Hi I am posting for the first time looking for advice/reassurance

[mjfoster]

I was diagnose with RA july 2016 started with mtx but due to continuois chest infections changed to sulfasalazine am on 5 daily in last 4 months have had terrible pain first in right knee and have lost full range of movement had x ray showing significant degeneration GP referring me to ortho. ln the last month pain in left knee has become unbearable with pain travelling up to hip and down into shin and burning pain in muscles and tendons at side and back of knee very stiff unable to walk ant distance without extreme pain going for an x ray for that too but struggling to cope any suggestions advice gratefully received

[Beverley-NRAS]

hi mjfoster,

sorry to hear that you are in so much pain. Here are some links to information on pain relief. I hope that you find something useful there to help whilst you are waiting to see the orthopaedic consultant:

britishpainsociety.org/

painconcern.org.uk/

escape-pain.org/

arthritisresearchuk.org/sho...

arthritiscare.org.uk/managi...

britishpainsociety.org/stat...

Beverley

[Birthdaygirl]

Hi mjfoster

Sorry to hear your story. It sounds like your current medication to control the rheumatoid disease is failing and that means you will get more damage to your joints until you find the right medication. Hence the pain and RD not being under control. When are you seeing the rheumatologist again? Is it soon? As it may be that your GP needs to refer you back to the rheumy.

BG

[Radiogirl]

Oh my, that sounds horrible. My left knee is ready for a replacement with my right one not being too far behind, but I don't have near the pain that you are expressing. Have you had an MRI on your knees? Are you able to get pain medication? I know a lot of people don't want to go the pain med route with all the bad press about opiod addiction, but my doctor and I have discussed how this is not near the risk when it truly is for a real, agonizing pain. When it is used for real pain and monitored by your doctor, it is atypical for the patient to get a "high" off the med, but get some relief from the incapacitating pain.

I am fairly new with my RA diagnosis, so I don't know about long term (years and years and years) of opiod use. I guess I will learn as I go.

Have you tried ice packs and/or heat? I sure hope and pray you can get some real relief soon. Hugs!

[Fifi1972]

Hi you need biologics therapy now ask your rheumatology dept about these drugs they could give you your life back if they find one that works for you x good luck

[Ranicles]

Hi, I could not take methortrexate, ended up in hospital for a week.

Took a while to get over it, I am now having a six week detox period.

Then I go back to rhumuamatologist and I will try another medication.

Methortreate not for everyone.

Good luck

Anne brame

[mjfoster]

thank you everyone for your advice and kind wishes i have been in touch with the rheumatology nurse helpline and waiting for a reply will let you lnow how I get on