RA reaction to medication would like general advice on how to manage RA

[Abimilne]

Hello, I’ve had a reaction to medication I was on for an over active thyroid, which has given me RA symtoms, came on very suddenly so hoping it will eventually clear (have read can take 3/4 weeks). Have been referred to a rheumatoid specialist but apparently it might take months for an appointment. I haven’t been able to work all week (I run my own cleaning business) and other than treating my symptoms with steroids and pain killers my GP can’t really do an awful lot. It’s affecting my home life as each day the pain hits in different areas, some days it’s my hands which makes doing simple tasks impossible to then the next day in my knee, hips. The steroids help ease the pain during the day but then evening/night time it gets worse again. I run out of steroids tomorrow so worried the pain will get a lot worse on Monday. Just after advice on what consultants have advised other people, is movement through the day ok when I’m feeling up to it or will it aggravate things? Totally new to this so I’m pretty clueless as to how to manage & handle it. Thanks in advance!!

[summer32A]

Make an appointment asap with Dr as you may require more steroids/painkillers.It is normal to have a tapered course starting at usually 20mg slowly coming down to zero. ?

[janmary]

my RD started like that but not as reaction to any medication. Perhaps you could ask your GP to send a more urgent referral or ask the rheumatology admin for a cancellation. Best wishes

[Bails67]

I was given anti inflammatory meds. In the same circumstances as you a cleaner and self employed. I got a private appointment ( pre covid) because I couldn’t afford to have time off work. I did still work , I have no idea how I coped. I was crawling round the house at night. I was told use it or lose it, that doesn’t mean over do it and know your limits. I did push the consultant/GP explained I was self employed( when he passed me a sick note!). I would go back to your GP and tell them you need something else to help. Have you phone hospital, there maybe a cancellation? Good luck with the right medication you should improve and I carried on for another 16 years after diagnosis and only recently had to cut back because of a OA diagnosis otherwise I would still be cleaning( I am in my 56 year).

[stbernhard]

Hello Abimilne, Sorry you have been affected in that way by a medication. RA is a strange beast and affects everybody differently.

It is generally agreed that moving/exercise is beneficial if t doesn't cause bad pain. Have a look at the NRAS website. I would really recommend it. You'll find a lot of answers you might not even know the question to yet. There are modules for newly diagnosed, exercise, medication, how to prepare for your first meeting with a consultant and more. Look for SMILE-RA and register, it's free. There's also Versus Arthritis and Ampersand Health which have very helpful information and apps.

Lots of information and help out there and of course the lovely people on this forum. All the best,