worst flare to date.

[Pepsimax72]

I have had pain in fingers, wrists, shoulders and jaw for nearly three weeks. Moves about each day between the different joints. I also have an insect bite on my right leg which has been there for three days and is about half the size of my thigh. I have left a message on the hospital answer machine but no reply. Is this a normal occurrence ?

[Hopeful1]

How awful for you. Can you try emailing the consultant's secretary? If still no joy try the hospital PALS. Hope you get help soon .

[Monkeysmum]

Sorry to hear about your flare Pepsimax, doesn’t sound normal at all to me so I hope the hospital get back to you soon. Perhaps you could ask a pharmacist to look at your insect bite as they may be able to suggest something and easier than getting in to the doctor? 🤗

[Fruitandnutcase]

You may well be needing antibiotics for the insect bite but as Monkeysmum suggests, speak to your pharmacist about it and they might be able to suggest something.

[GSD23]

If you cant get anywhere with a Pharmacist. I went to minor injuries with an infected insect bite. They can prescribe antibiotics for it if necessary. The hospital number you rang and left a message is that the clinical nurse specialist line or just a general hospital line for Rheumy? if it is just a general one. Have a look on previous letters and see if you have the clinical nurse specialist helpline number and or the Admin secretary number.

[OSTEOARTHRITISRA]

Hi its normal with me I gave up phoning the line

Aa mentioned

Maybe

Email the secretary and explain about no replys and the line not fit for purpose for feedback

You may get a response

Your gp cam email as well for you

You do need imput just now

Maybe do an emergency appointment with gp today

P.s there is a survey post from 6 days ago about the phone line

Incase you want to leave feedback

[Mall]

Flares can be triggered by an infection so get the insect bite treated, see your GP or pharmacist asap for advice.

It sounds as if your rheumatoid disease is not under control. Ask your rheumatology dept for an urgent review. It maybe your meds need tweaking. In my early experiences with RA my jaw coming into play was my indicator that my drugs needed amending, with inflammation out of control.

In the meantime get plenty of rest, and coset yourself. It’s essential to rest any joints in flare. If you have wrist splints use them, try an arm sling for a day or two for a shoulder in flare. Be gentle with your jaw by eating easy to chew foods, make use of a liquidiser and juicer if eating becomes difficult. Drinking is easier than chewing so soups are good. If it’s hard to talk then don’t, read a book watch tv instead.

Your GP may be able to give a steroid shot to tide you over until you see your rheumatologist if the flare is particularly debilitating and you can’t get a quick appointment.

[Happy5]

I got a tic bite which required antibiotics, it triggered a flare plus had to stop my RA control meds which while taking the antibiotics. I needed an intramuscular steroid injection to dampen my flare. Are you not able to contact your GP how I got my antibiotics?

Do you have access to 111 also as said by others speak with your pharmacist?

Speedy recovery.

[Doodlereggie in reply to Happy5]

So strange to see this post today,as I got an insect bite on Monday in the garden,it started to spread up my arm in a few hours so went to pharmacy.Because they know I am on immunosuppressants they would not prescribe,took me next door to g.p. to explain.gp could not see me and made appointment for the following morning.as I watched it going up my arm I panicked and took myself off to minor injuries unit before it closed.Triage nurse said would give me immediate antibiotics as had cellulitis from bite.Had to suspend JAK meds so have a bit of a flare,ain’t life grand!!Anyway today,going to take a risk and start them again,as no sign of infection now.it can all change in a second with ra can’t it!Just having a few tv binge days to compensate.xx

[Leics]

Hi as others have suggested my first point of call would be the pharmacist for your insect bite. Draw a ring around the area and if the redness exceeds the line go see your GP asap it already sounds nasty. I’m sure the pharmacist will be able to advise you whether you need an antibiotic cream or tablets or antihistamine cream or steroid one for the bite. As far as your three week flare is concerned I would keep leaving messages on the answerphone if you’ve still not heard anything yet. I know you probably think you’re being a nuisance but persistence is your only option if your call for help isn’t answered. Failing that ring the hospital switchboard and asked to be put through to your consultants secretary if you don’t have the number and explain to them that you’re really struggling and need some help. Keep trying someone will get back to you eventually. Good luck let us know how you get on.

[Pepsimax72]

Just an update. My rheumy clinic phoned me back today after a week. Getting an overall steroid injection on Tuesday (bank holiday😞). Always feel like a fraud when they question me because I’m not dying in agony at that particular time they phoned. I think I’m just paranoid, like I’m faking having RA🫣. Thanks for the help to everyone x

[Lex54 in reply to Pepsimax72]

We always worry about having treatment! If you feel that bad you'll feel the benefit. Make sure you rest up after your injection. Good luck .

[Lex54]

Go to medical assessment. If you have a bite half the size of your thigh you could be seriously ill and require Iv antibiotics!