New and need advice

[Knee74]

Hi lve been told ive rheumatoid arthritis all over over , cant walk some days and the pain in shoulder and neck are a killer waiting to hear from specialist doc gave me pregabalin and co codamol and naproxen im still in some much pain any tips pls

[sylvi]

Keep taking the pills and keep on at he medics looking after you darling. xxx

[NeonkittyUK]

Yes as dear Sylvi said, keep on at your docs and consultants. Once you've seen your specialist and been prescribed some RA meds and they start to work you will feel much better. It's always a hard time getting settled and getting pain and mobility under control. I found hydrotherapy .. Gentle exercises in a warm (34 degrees usually!) .. pool helped so much. Ask too when you see your rheumatologist if you can see a hospital Physio who has a specialism in rheumatology. Mine was a godsend. I had weekly hydro and Physio sessions until I got stable. They don't try training you for the Olympics or anything! It's simply getting your joints and muscles moving gently and supporting those painful immobile joints by strengthening muscles. Hope you see your rheumatologist soon and start some treatment. Good luck x

[Kracker55]

A biological may be an answer but if you are not getting pain relief from over the counter ask for something stronger. My 85 year old mother struggled everyday for over a year finally I told her ask for at least codein or a low opiate. She finally did after an all night visit to the ER and has been getting around much better. We want quality of life. Enbrel helped me greatly the first time I took it right now not so much so I willl need to try something else at this point but without my Percocet and Hysingla I would be home bound for sure. Get exercise if you can eat better and if possible try alternatives such as Accupuncture, massage, float (epsom salt pools) even cryotherapy and any alternative medicine. What works for one does not work for all it is trying al and error good luck

[Crochet4 in reply to Kracker55]

Thank you so much for your post. I have recently been diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and awaiting a meeting to discuss medication. Any tips to keep ' flare ups ' at bay and enjoy longer periods of remission is greatly appreciated. I am 72 .

Crochet4

[juneann]

Good morning,. Upon first diagnosis and RA pain at it's worst it can be hell and very lonely. Hang in there as once you get on the meds for you there will be a noticeable difference. It won't happen overnight but you will find your own level. Keep writing, keep talking and invest in some heat pads for the joints. I used to put my feet in warm water to ease the joint pain. Why Pregabalin? Are you experiencig nerve pain as well?

[Hidden]

I know just how you are feeling and I am sitting here crying with the pain as I am writing this. I feel I am getting nowhere. No painkillers seem to help and the pain is relentless. I hope you get some action to help your pain soon. It seems a long battle to get the help we need and deserve. Most people just have no idea of how bad the pain can be.

[Jimbo64]

Ask your doctor for RAVLO 700mg medicated plasters that work wonders

[pd118]

I take advantage of water every morning to help me for the day

[cariad68]

For neck and shoulder pain I have been using a warm lavender infused grain bag. Available in garden centre shops. Also 5Kind Hemp active gel. I am on the second pot now.

[Knee74]

Thank you all for your reply ,i just feel constantly in pain , went back to doctors 2day and they gave me a walking stick ,thats fine but my hand and wraist are inflamed great by the way im 45

[Gnarli in reply to Knee74]

Flippin' 'eck! They've got no blooming idea have they? I'm sure it was meant well but, flip, how was a stick supposed to help? You may as well laugh because crying makes your nose go red. Huge hugs

[Knee74 in reply to Gnarli]

Thank you

[Gnarli in reply to Knee74]

I cannot take NSAIDs like naproxen and am taking co-codamol. It wasn't enough so I'm trying BuTrans patches and they seem to be helping a lot. Unfortunately, like all opioids they can cause constipation so have to take laxatives. I respond better to heat rather than cold so wheat bags, hot showers, Epsom salts footbaths also give some relief. Hang on in there. It does get better once the meds kick in. Honest

[Hidden]

Welcome Knee74. I can’t add much to what has already been said really. Keep taking your painkillers and try either heat or cold on your inflamed joints, it’s different for each person what helps them. Once you get your rheumy appointment see if you can get put on their list for a cancellation appointment so you can be seen sooner.

As for tips to keep flares at bay there is no surefire way of doing that but when they do happen try to rest when you need to, keep stress as low as you can, and eat healthily. Keep coming on here for support as the waiting for your first appointment can seem forever. We have all been where you are now and there’s great support for you and what you are going through here. Let us know how you get on and post whenever, about whatever you need to x

[Knee74 in reply to Hidden]

The problem is im not eating and google is a bitch 1 page telling to eat this and another not too ie bananas

[Hidden in reply to Knee74]

Why are you not eating Knee74?

[Hidden in reply to Knee74]

NRAS have some publications you can download, they might be helpful to you. NRAS.org.uk they have a helpline too. Sorry I can’t seem to copy the link.

[Damitacrystal]

Sorry I cannot help you with these pain killers when I took them I had really bad pains in my stomach but hope they are helping you.