Hi Folks, a wee note to ask if anyone's aware of anything which would relieve severe pain of Rheumatoid Arthritis without causing breathing problems ? I've fairly severe Asthma & COPD ( level 4) but they react badly to Non Steroid Anti Inflammatory Drugs such as Ibuprofen . Mobility and activities now very reduced so any advice would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks for your help.
Ken
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Hamefarer
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Hiya Ken. Your Rheumy or your Asthma/COPD healthcare team would be the best people to ask about suitable pain relief. As I'm sure you know you may be limited to options & it's dependant on how severe your asthma is, what's suitable for one asthma/COPD sufferer may not be suitable for you.
I hope there's something can be recommended for you, unless you're not as well controlled as you could be & your RD meds could be reviewed? That may be another option rather than adding a med which may cause issues?
Thanks nomoreheels, yes the chest problems are fairly severe, level 4, but I'll have a word with my GP next week and see if there's any options we haven't looked at yet. Don't want to end up sitting still all the time ! ( Only gives short term relief anyway lol )
I think that's wise. No, sitting still for any length of time isn't advisable as we stiffen up & that then causes other issues. Gentle exercise helps, have you asked about access to Occupational Therapy at all? They can tailor exercises to your needs & ability. You could ask your Rheumy if you think it would help.
Hi Ken. Given your chest issues your GP or medical team would be your best bet. I have asthma too and have been prescribed Piroxicam 0.5% gel to rub into my joints and it does help a bit. If you wanted to try a non-drug treatment in the meantime have you tried soaking in an Epsom salts bath, icing the joint/s or a wheat bag? Sorry if I sound preachy. Wishing you better
Hi Jan, Really appreciate your reply. One of the things I did until recently was soaking in a salt bath, however , we've just moved house and now it's a shower only ! Have tried ice but not the wheat bag, I'll do that ,thanks. Please don't apologise for being "preachy" , you're not and your help is welcome. My feeling is that we're all in this together.
Yeah - Many of us asthmatics have relatively severe allergies and that includes aspirin or NSAID. Personally I am allergic to Acetaminophen and NSAIDs. Talk to your GP about something prescription? That may be your best bet.
Agree with you Caery, would even go a wee bit further and suggest that all of my health problems are linked via immune system and will a word with GP . Thanks for your reply.
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