Flaring advice needed please.

[heathersmum]

Hello everyone,

I have woken up in agony today. It seems that every joint in my body is hurting .even my fingers and my toes. I have been on Methotrexate now for one month 10mg. The only pain relief I have is Co Codamol. Any body got as my idea's what I should do ? I am frustrated with myself and feel so fed up. I need something to get the inflammation down while I get up too the full dose of my Methotrexate.

Any advice, I will be grateful.

Thanks .

[chantwizzle83]

I use Tiger Balm. No joke, pretty much the only topical treatment I use to sleep at night. And ice, if you can handle it. I know sometimes when I'm flaring even my skin hurts. But a hot bath, then ice 20mins, then Tiger Balm is my arsenal. Feel better soon.

[heathersmum in reply to chantwizzle83]

Thank you for replying. I haven't tried tiger balm. I will get hubby to pop out to get me some. Thanks.

[chantwizzle83 in reply to heathersmum]

There's an ointment kind and an arthritis, lotion kind. Both are good and you only need a tiny bit at a time. But be prepared to smell lol. Its a very strong Vic's vaporub type smell.

[Hidden]

Are you able to take any prescribed anti-inflammatories? I usually take Naproxen which works well for me but am not taking this just now because I think most of my pain is in my nerves and I'm about to start a new DMARD so want to leave my inflammation levels alone until my full blood count has been taken. Also it can mess with my stomach if I take it too often. I can juggle the amount of paracetamol I take with codeine as I have them seperately on prescription - presently 60mg codeine is the best option for quieting my pain but my GP is saying this isn't a good idea long time because it's a narcotic. I hope the Tiger Balm does the job for you sounds more wholesome.

[Azabat]

Make sure your doctor knows how much pain you're in, either gp or rheumy (I know, Easter weekend). I understand the frustration, but please remember that your self is doing the very best it possibly can. My go-to is a hot bath with clary sage oil in it, though really, anything you find relaxing would probably work as well. Deep breathing helps me some, as does distraction. Probably combining as many techniques as work for you is the best plan. I hope things calm down for you soon,

-Bat

[helixhelix]

I find the things like tiger balm are comforting, but it might be that you need the heavy guns to tackle this while the MTX starts to work. Have you talked to your rheumy about getting a depomedrone shot?

[nomoreheels]

It sounds as though you need something to help you, the MTX will have anti inflammatory effect but is not quick acting unfortunately so maybe you need a separate NSAID to reduce yours. When I was first diagnosed along with my DMARD I was prescribed a month's course of steroids & NSAIDs to tackle the inflammation & I'm sure that helped, certainly whilst I was waiting for the HCQ to work. If you don't have another Rheumy appointment any time soon your GP should be able to prescribe something for you. As it's Easter Sunday I don't think chemists will be open to ask the advice of a pharmacist but if you have any ibuprofen or similar over the counter anti inflammatory it may help til you can see your GP.

[Someonesmother]

I am surprised you are not on any anti inflammatory or prednisone. I started flaring badly in Thursday couldn't get out of bed and rang the rheumy nurse and told her I am upping the prednisone until I can cope again. I will see my GP this week and let him know what I have done though. I just take pain killers and lie in bed as the less I move the better I am. Do you have any emergency clinics near you or A&E for some help? Gentle hugs and hope you get some relief

[heathersmum]

Thank you everybody who replied to my flaring problem. I was told no NSAIDS .but as I can't take prednisone what else am I supposed to take? I have taken an Ibuprofen as last night I couldn't stand it. Thanks again I will call the Rheumatologist nurse on Tuesday.

Enjoy your Sunday xx

[nomoreheels in reply to heathersmum]

I hope it makes you more comfortable, even if it only takes some of the inflammation down until you can speak to your Rheumy nurse. One thing though, although ibuprofen is an OTC you do realise it's an NSAID, just a bit concerned if you've been told no NSAIDS.

I hope your nurse is able to help, there must be alternatives to make things easier for you. x

[keffi]

Tramadol and paracetamol pretty good for the pain but a fast infusion of prednisalone would be the answer! If taking orally try not to be on it for too long