I've had arthritis for about 20 and it has been very painful at times, though I have managed to get get to the bathroom in my bedroom with the use one or two crutches. A few days ago I woke up to my right foot not being able to move without yelling, it was impossible even to get off the bed to use the toilet, I ended up using a bucket that my wife got for me, even getting to sit on the edge of the bed was pain at a new level. I've taken painful killers and colchicine that I have used in the past and I can move my leg but still not being able to get to the bathroom.
I will go and see a doctor when am able too, but am hoping that you be able to give some help on what medication I can use in situations like this.
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Nottobad123
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Ice? A pack of frozen peas will help just remember to label the bad not to be eaten. Reuseable every half hour and ring the RA team for help . Deep Freeze spray is good too. I hope you get some relief asap.
My wife has been using a small towel that was soaked in water and put in the freezer. We tried the bag of frozen peas, but it was to painful with the weight, I couldn't even used the towel a couple of days ago, as that was to painful, but I was able to use it today. I will asked my wife to get the deep freeze spray, I didn't think of that. Thank you.
I did my ankle on a cruise a couple of years ago and had a bucket of ice replaced every few hours. But I also saw the cruise doctor on board who gave me a steroid injection. It did work and I’d urge you to see your GP as I believe but never had it that gout really hurts.
You don’t say what type of Arthritis you have been diagnosed with. Do you have rheumatoid or osteoporosis arthritis? If you d have either lllyou really should contact your consultant, or your rheumy nurse to have a review of your medication .
We cannot advise on the medication you need…that decision can only be made by a doctor, so do try to get an appointment soon.
I don't know what type of arthritis it is, I was originally told it was gout.The diagnosis was made in a hospital through x-rays.
It hasn't really bothered me that much in the past as I knew it will get better again, and I had other health issues to handle. But now I have to see a specialist about this as it's crippling.
I was only looking for some ideas not advice on the medications that people use at times like these..I think it's best to have as much knowledge as you can get before seeing doctors.
Nottobad 123, you should be given a definate diagnosis of the type of arthritis. Because if its gout you should be on permanent drugs to prevent attacks which cause severe pain. Also gout can be caused by certain other drugs or raised uric acid due to changes in your body, dehydration and even kidney out put changes that increase crystals in your body. If its not gout then the suggestions given are good. But even RA uses drugs for control. my advice is see your GP for an arthritis referral to confirm a diagnosis so the correct treatment can be given asap. No one should have to suffer in extreme pain these days. If you can afford to pay for a private consultation it would be quicker but generally costs £250 to £500. You are entitled to a home visit if you cannot walk but it might be a paramedic not a doctor. You have my best wishes do not let them fob you off. You have a right to sensible pain control even if arthritis is incurable.
Good advice. I’m sharing here that i have a chronic RA condition which is largely controlled but recently had a colonoscopy to rule out cancer. No cancer was found. The colonoscopy preparation was an acidic mixture to drink. Within 2 hours gout in my worst RA affect foot flared and became agony. I couldn’t even tolerate a sock on the joint. Codeine took the edge off but it was 4 days before pain levels reduced to usual low levels. So beware RA suffered if you need a colonoscopy that the preparation may have this side effect.
it does sound like you need an urgent review. It may be that a muscle relaxant may help. Ice therapy as others have mentioned is excellent, but should only be applied a max of 20 mins in every hour. Do you have rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis, obviously if RA anti inflammatories are good. If your pain is severe you could call 111, they can send a dr to review you if you can’t get there, or send a paramedic to assess. I wouldn’t suffer with severe pain overnight. With the intense pain you describe they should really rule out things like blood clots, usually your calf would be swollen and tense and sometimes red.
Unfortunately I don't live in the UK anymore so i have the same health care. My foot is swollen and have no movement in my toes. I will definitely be seeing a specialist as soon as am able to move without yelling my head off. I don't know what type of arthritis it is or maybe gout, I was originally diagnosed with gout but later through x-rays told it was arthritis, I will now be asking for testing to have a proper diagnosis.
I think It will a few more days before I can leave the bedroom.
Arthritis is really an umbrella term, that covers many many different types of arthritis, and different treatment for them. It sounds like they may be referring to osteoarthritis, which is a wear and tear arthritis. As gout has very specific treatment of uric acid lowering meds, and the inflammatory arthritis conditions require immunosuppressants. Osteoarthritis tends to be managed with standard painkillers. You must have access to a Dr or ambulance to do house visits, if you’re unable to get there.
