Advice re flares ?

[cpr02]

Hi

Wondering if anyone can help ... How can you tell if your medication has stopped working or your experiencing a flare up ?

Since being started on medication my pain has been well managed however just now I'm in a lot of pain .. I'm maxed. Out of naproxen sleeping well due to pain

My walking looks deformed and I'm not walking normally my hands are upsetting me in that if I rest them they don't. Look normal they look deformed fingers are bent / splayed

Im currently off sick from work my question is really is what I'm describing a flare that will pass or a sign my medications stopped working ??

I would really like to see a health professional face to face so they can see my symptoms but obviously due to covid that's difficult I'm newly diagnosed so not sure if this is something I should be panicking about?

I can't exercise or do much of my day to day activities and even typing this is causing me pain can anyone help ? Xx

[helixhelix]

What drugs are you on apart from Naproxen? As that will only treat symptoms and not the underlying disease.

It sounds like you need to discuss your treatment with your medical team.

[Hidden]

Difficult question.. if you are flaring and your pain medication isn’t working contact your team. If you have very prolonged problems or constant flares then your medication isn’t working either way always contact your team. Take photos I do to dhow them. f2f appointments are happening I was offered one today for next week as I have been reporting my flares as I have needed steroids and they have now decided they need to see me.

[cpr02]

Hi thank you I'm in sulfafalazine xx have been diagnosed since this time last year xx

[Lolabridge]

It does rather sound as though your medication is not controlling fully you RA. Do get in touch with your Rheumatology nurse/patient helpline and ask for a medication review. If it has to be a telephone appointment ask if you can send in photos to show any swollen/inflames/deformed joints and do say you have had to take time off work because of your symptoms.

[cpr02]

Hi thanks contacted them today so hopefully will hear back soon xx

[Brushwork]

The rule of thumb is... if you are having a flare your medication is not working effectively.

The aim of the medication is to stop the disease progression and that means stopping flares.