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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/18/2010 Posts: 45 Location: Barnsley
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I've had to make an emergency appointment at the docs today as my pain is getting so bad. For the last few days I've had a constant gnawing, grinding pain in my hips and lower back. When I've been sat at work my hips feel like they are spasming and then freezing tight before spasming again. I've been chucking ibuprofen, and paracetomol down my throat and they haven't had one bit of an effect on it. I haven't been able to take codeine because I'm at work and it makes me drowsy and dizzy. I'm on my 7th of 8 shifts tonight but have had to ring them and say I'm going to the docs first so will be late in, in the hope I can get some stronger pain relief. I feel like I'm walking bending the top half of my body forward, like I need a zimmer frame or something! This morning I got out of bed and nearly wet myself because I could't stand upright to walk to the toilet. I had to lay bent over the bed for 5 minutes until my body started to work, and even then I was doing shuffling baby steps rather than walking. And this is extra pain on top of the usual pain everywhere in all my joints. It all seems to have got worse after I started taking the Methotrexate (4 weeks now), and I'm scared the doc will end up signing me off work because even though it'd be lovely to not have to go, I'm aware it's a slippery slope to being off work long term which would just complicate matters. The appointment I have is only a 5 minute appointment though, designed for things that won't wait until a routine one is available (next week), and I just know I'll burst into tears as soon as I walk through the door and not get across everything that I want to say and will probably just get fobbed off with a load of painkillers that won't work. I'm sorry for being negative but that's the way I feel today. I'm a little fed up of trying to put a brave face on and deal with it as though it's just a bit of pain. Gemma Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/26/2010
Posts: 271
Location: hampshire
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Hi Gemma, poor you having this much pain. Its the best thing to get to the gp asap and probably to be signed off which isnt ideal I know but may be the only course. I had a flare in my back in MArch and was off work, bed rest most of the time and doped up to the eyeballs! It worked along with some physio and water therapy.
Really feel for you right now as the pain just drags you down so much.
Hope you get sorted soon, take care
Heather xxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 5/19/2010
Posts: 384
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Hi Gemma
Really feel for you, can't give any advice as I'm still new to all this myself, but from what I read on here you really do need to rest and stop pushing yourself so hard, listen to your body, you may make things worse.
Anne x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/18/2010 Posts: 45 Location: Barnsley
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Hi Yeah I think I'm kind of not willing to admit yet that I need to slow down. My kind of way of coping so far seems to have been to make out to people (and to myself) that it's not as bad as it seems and that I can cope with it, when obviously I can't. I've decided no matter the outcome with the gp, I'm going to ring work and tell them I'm not coming in. I can't make myself sit there for 2 more shifts with that kind of pain going on. Being off sick worries me though because this will be my 3rd time sick in 12 months which kickstarts the whole absence policy thing which starts all of the informal, and then formal attendance meetings. I know RA is considered under the DDA, but it's just something else to worry about isn't it. Roll on 4 o'clock... Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Gemma.
You poor thing . Hopefully Doc will sort you out. I was in a similar situation back in March
I had long working hours in Management and exactly the same as you did not want to admit
I could not cope. I cried ALL the time, constant pain and snapping at my husband . So I
am aware how you felt.
I went to my GP just like you and yes he signed me off, yes I am the main wage earner,
and YES I really needed to be signed off. My BP was very high, that now controlled with
2 BP tablets, RA is slowing getting sorted,gave me pain releive and because I was soo low he started me on
Prozac. I was dead against it, but I do have to say that I am coping 'in general' much
better.
Good luck update us later.
Rose x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Gemma,
really feel for you ... i'm in so much pain too after 4 months plus on Methotrexate but i don't work and that's the difference, ( Hubby is Breadwinner and i'm 57 and gave up work long time ago before RA )
at least i can give in to it, even though i hate it and find it hard too. i did way too much on Monday in the house, so had a quiet day yesterday. managed to do my shopping this morning.
i honestly think you are going to have to give in and rest yourself, i can't tolerate painkillers i feel very odd on them but as i say i can cope at home and getting about locally with the car so i can get on with my way of life.
truly understand your worries about work but there's no point putting yourself under this much stress, have you phoned your Rheumy Nurse and told her. i know you're going to the GP but perhaps a call to the Nurse might be in order too.
