been in pain each day for 6 months getting worse life is one constant flare up do you ever get a break from ra

[chelleD]

Only time I've found relief is on steroid injs or oral steroids. I am in pain all day everyday, but some days worse than others. I've been suffering for 8-9 months and the initial flare up has so far been the worst. I have started on methotrexate and hopefully once the inflamation is under control the pain will be lesser. What meds are u taking?

[Hidden in reply to chelleD]

hi been on steroid injections but they did nothing they advise me to go on mtx but they are chemotherapy drugs so I am no sure only had ra confirmed 6 months ago but had it about 3yrs and scared stiff of whats to come.

[Barrister]

I have pain all day every day too and have been like this for over 20years although was only diagnosed last year. Like ChelleD, it's just the degree of pain that differs. Nothing seems to make a difference to me at the moment. Started MTX 5 weeks ago, but on a low dose still due to side effects but am not so stiff in the mornings so hopefully it is starting to work. Now I just need to get on top of the pain. Even a steroid injection didn't help. Clemmie

[Hidden in reply to Barrister]

what a long time to be on the drugs they give you, you must have got this at a young age just feeling fed up and trying to come to terms with what I have got you have all been a great help knowing you are not alone helps thanks

[Barrister in reply to Hidden]

I've only been on the MTX for 5 weeks so it's early days yet and although I have had some side effects, they aren't nearly as bad as I was expecting and if I can start to live with less pain then it will be wonderful. I hope that you get some relief soon. I'm just moaning because I'm having a bad few days! It isn't always as bad as this. It is hard when you are feeling so fed up but I have learnt that I do come out of those feelings and it will be better. Clemmie

[Crazyjo]

Feel for you as I am the same at moment. Waiting on another steroid infusion this week before the start my new biologic as last one didn't work. Take care x

[Hidden in reply to Crazyjo]

hope you get sorted soon I will look into biologic let me know how you get on with it thanks for replying

[Dogrose in reply to Hidden]

You will need to try at least two DMARDS (Methotrexate, Sulphasalazine. Hydroxychloroquine and Leflunomide) before you are allowed to try a Biologic, and sometimes you have to carry on taking a DMARD anyway, I have to take Methotrexate with my Infliximab biologic. They can seem scarey and all can have side effects but RA can affect you quite badly if you don't treat it. Some people take Methotrexate for decades, it gives them a normal pain free life and they have no side effects, it doesn't automatically give you terrible side effects and damage you, the doses you take for RA are nothing like the doses needed for cancer. It really is at least worth trying Methotrexate, you can always stop if the side effects are troubling you. Good luck with your treatment XXX

[chelleD]

If they r offering methotrexate don't b afraid to give it a go. I've had only mouth ulsers so far and tiredness the day after which is much better than I expected. You will b closely monitered with reg. Blood tests and if it doesn't work for u then u can look at other options.

[nomoreheels]

I agree with chelleD. Methotrexate works well for many of us. My inflammation is greatly reduced for being on it & flares only worsened when they weaned me off steroids (which my GP reinstated on Friday). Yes it is a chemo drug but the dose is far less when used for RA therefore fewer side effects. Taking folic acid on each day except the day you take methotrexate also helps with side effects. Your body never lets you forget you have RA, but if you listen to it & pace yourself you'll find it easier to live with once your meds are sorted. They don't usually jump straight to biologics unless you have another health reason for you not to try methotrexate first. Try not to get stressed about it. Constant pain makes daily life difficult but the sooner they get you sorted the better you'll feel I'm sure.

[Susiej38]

I was diagnosed in Oct 2014. It took at least 3 months of methotrexate along with Pred to even begin to feel like I could do anything. Now down to 5 mg of Pred daily. I am taking methotrexate by injection, 20 mg a week. I am having some hair loss, but feel like I have my life back now. I felt like you- knees, ankles, wrists stayed painful and I stayed mostly in bed! Don't give up- you will see progress and you will get better!