Best Painkillers?

[sjhewitt42]

Hi All

I hope your all ok - at least it’s Friday!

I am struggling with pain at the moment having been put on Leflunomide to try with my Abatercept and after 2 months taken off the Lef due to horrendous side effects I am having a huge flare up!

So I take as much codeine as I can every day at the moment and have bottles of Oramorph I can use but I find that neither really do much for the pain.

What works best for you? I’ve had Tramadol for a few years but I get really tearful and feel mentally unwell when I take it.

I need your advice as I have to work and have 3 boys I still need to function. I don’t have a lot of support at home so I can’t just take to my bed.

Thanks for listening - was only meant to be a quick question and I’ve rambled on! ♥️ Sarah x

[Gigi71]

I definitely can't take tramodol or any opiate type drug but take Naproxen twice a day and I'm fine on that, no side effects and no kidney problems luckily. I used to take Voltarol R but was taken off it due to age and high risk of heart problems. I believe it's no longer available but there are similar NSAIDs. Naproxen is good with my RA but not so much with my OA in my back. With the busy life you lead I hope you find something suitable very soon. All the best X

[Scarlet1]

I am sorry your suffering.... I can't give you any advice sorry.... Sending you loads of strength to get through your day xxx

[Mummyola]

I am on paracetamol and codine separately at the moment and is working well, as sometimes I only need the paracetamol. Not sure of the one I have at night. As I am allergic to tramadol and morphine And diclofenic. I feel like Lucy in the sky with diamonds. Thanks for your information wishing you well, and out of pain real soon

[sjhewitt42 in reply to Mummyola]

Thanks I just need to find the one to help xx

[Shalf]

Hi Sarah, This sounds incredibly tough on you. Have you tried calling your Rheumatology helpline? Don't know where you are but here in Scotland they are now operating a daily service rather than weekly ( recent change). If Oramorph isn't helping your pain I would strongly suggest you STOP the to-do list for now and seek help for yourself. The more pressure your under the more stress, likely the more pain! Work, children and a huge flare up ( to me) is just too much for anyone! Your GP can also call the Rheumatologist. There is help out there Sarah re financial and family support. Doesn't sound like your getting the chance to rest and/or pace yourself. You need to during a huge flare!

Feel for you.

Suzie xx

[sjhewitt42 in reply to Shalf]

Thanks Suzie. I’m in the Midlands and the helpline is there to call daily but they tend to refer me to GP with pain. I have to work as I am the main earner and I have a stressful job. I’m looking at working for myself soon (I’m an accountant) I don’t rest with the boys to look after too and this is my problem really. Thanks for you support it’s really appreciated ♥️

[Shalf in reply to sjhewitt42]

Your welcome and GREAT re working for yourself! You can honour your own rest breaks! x

[sjhewitt42]

Thanks Ajay. I only take Oralmorph when I can’t cope with the pain any more but it just distracts me from the pain and I can still feel it. My new GP is reluctant to prescribe as she says it’s for terminal patients not RA too. x

[Hidden]

I have Fentanyl patches, Oramorph and Paracetamol. Sometimes they work but mostly don't. Daren't tell GP as she will want to increase dose. But I don't want it higher. My rheumy wasn't happy I was out on them eithe, but GP gave them me for pain with spinal fractures, not RD.

[wishbone]

I tried Oramorph when I was laid up with sciatica and my RA flaring like crazy...Calpol would have been more effective! Was then put on morphine sulphate tablets, rather reluctantly by my GP I may add, along with Diazepam as a muscle relaxant. It did take the edge off the pain but played hell with my digestive system. My rheumy later told me that morphine isn't particularly effective with RA type pain. I tend to agree with her there.

[wishbone]

You need to be crawling on all fours with a leather strap between your teeth before they'll prescribe diazepam. I was in too much pain to go to the surgery so the GP came to see me at home..a minor miracle in itself!

[sjhewitt42 in reply to wishbone]

I’ve had them for sciatica a few times but I’ve moved GP who told me paracetamol and I’ll be ok once on methotrexate. I was on Meth 18 years ago and it made me really ill! Stupid doc! xx

[Terrysl]

I take Meloxicam, have you tried it ? It does help me!

[sjhewitt42 in reply to Terrysl]

No I’ve never heard of it..do you get that from your GP?

[Terrysl in reply to sjhewitt42]

Yes, it is a Nsaid, slow please I think.

[Vonnie10 in reply to Terrysl]

That’s a drug meloxicam which a vet uses for anti inflammation and pain I’m almost certain I was given that for kidney stones in one of my pugs ?

[medway-lady in reply to Vonnie10]

I used to get it Meloxicam but its not compatable with blood ones so now banned for me. Shame as it worked well. I use Zapain which is great but probably not strong enough for the pain you describe. I do hope you get help soon.

[sjhewitt42 in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks the pain is pretty bad at the moment - I’ll try the GP again on Monday as I can’t go on like this. xxx