My wife wanted to call the hospital for an ambulance but I was to frightened of them carrying me to the gate and also keeping in hospital, the very thought of moving made feel sick. I will this time be seeing a orthopedic specialist in a few days time to find out exactly what it is, the orthopedic doctors are pretty good in the hospital I've used for many things. I have taken medication for gout as I know uric acid was taken out of my knee that come up like a football, this was about 18 years ago.
You could try dipping your foot into alternate hot as well as cold water, my physiotherapist friend recommended I try that a few years ago when I had plantar fasciitis. Just don’t use water that is too hot and if you are using ice don’t put it against the skin. It’s called contrast bathing, if you Google it you will find how to do it.
You could also use a Deep Freeze spray or I use a BioFreeze roll on. Have you tried raising your foot up on pillows? You really do need to see a doctor or someone who can help you.
Thanks for the reply Fruitandnutcase, I haven't been able to do very much other than but my wife will buy the deep freez spray this morning and as soon as am able to get to the hospital I will be seeing a specialist and hopefully I will get a proper diagnosis and treatment.
Hi Nottobad. I know how u feel. I’ve had reactive arthritis, which includes iritis & glaucoma for 30 yrs. (since i was 21). . So when i have a flare up, my vision is severely affected. I haven’t been well since Nov last yr. I had the worst flu, which then turned into bronchitis. Was put on antibiotics. Couldn’t have my Infliximab infusion. (Which i have every 6 weeks for my whole condition). I haven’t been up to having it for 3 months. So i had a massive flare in my right shoulder, neck & right eye & right foot. Awful, painful vision & pain in my joints. I’ve been feeling about like a 90 yr old woman. (I’m 52).
I was only able to have my infusion yesterday. They gave me a massive dose. I was totally exhausted. Was dreaming of my bed!! Got home. Heated up some lovely food i made the night before. (Meatballs with red wine, bay leaves, chilli, garlic, roated veg & rice). Put it in a bowl. Got a lovely cup of peppermint tea. Pulled my duvet back. Fell into bed & put a good comedy on. That’s what i really look forward to. Getting into bed, with a cuppa & maybe a sweet treat after a long hospital visit.
I’ve gone off track again. I’ve also got a really good heatpad when i’m in pain. I rub on some voltarol gel. Let it sink in. Then wrap the heatpad round whatever joint. Or i bought an ice pack. Wrap it in a teatowel. I find heat the best.
If you’re in this much pain. You must ring your rheumatologist. Or if you’re very, very lucky. Maybe your gp could give u a steroid injection. We all know about pain on here. Good luck with everything.
It does sound you've been having a very hard time with everything and feeling a bit better after the infusion, I bet those meatballs were lovely, actually my wife in the kitchen now cooking some Mediterranean style meatballs, no wine for me though, I could do with a bottle of red, am looking forward to those meatballs so much, I hardly eaten anything in last 3 days. You've given me some good ideas of this I could do to help myself.
Keep up with that great sounding food, it's so important to have a healthy balanced diet.
Am going to and stand up with my two crutches and call my wife, see happening with those meatballs.
Hey. Thanks for the reply. I love my food. When i’m in another hospital waiting room. I always dream of food. Especially when i’m waiting for hrs in Moorfields eye hospital. Sometimes the simplest food is the best. A nice rich tomato soup, or a stew. Especially on a cold winter’s day. Like i’ve said. I’m so glad i’ve got my tablet. I freshen up my bed & get a good drama, or comedy on & it just relaxes me. Hope you enjoy your meatballs. I did enjoy mine. I added some olives too.
I've just finished a bowl of them..haha.Am always looking up on Twitter/X for food posts, I closed my account a few days ago, I had hundreds of food posts on there and lots of followers but my time line was getting so many posts of all the terrible things that are happening in the world I got so stressed I didn't want to look at them any more.
I will a little salad with some more meatballs later on tonight.
I know. Things can become overwhelming! Our mental health is as important as our physical health too. When i can’t sleep. I love putting sounds of the sea on my phone. Or sounds of a thunderstorm. I pull the duvet round me & feel warm & safe. Then let the soothing sounds wash over me. There’s another thing i like. Which sort of helps u meditate. I can’t remember where i found it. But someone was talking to u as if you’re gong through a snow storm & u find a little hut in the distance. It helps u find comfort when you’re warm & safe! Glad you enjoyed your food. I often read how good olive oil is good for lots of health crap.
