Methotrexate

[Wishlady]

I have a dianosis of stills desease and orthoarthritis. I take methotrexate for the stills which my consultant says is well managed but the pain from the orthoarthritis causes me problems. What pain killers do other people take please.

[helixhelix]

as much as possible I try to use gentle approaches for osteo. So using splints, ice and heat packs, diclofenac gel and things like that. And paracetamol sometimes with anti-inflammatories..

I have been prescribed stronger stuff ut have never used it as holding off as long as possible.

[StormySeas]

I don’t know where your OA pain is but just in case like mine it's is in your foot (metatarsal) when you walk, I've found that new insoles have given me a dramatic reduction in pain.

In case you're interested they're Diaped Duosoft Insoles. Apparently they're NHS prescribed, but I think for diabetics.

X

[Wishlady in reply to StormySeas]

Thankyou for your reply . It's in my upper and lower spine. I'm using heat pads at the moment because the medication I've tried doesn't work.

[StormySeas]

Oh sorry, poor you, that must be very draining ☹️

[Stills]

making contact as a fellow member with Stills!

[Wishlady in reply to Stills]

Hello there, how are you at the.moment? I was diagnosed with stills in july 2024 I was hospiised for 10 days, I was very ill until they knew was it was and medicated me . It's been quite a journey. I'm 64 in couple of weeks! Best wishes

Heather

[Stills in reply to Wishlady]

I was diagnosed aged 17 in 1979 after months of being bedridden. After a week in hospital they diagnosed and prescribed and a few years later I weaned off meds. I’m 63 now with joint pain etc and it’s hit worse in the last 25 years …since menopause.

[Wishlady in reply to Stills]

Hi there, It sounds like it's been difficult for you. I hope you have found a way to manage it.

They are starting me on a biodrugs on 22 April and I'm hoping my stills will be managed better because I'm on a lot of medication at the moment to keep me pain free and moblie. Methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine,steriods, folic acid alendronic acid. I don't like taking them but have no choice. I also have orthoarthritis in my upper,lower spine and knee. Without the medication the pain and other symptoms are unbelievable.

Best wishes

[Stills in reply to Wishlady]

I know things will have changed dramatically since my diagnosis in 1979 but the RA drug I was given was Indocid slow release capsules and they worked for me without side effects as far as I can recall. Other drugs apart from steroids were distalgesics for pain, and DF118, large doses of enteric coated aspirin for example, I don’t expect this is of help to you today but just sharing. I also had splints for my wrists and braces on my knees and special shoes provided by the hospital. As I said, 1979 was a different time. One word of caution; since my late 20s I’ve used codeine based meds for pain relief and have recently been diagnosed with diverticulitis ( not uncommon in ones 60s) but GP did say codeine is a contributory cause. In the last few years I’ve discovered that Stills can damage organs which I was unaware of before. Even down to the workings of the ear, I now have treatments for tinnitus and vertigo for example. Other AI things have joined in such as Lichen Sclerosus, Intistitial Cystitis, dry eyes and Deputyrens Contracture (spellings sorry). I also have strange mole/rash/ growths all I er my torso which I’m certain RA based. I only took steroids for about 5 years and no stomach protectors were issued in those days nor anything for bone health. A dexa scan in my early 30s warned I was osteoporotic so I was able to take action then. I think that’s all I can offer you except that acidic food, and tannins in wine and tea definitely make it worse. I hope you have better days and meds that do the job 😀