Any advice on swelling? I've tried ice and feet up. Anything else?

[raggedy3]

My first rheumatologist appt is on 2/7 so I don't even have an official diagnosis. I take paracetamol, co-codomol at night, Voltarol gel morning and night. I can cope with the pain in my joints. The swelling in hands and ankles is the thing that's really stopping me. Any interim advice?

[nomoreheels]

Hiya raggedy. I think with your liver concerns & having tried ice the only other things would be heat, such as the smaller electric blankets (I use one for my back & neck), or seeing if your GP has another ideas other than ibuprofen. What you really need is an anti inflammatory but unsure if there is one which won't cause you problems but you're GP is the one to see if there is. The paracetamol & co-codamol will be doing something for your pain but little for your swelling so there's little point upping your dose on those, with your history especially.

Do remember to tell your GP what you're already taking now though if you decide to seek his help. x

[Hidden]

Hi raggedy,

Sorry to hear of the problems you are having with your hands and ankles at the moment. As nomoreheels has mentioned it would be worth contacting your GP to discuss further pain relief such as anti inflammatories.

I don't know whether you have tried any of the following but some people do find that they help:

Wheat packs - ones that you can heat up in the microwave

Gel packs

Wrapping a packet of frozen peas in a tea towel and applying to the painful area as a compress can help, but don't leave it on any longer than 10 minutes as it can affect blood flow.

Soaking hands /ankles in bowls of warm water can also help

Regards,

Sally

( NRAS - Helpline)

[raggedy3 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you, Sally. I haven't heard of wheat packs and I haven't tried heat at all. So - something to work with.

[nomoreheels in reply to raggedy3]

Raggedy, if your try wheat packs, which are good for small areas particularly round the neck, please be careful not to heat them for longer than on the instructions. They can get very hot. I inadvertently pressed the button too many times when heating one & did it for 1 min longer & it was far too warm handle as they continue to warm when you take them out of the microwave.

[B-ham-m]

Hello ask your doctor for naproxin I suffer with inflation on the joints so I've been through it all

[nomoreheels in reply to B-ham-m]

Hiya B-ham-m. I don't think this is an option as raggedy's GP is concerned about her liver so NSAIDs aren't really an option. She's really looking for other alternatives than this class of drugs which don't compromise her liver.

[raggedy3 in reply to nomoreheels]

I think I misled you. I don't have any existing liver problems - my GP is simply concerned that Ibuprofen could cause difficulties. Along with Diazepam, it seems to be the current "uh-oh" pharmaceutical. However, I took matters into my own hands yesterday and took 800mg to very good effect on both pain and swelling. I know I can't do this on a regular basis (or maybe I can).

My first appointment with the rheumatologist is on 2 July, so I'm hoping for some answers.

[nomoreheels in reply to raggedy3]

Apologies raggedy. I read "fear of liver damage" as you're already taking a med which could also have adverse effects on your liver & adding an NSAID into the mix would contribute to existing concerns. Maybe trying 1 200mg & see how long that lasts (should be about 6 hours) before taking the same dose again to see if you can cope that way. I empathise with you as I am advised to take etoricoxib on a "when absolutely necessary" basis & struggling as you are. But I will add again to remember to not take any anti inflammatories or painkillers for a few days before you see your Rheumy so it doesn't mask inflammation or pain. You also do need to be sure you're liver is in as good nick as possible as the meds you're likely be prescribed are much stronger than you're taking now.

[jell in reply to raggedy3]

be careful with diazepam - would personally throw them away. The long term permanent side effects they cause are worse than having RD.....

[scotslass333]

Yeah - swelling of feet and ankles is HUGE problem with me too, and after a year of only taking ibuprofen, which sometimes helps, mostly not, have just started sulfasalazine - if I tolerate that, told I can try a different anti-inflammatory. Ice, and feet in basin of cold water is only thing I've found so far that helps. Heat makes everything worse for me. Last summer's hot weather - I thought I would die. You have my sympathy! - you can only lie around with raised feet for so long.....especially if you live alone! Good luck.

[Terrpist]

What meds are you are on?

[raggedy3]

Hello, Terrpist. No meds at all as I haven't yet seen a consultant to get a diagnosis. That happens on 2 July.

My GP advised paracetamol 4 times a day but Ibuprofen works so much better.

[Smiler53]

Hi, I have swollen feet and ankles too (this hot weather makes them worse). I quite often sit with my feet and hands in a bowl of cold water!! But the thing I found best was superb Leg raiser Memory Foam Cushion on Amazon uk website. Tad expensive, but have slept from the first day I got it, which eased pain in my knees and brought my feet down Contour Memory Foam Leg Raise Cushion (Leg Rest Pillow) For Orthopaedic and Therapeutic Support. I purchased it when it was on offer £49 - it is now £67!! Good luck at the hospital. Smiler53

[raggedy3 in reply to Smiler53]

Thank you, Smiler. I do have a memory foam pillow which does help. It's rather small so I should probably turn it over to my cats and invest in one intended for the purpose.