I sometimes put a video on of fish living within corals..so sound. It's like having a beautiful fish tank that lights up in your bedroom. I confess that I do take a very powerful sleeping pill and they help a lot with insomnia. I was brought up on olive oil, I know some people drink a small amount every day, I use it in all my salads and in some of my cooking. I sometimes put it on the end of soft crusty bread.
The feeling of cuddling into my bed and drifting away into sleep is all I need.
Fish can be very relaxing. Colourful too. I love night lights. I’ve got loads. I’ve got some behind my tv. Some round my lounge wall & a lovely little orange, red, silver Moroccan lamp. stick a dvd on & a couple of glasses of wine. Really relaxes me.
Olive oil’s meant to be good for loads of things. Meant to help with joint problems, lower blood pressure. I should use it more. Turmeric’s meant to be good. Eases inflammation.
Sounds like you have your home well organized for it to peaceful and relaxing.My house is a dump and can be very depressing with 5 kids who are not very helpful in keeping it clean.
I am able to walk with crutches little bit today with the medicine the hospital gave yesterday, I had to go back today but couldn't, will go on Monday.
Use olive oil whenever can, I do honestly believe it's good for you.
We use turmeric in some of our cooking but that all. I use a lot of fresh ginger in cooking and tea like masala chai, and lemon honey freshly grated ginger.
Wow. Bloody hell. 5 kids? I don’t envy u!!! I live alone. But I have a hamster called Sidney. He makes me laugh whenever i’m having a crap day. I have a partner too. He has his own place. When i’m in pain. I can be a miserable cow. Most of the time i like my own space. Although it is nice when someone else makes you a cuppa! Or cooks. He’s a great cook & i like to eat! So that’s a great combination! It’s great you’re able to use your crutches a bit more. Sometimes when i have a bad flare. I think i’ll never get better. We all need to be gentle on ourselves. Don’t rush things too much & don’t over do it. It’s great your wife is a good cook too. She sounds supportive. It’s important when you’re not well, that you have someone u can rely on!
So sorry you are going through this also! I’ve had x2 ambulances in the last 2 days and hospital, rheumy and Gp, never ending nerve pain. I have an MRI tom. The ambos and hospital were really understanding and can help with transport and things to make the pain manageable for the journey. I tried just staying at home hoping it would settle down with my normal meds but if you’re at that pain level, as hard as it is, I’d ask for some help. Good luck, I really hope it eases for you soon.
It's starting to ease up a little today, probably the pain killers are able to do their job now, but still has a long way to go. My wife will drive me to the hospital tomorrow, I know I will be OK with medications once I get there. I know the ambulance have things that really help with pains they move you, I think it was oxygen they gave me when I hurt my back and was in agony, the pain just disappeared.
I need to have a good rest tonight, maybe a sleeping pill.
note my diagnosis is Adult Onset Stills Disease which for me manifests as RD. joint pain is constant but I also have gout in one big toe and I agree wholeheartedly that the pain is agony. Even the air hurts it and it’s impossible to cover the foot with anything like a sock or bed sheet. I avoid trigger foods, anything acidic, tannins and alcohol as they are all known irritants of gout. I’m hoping for a steroid injection in a few months although this is not a magic cure but I’ll try anything. Good luck.
The doctors in the orthopedic department have given me steroid injections for other things and they have work straight away, it will be wonderful to get some pain relief and a proper diagnosis. I haven't been very good with food and I do love a cold beer, but I probably have make some changes now. I really want a proper diagnosis, I think I both the arthritis and gout.
I have this in July last year, the night before my neck started to hurt, woke up and couldn't move oh and the pain was something else, different pain to my usual RA pain. When I woke in the morning I couldn't walk to the bathroom, my husband was away for work so my sister was here and had to hold me up and kick my leg for me to move it. I'd strongly suggest going to seeing your gp or call 111 if in UK. They can give you the stuff you need, treatment or advice. We can't tell you what to take. Good luck
I can bend my leg today without crying, l might be able go to hospital tomorrow, if not definitely on Friday, it's near to home, wife will drive me there and they put you in a wheelchair from the car. The orthopedic doctors there are OK I've seen them a few times for other reasons. It's definitely different this time, just when I thought things couldn't get worse, they have.Thanks for your reply, a few kind words go a long way.
