Hi I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 16 years. My hands are the worst affected, has any body any effective pain relief they could recommend as I am given codiene/paracetamol which I'm not tolerating very well.
Rheumatoid arthritis : Hi I have had rheumatoid... - NRAS
Rheumatoid arthritis
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Hi, I just saw your post. I have been using a natural anti-inflammatory for seven years now. The only chemical medication I continue to take daily is Sulphasalazine. Since last year my HRT has been all over the place and so I have had some small flare-ups. The only drug I take when I am in pain is Celebrex, it really is the only effective chemical pain relief I have found. My GP is very understanding and knows that I only take it in times of need. Most GPs are wary of Celebrex when taken regularly. Funnily enough I saw my RA consultant last week. He agreed that hormone levels can effect RA but he is generally very happy with my blood results and confirmed that my disease is not progressing. I only see him once a year now - since I started my natural supplement, (it used to be every six weeks before) so I always recommend that if anybody asks. Mangosteen is the fruit that has the anti-inflammatory benefit that works for me but as I said when things go wrong (like my hormones) Celebrex works well.
Hope this is of some help!
Hi toxfreelizzee
I am really interested in your natural inflammatory if you have time could you tell me a little more about it. I am currently taking hydrxychloroquine while waiting to see a chest specialist before starting on biopics.
Thank you'm
Hi, sorry that you're suffering, I take Naproxen for pain relief & find that to be reasonably effective.
I take meloxicam either one or two 7.5mg with food. I had stopped them for a while as my joints were behaving themselves. I restarted when they flared up in September and was actually surprised how much more effective they were than the codeine/paracetamol (that I was already taking for sciactica). They are long acting, so taking one with breakfast and one with evening meal covers it well.
I take 6 Mthx on a Monday, 1 Folic Acid on a Friday, 6 Paracetmols every day, 6 Gabapentin every day, and 4 slow release Tramadol every day.
I'm sorry you've been having pain, it can be very wearing. You really need to discuss this with your Rheumy. I'm prescribed an anti inflammatory, etoricoxib (Arcoxia), it's been the most effective for me but I've tried naproxen (Naprosyn), celecoxib (Celebrex), Nabumetone (unsure of the brand name in the UK, it may be Relifex?) & meloxicam (Mobic).
I also take co-codamol 30/500's for breakthrough pain & BuTrans & amitriptyline for OA pain. Maybe it needs determining what's causing your pain first? If it's inflammation then an NSAID may be prescribed, but it could be down to not being quite well enough controlled, your Rheumy will be able to work out which.
Arcoxia helps me take the edge of it.But my GP does not like daily usage because of the side effects.
Hope you find some relief soon.
I struggled for years with side effects of paracetamol and codeine. Nurse advised a change in Sept and I now take slow release tramadol with paracetamol in between if neede. I tolerate this better and find it effective. Also take 2 slow release naproxen with a stomach protector in it. To be honest I found Voltarol slow release more effective but the G.P said I was more at risk with side effects due to being on it continuously.
Your G.P should help if you go andspeak to him.
NMH I have spell checked today and glasses on 😂