Aches all over

I seem to ache all over, especially at night. I can hardly walk even using a frame. My back aches from one hip across to the other. My back hurts either side of my spine between my shoulders. I think it is muscular as it is worse when I move, although it hurts just lying in bed.

I inject methotrexate and take folic acid and apixiban. Also useCBD drops as well as paracetamol and ibuprofen.

I cannot sleep more because of the pain rather than needing to wee. Anyone else have this problem? I wonder if I need new hips. I had TKR on both knees a few years ago

[LoneEra]

Ouch 😢 Sounds horrible and very frustrating. I suffer a lot with muscular pain as I have fibromyalgia as well as RA. I used to wake up every night because of the pain. Here are a few tips I’ve learnt:

- Heat is your friend. Use hot water bottles, heating pads and even lie on top of an electric blanket for back pain.

- Massage. If you have someone who can loosen some knots for you, great. If not, use wooden massage tools or even just a tennis or rubber ball and try to loosen those muscles.

- TENS machine. This can help distract from the pain and I often fall asleep with mine on the lowest level.

- Gentle stretches. I know you won’t feel like doing these, but they are a must for muscle pain. Make sure you stretch a little every hour.

- Acupressure mat. This releases the muscles and you can use it in bed. Mine is a godsend. It is an odd sensation at first but you get used to it quickly.

- Epsom salts in your bath, if you are able to get in it (I appreciate you might not be able to). Soak for 20 mins with 500g of salts. If you cannot get in the bath, try magnesium spray or cream on sore muscles.

Also have a chat with your GP about other meds to help and possibly some physiotherapy. And make sure your B vitamins are at the correct level xx

[Hidden in reply to LoneEra]

Thanks for your reply. I did wonder if I have fibromyalgia. I do take vitamin B, when I remember! I do sit on a seat which is plugged in so it very gently moves. I had this as I had pressure sores on my bum. No longer have a bath but an excellent walk in shower where I can sit on a seat.

[LoneEra in reply to Hidden]

Good idea to have a seat in the shower. Really feel for you as the double whammy of joint pain and muscle pain is horrendous. Many people in your situation join the FMA Fibro Community on Health Unlocked and just “lurk” to gather tips about dealing with the muscle pain. Could be worth looking at. Also feel free to message me anytime xx

[Oshgosh]

Hi, was suffering from hip pain ,waking me up at 2am.I bought anew mattress topper,which helped a little

I did some leg raises ( slowly) along with my usual stretching exercises.theyre just to keep me going,nothing strenuous. After a few weeks It wasn’t walking me till 7 am.

I went to the physio for my monthly appointment. She massaged and manipulated a bit. For the past 2 mornings it’s not woken me.so everything crossed.

I still feel awful and mybreathlessness is worse,but at least my hips dont hurt today

Take care

[Vonnie10]

You poor thing I hope you get some relief soon

[14penny]

Hi your post was a mirror of my complaints and the answers you got are very helpful and let me know if you get an acupressure mat and it helps as this sound like it is worth a try Good Luck 14penny

[Clare-NRAS Partner NRAS]

If this continues for much longer you may need to have a medicine review as your current meds are not keeping your disease well controlled. Contact your rheumatology team and while you may need to wait a while to be seen due to backlogs the sooner you're on their radar as needing help the better. Even if they can't see you in person you may be offered a phone or video appointment. In the meantime if you'd like a copy of the Medicines in RA booklet you can order one online or download a PDF copy . nras.org.uk/resource/medici...

Also the NRAS helpline is open Mon - Fri 9.30- 4.30 if it would help to chat 0800 298 7650