Osteoarthritis flare up

[Pasjc]

I have RA positive I'm on abiticept biological injection but I'm in a lot of pain feet ankles legs hands wrists. I rang the team the nurse said its ostioathrites because of covid cant see a consultant till about September and suggest I ring GP for pain relief. I told her i have atropic gastritis and other stomach problems i really dont do well on tablets. That was the end of the conversation . Is there anything else I can take x

[bubblyalex]

You might not be able to see a consultant but you can speak to one... I would try again and ask to speak to your consultant. I don’t see how a nurse can diagnose this??

[Eiram50]

I’d echo what bubblyalex said. I would get the number for your consultants secretary, explain the situation to them and ask for a telephone consultation, if you cannot be seen in person.

September is a long time to suffer such pain- and really, Covid or not, it is something that should be dealt with.

Wishing you all the best going forward.

[Gnarli]

You can't be in this sort of pain until September. Yes, see if you can get a phone consult but in the meantime could your GP not prescribe something to tide you over like pain patches or a steroid shot?

[Pasjc in reply to Gnarli]

I'll try but as steriods are a problem drug for covid I'd rather avoid it I take a maintenance dose of 5mg x

[Gnarli in reply to Pasjc]

Understood but if you're already on steroids would more make any difference? I was prescribed BuTrans pain patches when things got nasty and didn't want any more tablets. Perhaps they would be worth a try?

[Pasjc in reply to Gnarli]

Thanks that sounds like something I could try. I was told the dosage of steroids makes a difference by my consultant xxx

[Gnarli in reply to Pasjc]

Fair comment.