Pain and fatigue

[Carolsos]

Hi there, about 4 weeks ago my hdry was stopped as the chemist could not get it and my rumey nurse cancelled my prescription after they rang me up. I really didn't realise how much that drug was working for me until now!! Now that I am off it. I am in agony, so much pain and swelling in my hands, finger, legs. I am going away for 5 days to Ireland with my other sister to see my brother. My shoulders are also kicking in with pain! I can no longer get any of my rings on. It's been a nightmare, but after I have been to Ireland I am ringing rumey up again to ask for something else to help me. Work has been so short staffed and am having to do some overtime. I worked 7.5 hrs today without stopping and oh my goodness I could tell, the pain was unrelenting and the fatigue ridiculous! I came home , didn't even have the energy for a shower or to eat anything and had to go to bed. I took some naproxen and codeine to help with my pain, my feet were excruciating and throbbing with pain shooting down my fingers and hands! So I slept for a solid 5.5 hrs and I am still tired and I will sleep tonight too. Then back up for another busy day at work. Sorry for the rant but am so exhausted and I have only been at work for one day as I get the weekends off work. Thanks for listening. Take care everyone.

[TheBoys]

that’s a shame. Wonder why there was no hydroxychloroquine? I used to take it but it got stopped during the pandemic- it was pretty effective though I used to get terrible bloodshot eyes every few months.

[Whereisthesun]

Oh bless you. That sounds horrendous. I really hope things get sorted for you x

[oldtimer2]

The only good thing about it - you know it works!

It should still be available somewhere...it is still being produced after all, it's not as if it has been withdrawn. there's an article here about what to do if you have difficulty getting it:arthritis.org/drug-guide/me...

[Stephenlangtonriley]

Your Rhuemy nurse should not have cancelled your prescription, that is the role of a doctor to make the decision in consultation with you, I have many arguments with the Clinical pharmacist at my own practice making such decisions and telling me by TEXT!, after the decision.

I have similar issues but cannot take your drug because I already have the Psoriasis from my ealier developement of JIA. I also take Codeine and Naproxen, even though the former does have some unfortunate side effects. Long term use of NSAIDS, like Naproxen, are not usually recommended but without it I would be unable to move in the morning so have to accept the long term potential of side efects for my stomach, the reason they now prescribe Lansoprazole, rather than Omeprazole, with it as well.

It takes time for Naproxen to "settle" in and do its work so please persevere with it and see your own GP as to why they made no arrangements to find a supply of the original medication that you found worked. Good luck.