Everything was looking rosy and then.................... - NRAS

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Everything was looking rosy and then....................

stbernhard profile image
8 Replies

The progress I have made in the last 3 and a half years is astounding. All thanks to my team of RA carers, all the medication and positive thinking! From being almost bedridden to daily 1 hour walks, swimming 40 length and hoping to get on the bike soon. But then in the middle of February I had a massive flare up. Most of the symptoms have subsided, but a new and painful disorder affects the muscles surrounding my spine. From the neck down to just above the lumbar region. I'm just not able to shake it off!

Has anybody had a similar complaint? What can be done about it? It's another 6 weeks before I see the RA specialist, so any input would be most welcome. Thanks in advance. Keep positive and smiling!

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stbernhard profile image
stbernhard
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8 Replies

I think the only thing you can do is to push for an earlier rheumy appointment. I am pushing my GP to get me one just now because like you I had a flare up in early February and since then new pains are starting and old pains are coming back so I'm stiff, sore and a bit shuffly today if you kow what I mean? I dont think you should have to wait to find out what is afflicting the muscles around your spine? Like you I exercise daily and really try to keep on top of the RA myself with some help from 15mgs of Methotrexate - but it feels as if it's not enough now for me and my ESR is going up steadily again. Haven't you got a rheumy nurse you can ask or can you hassle your GP to be seen by your specialist sooner? Tilda

Gina_K profile image
Gina_K

I agree with Tilda, push for earlier apt.

Hi Tilda, how are you doing this week, any better hon? Any news re conference call or apt?..

in reply toGina_K

Okay thanks Gina - just upped my MTX to 17.5 mgs (7 little tablets) and am to go up to 20mgs over the coming weeks GP said. I've put it all in my question - still feeling very baffled by it all though but at least going up with MTX is progress and hopefully will knock the RA down there where it belongs again! TTx

Gina_K profile image
Gina_K in reply to

You should start to feel better soon, the max is 25mg per wk as far as I know, I was on 20 & reduced a few months ago to 17.5 doing good to date, tummy gets a bit rotten sometimes:(!

What other dmard you on plaquinil or sulpha, I can't remember?

in reply toGina_K

Not on any other Gina - just MTX for 6 months now. TTx

If it is muscular and the appointment cant be bought forward have you thought about seeing your Gp as a muscle relaxant such as diazepam may help?

helixhelix profile image
helixhelix

Oh WillyB, how awful for you. And you were doing so well.

Like Summer I was wondering whether it was something different from RA - like muscular or a problem with your discs? I had a dreadful time a few weeks back, with back pain and so on, and was worried that the RA had decided to attack a new bit of me. But anyway, I finally went to see my GP and then a physio and was transformed! I was hugely worried about anyone touching my joints, but she was immensely careful and it turned out to be nothing to do with my RA at all. I'd go talk to GP, and ask him/her to have a look. Polly

warrior profile image
warrior

Hi all Im new here! been on methtxte for 3 yrs and stopped for 6 months my doing...Ihad a wonderful remission .........but now just as Ive booked some harp lessons my right hand (2 middle fingers are locked ,painful) for a good 4 to 5 hrs for the last week !do I go back on the metho ?I really dont want to !damn it eh ?Rhian

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