Pain meds

[Ginger46]

At the moment I'm only on pain relief for my RA because methotrexate, leflunomide and sulphasalazine affected my liver. I went 9 months without meds last year then on and off, at the moment I'm now about 2 months without and it's awful, enough to make a saint swear. Goodness only knows when I'm going back on anything, I just want to cry, at least a little Spanish sunshine has lifted my spirits but home tomorrow. With the pain relief, I'm on Zomorph (20mg?) daily and paracetamol to fill in between,a few weeks ago I had a really bad flare in my elbow and tried to find out if I could take some oromorph (only 2.5mls) to help settle it. A snotty pharmacist said it should be ok but let your GP know. I tried to find out when I saw the nurse practitioner but she didn't want to get involved with it. To be honest I took some anyway but I'm not sure whether to still ask at GP's or Rheumatology , I'm going to have to chase up if I'm getting Truxima when I get back anyway. Sorry everyone, I know we're not all medically trained but any advice will be gratefully accepted. Will sign off now, the more I'm thinking about this the more it's upsetting me and I need to relax before my journey home tomorrow 😐💖

[Hidden]

I hope you can just get some sleep tonight and get on to your Rheum Dept as soon as you have filled the washing machine at home. Your situation sounds miserable, but good that the sunshine has lifted your spirits, even if temporarily. Hope you get some relief soon.

[Ginger46 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Norisa, luckily only a few bits to wash as I was staying with my friend so she's been doing any of my washing for me. Definitely getting in touch with Rheum department as long as it's not the witch haha xx

[Hidden]

I’m so sorry ginger; I don’t think others understand just how painful this can be at times. I’d ring rheumatology helpline first perhaps they can do steroid shot to tide you over & give some respite from it.; then GPS if no joy there. Tbh both of mine have been really good if you’re in a lot of pain.

I don’t know what truxima is (biologic?) but really hope it works for you. Just had major shoulder & hand flare after stopping MTX about a month ago so sympathise; just started benepali (which really seems to have knocked it on head 🤞) All happened pretty quickly so hope yours is the same. Kind regards x

[Ginger46 in reply to Hidden]

Yes Truxima is a biologic, bio similar of Rituximab, I'll get there, got to keep positive xx

[Gnarli]

Oh Ginger46 what a rotten situation to be in. I simply don't know what can be done to relieve your awful pain but I wish I did. Ringing your rheumy as soon as you land would be a plan. Safe home

J

[Ginger46 in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks Gnarli, been great to be away, I will be getting in contact with Rheumy team. I'll be asking to speak to my usual nurse though as one is a bit hmm well I'm not keen, my anxiety kicks in with her xx

[Hessie5]

I have been off meds 2 months as was awaiting approval - my Rheumy told me take pain tablets in between such as paracetamol, I also bought Annadin pain for inflammation pills. All helped as still need to function. Right now can’t take my meds due to a cold, so wake up with pain in elbow, hand, foot! To be honest it is not insurmountable and get through it. I have so learnt to live with stiff joints and the pain. If bad I certainly would take a paracetamol for sure! But as everyone else has said check first as we are all different.

[Ginger46 in reply to Hessie5]

I will check thanks Hessie, I hope you're feeling much better soon xx

[Kalimera57]

Poor you. The pain can be close to labour like pain. I guess you might be home now but just in case, a friend of mine has a Spanish friend with R A and she takes cannabis oil with the thc which is legal in Spain. She says it gives her a lot of pain relief. If you’re back home could you take Naproxen until your consultant sorts something out for you? Wishing you relief and happier days.

[Ginger46 in reply to Kalimera57]

Thanks Kalimera, I'm traveling home later today, so town, rest and get my nails done today before setting off. I've heard of cannabis oil, shame can't get it on prescription hmm. I haven't had naproxen for years, being on morphine based pain relief usually does the trick but with a flare I just need something extra to calm it. I will chase things up when I get home though xx

[BonnieT]

Ginger, sorry about your flare. I had it in both knees a couple of weeks back. I’m on methotrexate but started taking turmeric curcumin two weeks ago in capsule form. OK’d by my rheumatologist. She said to try arthritis formula Tylenol with it for knees. I find two extra strength Tylenol do the trick at night to help me sleep, but the turmeric has really helped with my pain and did so quickly. Only today had a follow up mammo (breast cancer in right breast 4 years ago) and today they found something in the left. If it isn’t one thing, it’s a bunch of things. Crap!

[Ginger46 in reply to BonnieT]

It's a pain in the backside isn't it, I just feel as though I'm not getting anywhere and living my life just waiting for anything to hapoen. I really hope you're sorted soon xx

[BonnieT in reply to Ginger46]

I’ll post when I find out more.

[VeronicaF]

sorry to hear what your going through Ginger46 sending you hugs.

and so very sorry too with all your going through Bonnie,sending you big hugs too!!

[Ginger46 in reply to VeronicaF]

Thanks Veronica 😚xx

[BonnieT in reply to VeronicaF]

Thank you!

[Ginger46]

Hi all, finally got a date for my Truxima (Rituximab) infusion, this Thursday, as long as my liver test results are fine, I think I also might have a water infection so need to get on top of that too. At least it's some good news and I'll sort out pain relief when I'm at the hospital xx