Pregnant (26 weeks) and RA flare ups

[simba91]

I take sulfasalazine, hydroxychloroquine and folic acid. I have my care from the NHS.

I've been seen in clinic (obstetric and rheumatology) but they only do clinic once a month and my next appointment is on 26th Feb.

I'm suffering with flare ups this week- upper arm, shoulder and my hand.

Gp is not keen to give me pain relief, but in the rheum clinic they said if it carries on/gets worse they can consider a small dose steroid injection. But they did not communicate this to my gp.

Usually diclofenac gel is somewhat helpful for me. I have a small dose cocodamol 8/500 which I've taken a few times this week.

Anyone had advice regarding this (please say if it is nhs advice) and most suitable pain killers? My blood work is normal as such.

One gp I spoke to said ibuprofen gel should be okay. But ever since diagnosis I've been told ibuprofen is a no no for me now, especially when I used to be on methotrexate.

Please help!

I will probably call triage at womens hospital today, but even then it will only be a general obstetrics dr that sees me and so may not be comfortable giving me steroid etc.

Thanks

[allanah]

Hi, oh I know that feeling, I've had a terrible few weeks of flaring. But your gut instinct to call the hospital sounds good to me . Some people fly through pregnancies but others well appear to have more of a rough time. Have you tried your rheumatology helpline for more advice ?

I hope you get your answers soon.

[Hidden]

Congratulations first and I wish I could help or have the answer. Contact your team this morning before the weekend so your not left to suffer. I hope you get some help. Wish I could help you more x

[Deeb1764]

Congratulations. Hit the phone to your RA clinic make sure they know you are pregnant too so they come back to you asap. How about your local pharmacy if no one gets back to you?

[oldtimer]

I really think that you need advice from your medical team for these sort of problems. We can't as you know give medical advice anyway here, and it wouldn't be appropriate as it's quite a complicated situation - which is why you're asking of course.

But we can give you our support and hope that you get it sorted as soon as possible.

You should never worry about bothering your medical team when there are two of you to consider!

[simba91 in reply to oldtimer]

Thank you. Was just asking opinions rather than advice to act on as having difficulty getting hold of Dr I need to get hold of

[Amy_Lee]

Congratulations! As I don’t have any personal experience in this hence can’t offer any sharing. Hope you can get in touch with your medical team soon.

[-ian-]

Its the pregnancy thing I'm afraid - I used to take Diclofenac tablets but moved to Naproxen with 30/500 Cocodamol. The Naproxen in 500mg twice a day. Of course you need to wait another 14 weeks or so before you could use those, and then assumes no breastfeeding after that as they can't be taken then either (as with most of these painkillers i'm afraid).

The answer I think has to come from more natural remedies, and by that I mean avoiding flare ups by minimising the triggers. Feet up and a lot more relaxation than you are used to - especially as the baby weight and bump comes on as of course you are approaching the most difficult stage for that. Lots of baths rather than showers if you can would help too. Exercise with limb range extension where you can.

Uncomfortable for you I imagine, but the bundle of fun heading your way will help take your mind of all this!

[kalogan59]

Hi,I have been on methotrexate and was told not to take ibuprofen.I take tylenol arthritis if my pain is really bad,I also use a cbd cream on my joints on bad days.The cbd cream will help but does wear off.I think you should speak with a RA.I have been trying different things as I am on a waiting list to see an RA been 3 years or waiting as the one I had retired.Hope you can get some help.