Pain worse - but is it inflammatory arthritis, the osteoarthritis or fibromyalgia - or all 3?

[hazelcats]

Hi,I was diagnosed with OA about a year ago, hips, knees and hands. Also fibromyalgia in December and Inflammatory arthritis in April. Am on methotrexate metoject, and nothing else but one cocodamol and naproxen.

My symptoms, especially pain, stiffness and fatigue seem to be worsening. But I can't figure out where the symptoms are coming from unless the fibromyalgia is making everything worse?

The nurse seem to think I just need to give the mtx more time. Have a gp appt next week to talk about the impact all 3 conditions are having on day to day life,which is pretty pathetic. I can no longer even .and breakfast alone.

Atm every single movement hurts some part of my body. I do a little chair yoga and stretches a small.slow walk on the better days.

Anyone any suggestions?

[Deeb1764]

I have that mix with many others and I have learnt that I had to understand fibro more as this throws many spammers in the works and I now get “it” when everything kicks off.

Bad days or red days I know not much gets done and I lean on hubby for support on amber days I try to do more as I know even if pottering around the garden in fresh air helps me and the body.

Green days (I am not talking skipping jumping and taking on the world) I can push myself a bit more so today was my 2500 steps day for my lungs but also to help strengthen the body.

What has worked for me was pregabalin for the fibro but in the end came off it as it was not helping the itching headaches and general pain so I am trying pain mgmt techniques ie diverting the mind etc.

It’s not an easy road and weather affects me so so much wind rain and damp and my fibro goes thro the roof. Heat and humidity lungs and RA hate and OA hated damp. So I have learnt to not expect miracles from doctors just work out what’s best for me and makes me comfortable and less miserable.

Not sure this answer helps a lot but just saying hugs 🥰

[hazelcats in reply to Deeb1764]

Thanks so much. It is hard to juggle everything when there's so much going on🙄 I too have other conditions but these are the 3 that affect me most. Yes I'm pretty sure fibromyalgia is causing extra havoc by making everything else worse, or at least by our own bodies perception as to how much worse the symptoms feel.I do try to pace, and try to avoid the boom and bust, it's just sometimes the bad\red days seem almost constant.

As so am seronegative inflammatory arthritis diagnosed, a difficulty for me is it I am ' judged' symptom wise as bloods don't show up a and downs, it's hard for me to say where the pain is worse or what causes it? The rheumatologist won't touch the OA or fibromyalgia so so am seeing my gp ( agave to face appt!! Rare as hens teeth ) discuss all the affects each condition has on me as a whole, if that makes sense.

At least he is willing to talk about it.

Well done on the 2500 steps. That's a huge achievement, I see things like that as a kindness to ourselves, to do our best each day/hour.

Thought it was just me weather wise - whatever the weather it affects one of our conditions negatively! It's sort of reassuring someone understands but at the same time it's sad any of us have to struggle

Keep up the good work walking. I didn't do a walk today but cleaned the bathroom instead. It's a choice, one of the other, not both . That's my big thing today. But a cuppa in the garden as a reward. X

[Deeb1764 in reply to hazelcats]

Oh yes todays choice a walk and that is it. Cleaning tomorrow 😂

[Fluffontoast]

Sorry to hear that Hc, pain is awful and nobody understands unless they've had it. And when you have a good day everyone thinks you're better. I didn't get on with Naproxen, made me so groggy and weepy, so they gave me Celecoxib which didn't have those effects but none of the nsaids really helped. The nurse might be right about giving the Mtx longer, most people say around 4-6 weeks. But do ask for a different one if it's not for you.

[hazelcats]

Yes Fluff - any ' invisible ' illness and we get the But You Don't Look Ill and we feel pretty grim most days at best.Untried to cut down on the Naoroxen but I do think they make a bit of a difference. Will taking all over with gp next week.

I should have a 3 monthly review with the rheumatologist soon, so will bring it all up - I'm just a bit worried I can't say for definite where the pain is from? My hands are worse but I know I have OA there as Well as the inflammatory. I guess they will just have to decide whether to increase the dose and see if that helps.

And of the day we need to be informed, but trust in their knowledge. Thanks

[Karengreen66]

It really is the pits isn’t it 😢 I have all three of the conditions too and I’m seronegative so totally understand where you’re coming from. It’s almost as if you’re making it up because your bloods are fine.

I tried Pregablin and Gabapentin before but they didn’t agree with me and as I’ve got kidney problems I’m really limited to the medication I can take. Pacing, mindfulness helps to a point but doesn’t, for me personally, give me enough quality of life. I just do what I can within my limitations, rest as much as I can and try to simply enjoy life because until there is a miracle cure I’ve got to keep going.

Keep going Hazelcats, don’t let it beat you and be kind to yourself. Sending gentle hugs 🤗

[hazelcats in reply to Karengreen66]

Hi Karen ( you a 1966 girl like me?!)

Thanks so much Dr your reply. I'm sorry you have the Big Three conditions as well. And seronegative does in a way make you feel you don't really count!

I think I struggle a bit because all this has happened in a very short space of time, so don't have time to adapt or work with one thing then something else comes along. So I do get overwhelmed at the moment while I come to terms with it all fully.

Meanwhile I try like you, to pace, listen to my body and react to each different day/hour.

Quality of life has completely altered, but best I can I am trying to appreciate the small things and be grateful with the things I can do rather than the things I can't do.

It's going to take time but yep, I am mostly positive and won't let it beat me.

A thankful and gentle hug to you in return 😍

[Karengreen66]

I am a 1966 girl but feel about 166 😉 You’ll get there just hang on in there and keep finding things or ways to help you. Just because your life has changed, why should it be all on the illness’s terms. You can do it xxx

[hazelcats in reply to Karengreen66]

Yes 166 about right! But mentally ( bar the brain fog ) I still feel about 30... My body though disagrees with This theory. This forum really does help keep your spirits up. Thanks for the encouragement. 😁🌞