Not coping with the pain of osteoarthritis and vasculitis

[Solidflo]

I have so much pain with both conditions, and take Naproxen, Gabapentin and Solpodol. I have an appointment on the 29th July with a rheumatologist, but lately the pain and stiffness in my wrists,hands,fingers, ankles, and feet are taking over my daily life. I cry everyday with pain, and meds only seem to ease my back pain but does not relieve any of the pain/cramping/stiffness in my hands and feet. I also seem to get bad headaches and my eyes feel itchy and blurred. My veins are very prominent and sore to the touch and have some bruising on both ankles. I have full body vitiligo so cannot show any photos as it all looks so awful! Any advice will be welcomed.

[PMRpro]

You don't say anything about how old you are but if you are over late-40s please ask your doctor to consider whether you may have polymyalgia rheumatica and/or giant cell arteritis. The headaches could be a sign of the second and it does require serious consideration as it can affect your sight.

If you are younger an alternative might be Takayasu's arteritis which is similar. For PMR/GCA prednisolone is the drug of choice, not entirely sure about Takayasu's.

[SABG]

Hi Solidflo, just a thought about the cramp attacks as I too have Vasculitis - WG/GPA and Osteoarthritis - I was suffering awful cramps in hands/feet and was prescribed Sodium Bicarbonate 500mgs x 2 in attacks and it works!! Take care and heed the advice of PMRpro.

[deniseann]

I was having the same problem too. Was referred to pain clinic at my local hospital by my GP .

The appointment was very good. He did a full assessment,totally concentrating on my pain issues only.

The night times were the worse for me, constant pain and no sleep.

We are trying Gabapentin and Brutran patches, which have helped some going back to GP next week to find if my dosage needs changing and see pain consultant every 12 weeks until we get things sorted. I have been dealing with so many issues that I never ask for help regaining pain, I wish I had.