it won’t settle down

[Pepsimax72]

so…I was diagnosed with palindromic onset RA in 2021. From what I can gather that means it goes as quick as it flares and when I have a flare it bounces round different joints. I posted on here in August about a bad flare and was looking forward to a steroid injection. Injection was not the holy grail I thought it might be and only lessened the pain slightly and stopped it in my shoulders and wrists. Fingers and jaw have gradually got worse again and today I’m back to wrists and shoulders hurting too. I had a consultant appointment booked for 6th November but they’ve cancelled it “due to unforeseen circumstances”. 😭 😭. I am travelling abroad tomorrow for a holiday and was wondering if there’s any tips to try and lessen the pain while I’m away. I have in my possession naproxen, ibuprofen, paracetamol and 2 different strength co codamol. Which should I use? 🤔

[welsh12]

Heat or cold wraps it's trial and error with medication watch the interactions do you have a splint for your wrist or some gloves compression helps a little. Hope your holiday is ok

[medway-lady]

My RA moves about and if you're going somewhere warm it might not even be an issue as it can improve with heat and less humidity.

[Lolabridge]

I find cocodamol works best for me but I can’t take ibuprofen anyway. Beware of it causing constipation though!

Ibuprofen has a good anti inflammatory but only when taken continuously. It can take several days for the anti inflammatory effect to work best. But never take it without food as it can damage your gut.

Enjoy your holiday!

[Brushwork]

My RA began with Palindromic, it was so difficult to manage. I’m not sure anything much helped other than reducing the pain slightly. I was almost pleased when the RA took hold properly and I was medicated for that. Sorry that is not very helpful. I tried all of the anti-inflammatories (some are no longer prescribed), but found mixing low dose codiene, paracetamol and naproxen along with omeprozol for my stomachs, were most effective to reduce pain.

I now know that my food intake, exercise and meds are the only way…

Hope the warmth, relaxation and sunshine helps.

[Mostmoses]

Ibuprofen is an anti-inflamatory. I’d try that first.

[Chester1975]

Have you tried the gel called bio freeze my physio uses it and it’s great to travel with x I take 400mg ibuprofen and the tablets which line the tummy.! Hope you have a lovely holiday. Lots of fresh fruit and vegetables / salads will help the body to combat inflammation also. Xx

[Cat-E]

Hot and cold gel packs with a wrap thing to attach to your self were my life savers but obviously only if you are going some where where you can make them hot or cold! I also found deep freeze gel very good for the middle of the night when pain wouldn't let me sleep. I also tool ibuprofen and paracetamol alternatively around every 3 hours to keep a bit of pain relief topped up. Hope you have a lovely holiday 😀

[MadisonCounty]

I can't take ibuprofen, but my rheumy recommended I use ibuprofen gel. I find it helps a lot. I prefer Boots own brand, always read the information leaflet though.

[oldtimer2]

1. using pain relief regulary rather than waiting for the pain to return is thought to prevent the nerve synapses from becoming habituated to passing on the signals. A combination of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like naproxen regularly with co-codamol (which contains paracetamol and codeine) OR paracetamol (not both! or you will take too much paracetamol) is probaly the best regime. You may find being on holiday in a warmer place (if it is warmer?) improves your symptoms anyway. Don't forget simple things like pacing yourself so that you don't do too much at one time, and getting a balance between resting and keeping active, heat wraps for individual joints, support and gentle frequent movement (in water if you can).

2. 'Palindromic' often becomes continuous and you need to let your rheumy team know that you need reviewing when you are back from holiday.

Have a good holiday!

[Beviej]

Pal began 30 years ago. Never left for me. I take arava everyday now and it keeps it under control