Jane

[jane1976]

Hi, feeling sorry for myself! I'm on methotrexate, Hydroxychloroquine, anti inflammatory tablets & have had to increase steroids again yet, my right hand & both my feet are VERY painful! Even taking tramadol & paracetamol together there's not much relief from the pain! Earliest appointment with ra people in May then, got another letter with an appointment a week later than original one!

[popsmith1874]

Hi phone your Rheumy nurse tomorow see if she can do anything , take care

[Pinkbungelowgirl in reply to popsmith1874]

Hi. Sorry you are in so much pain. I second what Popsmith has advised. The Rheumatoloist Nurse Specialists are usually very approachable. Find out their direct phone number so you don't have to go through the switchboard. If they are busy there is usually an answer phone where you can ask for them to phone you back. The sooner the inflammation, swelling and pain is addressed the less damage is caused in your joints. They are there to help with this. Don't think you have to wait for your next appointment. Phone on Tuesday after the bank holiday as they may take a couple of days to get back to you.

I am so lucky to have this facility with my local Rhemy department.

Be kind to yourself when you are in flare. You will get better. It's just so awful being unwell. Have ate a whole chocolate orange today by way of self medication. Well it is Easter Sunday and it was egg shaped of sorts! 

Hope you feel better soon. Gentle hugs.

[Birthdaygirl]

Hi Jane

You are entitled to feel sorry for yourself. To be left in pain is not good. I agree with everyone that a phone call to the rheumy nurse would be a good idea and perhaps a trip to the Gp too. The month of May is a long way off and you need help to continue to function and keep safe. 

Hope the rheumy department does the right thing for you.

BG

[flow4]

Poor you. It's miserable to have pain you can't get on top of.

I have PsA and OA, and am on similar meds to you. I seem to be responding well to them. But I have discovered that the joints that have already been damaged continue to hurt even after the inflammation is under control. My hands and feet hurt most now, probably because they have the most joints and the most damage and are most used. I guess the bottom line is, if you have damage the DMARDs don't 'fix' this, and the anti-inflammatories help a bit but not completely. If it has been a while since your last X-rays/US scans, it might be worth having some again so you can see whether/how much damage you have. Then 'mechanical' treatments like orthotics or splints or surgery might be appropriate, and more helpful.

[Sheila_G]

Hi.  As has been said many times on this site, if you are in so much pain ring rheumy nurse again and keep ringing until you get a slot.  May is far too long to wait when you are suffering like that.  The best of luck.