Hi everyone, I received my latest lab results and it turns out my inflammation values are ok; however, the pain on my fingers and elbows are still there... I have rheumy appt this Thursday and according to what he told me last time we might start decreasing the cortisone, I don't know what to think...
Did anyone experience something like this?
Thanks and have a nice week.
My labs are always low and my fingers are always sore. They say there isn't a lot of swelling,but i still can't wear my wedding ring. x
My inflammation markers have never been high. They were above normal when I was diagnosed, but dropped back to normal once I was on treatment. However that didn't stop me being in pain, and luckily my rheumatologists have always looked at me, not the blood tests. It can take a long while (in my case over a year) for the pain to improve despite no swelling or blood inflammation. You can also be in pain from existing damage.
As for the cortisone, it's not a good idea to be on it long term so having it for the first 6 months or so and then tapering off is pretty normal. Until you come off it you won't know whether the methotrexate is working, and whether that needs to be adjusted.
Are you on a full dose of MTX? As maybe there are options to increase it, or add in other things. Make sure you explain how you feel to your rheumy.
Interesting, I was just thinking about this. I’m due for labs and was thinking how much value my Rheumy puts into them. I mainly think she is pleased if things are not increasing overly, but is also looking for dramatic changes in things like kidney function too.
My fingers hurt constantly, sometimes worse but that pain is never gone.
Ugh. It’s 12:40am and I’m still up.
Yep same here, not a good marker of how mobile you are or how much pain I think e.g. totally arm less last week as in could barely move them and yet ... I’m goin to ask about this one at next appointment , puzzles me 🤔
Seems to be two different things, pain and disease activity. You can get down disease activity with meds but most people still need pain medication even if on biologics. This is what I read recently and that the focus has almost entirely been on stopping or decreasing erosion and not until recently has the interest for understanding the pain become more central.
I take cortisone shots in both hips for bursytis. about every 12-16 weeks .it really debilitates me ,when the flares are worst. by the time i see dr and wait i feel 90 but once i get shots i feel like i could jump off a fence ,no i don't lol . i am going to start chiro on bursitis and see if it helps hip shot have been going on 8 years or more. good luck
...
Good they work for you. I’m hit and miss and they’ll only give them 3xyear.
Hi cpetry, I have a similar problem and find that an analgesic gel like Movelat helps enormously. I am presently waiting for a Rituximab Infusion and look forward to feeling it's benefits in due course.
Best regards
Hello, I wanted to thank you all for the replies. I had my control appt yesterday, my rheumy is happy with the evolution and told me that I should take paracetamol if the pain becomes unbearable.
I'll be finally reducing my dose of cortisone but on a trial basis to see how well I manage.
Thanks again, have a painless weekend!
Normal inflammation levels but still pain & fatigue.
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