I'm so sorry to hear you're in so much pain, pain can be debilitating and destroy your life over the years I've seen many many doctors due to a fractured neck and fractured back hit head on by a drunk driver and the pain in my back is was so bad I was eating painkillers and they were doing nothing half the problem was the doctor stuck me on pills and left me there until I got away from that doctor!!!My new doctor I couldn't say enough he saved my life he got me on the right medications and I no longer have to take handfuls of narcotics which that's a blessing in disguise.....
If you're not happy with that doctor you keep going until you find a doctor that will help you and you keep going till you find a doctor that will truly help you and not just stick you on some pain pills and say here you go you're fine no no you keep pushing until they find the problem with the and put you on the correct medication which for me was gabapentin it saved my life non-narcotic made a world of difference now I'm not saying I don't have something of course I do but now I'm able to think move of course I'm not 20 years old anymore I'm 60 but I truly think I don't would be even walking without my new doctor and my new medication so please if you're not happy with your doctor and he doesn't find a solution you keep going till someone does help you best of luck to you I know you're situation and I will pray for you 💖🙏💖🙏💖💖🙏
Am seeing doctors in the morning, they have been very good in the past with some of my other health issues, I know exactly what I need them to do, and they will definitely be doing it. I need a proper diagnosis with the medicine for it. It's one of two private hospitals that mostly use, l will try them first.Thank you for taking the time to write to me, every reply has been very helpful.
Just when we think our bodies can't fail us anymore than they do something else crops up. I had the worst year in my 20+ RA life last year, it was just one thing after another. You are more than welcome, they definitely do go a long way. You never know what someone is truly feeling behind the post and a snidey unnecessary comment is unhelpful and can lead to all sorts. It costs nothing to be kind and change a person's mindset. Hope you get it sorted, nothing worse than being hindered from doing things x
Hurting a lot this morning and because of some of the medication I've been sleeping on my right shoulder to long and it's set that off as well..hahaha.
I was going to the hospital this morning but they just told me the rheumatologist is not in today and they booked me in for tomorrow. Just have to relax and wait.
Sounds like gout I was hospitalized with gout it was that severe because if you have a severe outbreak and you walk on that you could bust the bone doctor told me that that's why the hospitalized me for 7 days was not able to get up they had me on stripped bed rest until the medicines worked to be very careful you could break a bone or your foot you could break your foot please beware if I were you I'd get to a doctor right away gout is nothing to mess with best luck to you hoping you feel better 💖🙏💖🙏💖🙏💖
Your description sounds like gout or cellulitis to me , both of which need urgent medical diagnosis and treatment. If cellulitis you would need antibiotics and if gout something like allopurinol on prescription. I know that the pain of gout is often so bad that you cannot even have a sheet touching your skin. Elevate your foot if you can. Without diagnosis we cannot help. Ask a chemist or doctor if you can have Naproxen or a painkiller when tests are going on.If gout eating a suitable diet for gout might help including pineapple.
Hope things are beginning to ease and you have now been seen by a doctor to determine diagnosis . Its important that you treat gout as quick as possible when in flare. Most of the treatment except the drugs & diet are similar for gout including knee replacement. Hopefully you will get a good Doctor & sensible treatment & advice from here on in . Every Best wish.
Am actually in the hospital now waiting to be seen..hopefully I will get something to ease the pain. It really is rocket high.Thanks so much for asking about me 🙏
I was just thinking of you and wondered if you could have CRPS in your foot. I had it in my hand when the plaster came off after I broke my wrist. It felt really weird for me and I didn’t find it particularly painful but I was able to get treated right away which I think made a difference because I know a lot of people who do get it find it absolutely agonising.
Good luck with the doctor, hope they can help your pain.
I just come back from hospital and the doctor thinks it be an infection in my foot.Am not very clear on what it is and they have taken more blood for testing, I will go again tomorrow to find out more.
I did have injections for pain and antibiotics via intravenous and a hole lot of other medications to bring home.
The blood tests today showed that I have very high inflammation 164.200
This morning after going to the hospital yesterday, I am feeling better, that is to say am able to think more clearly and I can get to walk a bit with crutches and the pain has lessen a lot..still very swollen. Am going back to hospital in a few hours time to find out if the second lot of blood tests are helpful.
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