpline hopefully tomorrow but all your advice has been brilliant in the meantime! Xx