Ann the only way to get the answers your looking for is to contact your rheumy department. Have you thought it might be fibromyalgia. I had pain in places all over and sometimes they go away and then they come back. I was diagnosed last august with that to add to the ra. Life sucks doesn't it. I am sending you hugs. xxxx
There are lots of different drugs so don't worry for the moment, as some drugs work better for some people than others. And how long have you been on MTX and hydroxy (Quinoric)? They can take a few months to start working properly. If it's longer than that then I'd ask rheumy.
What's interesting is that you have changed from just taking an anti-inflammatory (arthrotec) to these stronger drugs which actually attack the disease. And the steroid jabs also just help with the symptoms so not brilliant as a long term solution (although for some people nothing else works). Did your doc change you over because your symptoms were getting worse anyway? Unfortunately RA is a progressive disease, so if not controlled it does continue to eat away at bits of you, so it's good that you've been put on something more effective - but not so good that it's not making enough of a difference yet.
anyway, don't despair. There are othe solutions so go back to doc to discuss. And just to ask silly question, you have asked whether the shoulder pain is RA rather than something mechanical? Good luck. Polly
Hi Gazelle, at last someone who sounds a little like me on the drugs front!
I too lived quite happily on indomethacin (nsaid) from ages 14 to 40, after that doctors decided it was too aggressive on stomach, so the tried various NSAIDs, and managed to keep active, even though I had had knees and hips replaced. Then I had a little flare after complicated surgery. I was told I reall y should be on a Dmard, hated methotrexate, so many side effects for me,so in the the process of trying to find one that suits, not an easy task! I actually, had a very nice time on Embrel which is a biologic, but it decided not to like me! There are so many new good drugs out there, and as others have said you really have to discuss this with your consultant. It does some as though your current drugs are not quite suiting you, have you had your bloods checked?
The reason for giving us these powerful drugs is to safeguard our joints, and although they are not always pleasant, neither is joint surgery and losing on functionality. I wish I had had the benefit of these when I was younger now. There are a number of reasons for your pain, get on the phone to your GP and consultant today!!! Take lots of care, and let us know how your getting on.
PS Gazelle, have you tried another GP or maybe a second opinion, doctors do not always understand, and you do not have to be in pain. I wish you all the very best, and keep writing, as sharing also helps loads. Jennyxxx
My consultant is new to me and she appears to be someone who
will listen. I have brought my next appt forward so will see what she has
to say next week, maybe review my drugs.
Due a blood test but last ones were fine and BP fine.
I have just sat down to watch a bit of telly and within secs fell asleep.
I know I have had a few bad nights but even when sleeping I wake up tired.
I do believe this years weather has hit me hard, as it has many us sufferers.
Thanks to all for listening,.
Ann
Try the naproxen I take it because like you I have bad muscle pain in the arms.i believe my muscles and soft tissue flares when my joints are bad so I'm not using them properly.nap helps andnim now on amatriptaline too.
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Pain in my right shoulder and down my arm.
Severe pain in left shoulder blade.
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain
Shoulder pain 