come back and let us know how you get on,
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/5/2010 Posts: 364 Location: mid glamorgan
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Hi Gemma
Feel really sorry for you I know how you feel.. Good luck with the dr and please rest up and take time off work let us know how you get on take care
Ceri xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/18/2010 Posts: 45 Location: Barnsley
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Hi all Well I saw a nice doctor who was lovely about it when I sat down and burst into tears. I came clean and told her I couldn't cope and she immediately said I needed to be off work and has signed me off for 2 weeks. I think she was more concerned about my mental state than the physical pain, and said I'd had a big shock being diagnosed and needed to have time to digest it and recover from it. The pain in my hips are because the joints will be inflamed, so my muscles around them are spasming. She said I need to take the codeine on top of diclafenac/paracetomol/ibuprofen so that's another reason why she signed me off because I can't take the codeine when I'm at work. I've come away from the chemist with another lovely big bag of drugs and I have now decided I am definitely getting one of those pre payment certificate things for the prescriptions as I'm spending around £60 a month on them it seems. I have Omeprazole capsules as I'm starting to get stomach pains from all the drugs and Macrogol to help with constipation from the codeine. I've had to get a little box to keep all my drugs in I now have so many! And I was always a person that always tried to avoid taking pain killers or drugs. So the fact I now seem to have to rely on so many is really irritating me. I also have one of those tablet organisers that it split into days of the week and am/pm to help me. Anyway, I feel so much better after seeing her. I feel relieved that I have 2 weeks where I have to worry about nothing but me, although I feel guilty for being signed off work. For the next 2 weeks I am not going to make plans of things to do...usually when I have annual leave I decide to do decorating/cleaning etc, but I'm going to be mindful of not planning to do anything, and to definitely not overdo it even if I feel better. I'm also going to try to go swimming every day although I may need to start that in a few days time once this pain has hopefully settled down. I have shelves of books to read, and if the arthritis in my hands allow it, knitting to do. I also bought a sewing machine a bit ago vowing to teach myself to sew, so if I am feeling good one day I may have a go at that. But I have to remember....no pressure. I have an appointment at rheumatology next Thursday and I have a list as long as my arm of stuff I need to ask them. Previously I've kind of let them talk at me, as I've not known what it is I'm dealing with, but now I'm more clued up on RA I am going back there on a mission! I think I might be starting to accept that I am not Superwoman. Oh, and I have this forum to post on  Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 9/5/2010 Posts: 364 Location: mid glamorgan
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Hi Gemma
So pleased that your drs appt went well, and hope you get some relief with the painkillers.. Dont feel guilty for taking 2 weeks off it will do you good, sit and read, knit and chill out! Take care
Ceri x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/21/2009
Posts: 106
Location: cornwall
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hi gemma
sorry you are in soooo much pain
so pleased your doctor appointment went well
i agree with the others don not feel guilyty taking time off work--plenty of rest!!!
PLEASE get a pre payment card you can pay monthly 10.40 per month at the moment---BIGGGG saving--you pharmacy should have the forms --if not go to your doctors surgery they should have them to hand for you.
take care and get plenty of frest and TLC
love
caz xxx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hello Gemma,
So glad got on well with an understanding Doc. Glad also you signed off for couple weeks.
This is time for YOU now. Enjoy your reading and watching day time tv(tv ok for a few weeks,
after that it gets a little repetitive).
It good you see RA peeps next week they may tweak your drugs and really begin to get
you sorted out.
Prescriptions - yes as Caz I signed up when I became a 'druggie'. I paid that first
day by debit card and signed up the same day (form at the chemist) and I actually got
a refund for the 7 lots of tablets I ended up paying for ) So def worth sorting as soon as and
just keep your receipt.
Good reading
Rose
ps What a lovely picture of yourself.
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 838 Location: Nottinghamshire
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Really pleased to see you had a good appointment.
You sound so much calmer now, I sometimes think that crying makes them realise just how bad things are and they do sit up and listen more.
Enjoy your time at home and don't even think of doing anything, not even if you start to feel better.
Paula x x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 714
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Gemma
I am so sorry to hear how you are suffering and glad that you have a supporting G.P. When you are diagnosed with RA it turns your world upside down and everything you took for granted previously now has to have thought.
Your GP did the best thing in signing you off from work. The only way to get over a bad flare is rest and more rest. When you do return to work can I suggest that your give your management and HR department a copy of the NRAS booklet for employers if you have not already done so. This then explains that you are not just "throwing a sicky" and how you may be affected in the long term. I gave a copy to my employer and they have been brilliant in supporting me over the last year and half since my diagnosis.
I also signed up for a yearly prescription. I pay around £10.00 per month by direct debit and it has been worth it's weight in gold. If you have the receipt from your medication this week, keep it, and then when your card comes through go back to the chemist and they will refund you. I have the pill box divided into days and a.m. and p.m. It is the only way I remember what to take and when. I like you loathe taking tablets but unfortunately they are a necessary evil.
I would also suggest that you do take up a hobby of some sort. The sewing sounds good. I started card making at the beginning of this year. It is my "occupational therapy". I sit most evenings and weekends doing it. This means I rest my joints, have something to occupy my mind and get quite a kick out of it. I do think this has stopped me getting depressed about my health.
I have had quite a bad flare recently and am having to change my medication and yes I also burst into tears with my GP. I did not realise that I was upset until he asked me now I was and the floodgates just opened. Sometimes it is good to talk to someone who can be objective and give you that support that your family are not always able to give as they do not understand your illness.
Enjoy your rest and hope you start to feel better soon.
Jackie
xx
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 2/26/2010
Posts: 271
Location: hampshire
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Hi Gemma, really glad you've got something sorted. I know how you feel being off work, but it really is the best thing for you. Re the painkillers I was like that too, not wanting to take them or relying on them so know how you feel there as well!
Be kind to yourself and I really hope you start to feel better soon
love
Heather xxx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 8/25/2010 Posts: 1,289 Location: Buckinghamshire
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hi Gemma,
glad your GP appointment went well, and you've been signed off.
i understand about the shock of coming to terms with the diagnosis of it too ... i lost over half a stone in just a week with it all and the fact of having to go onto Methorexate. and can also relate to shedding tears in the Surgery, something i seem to do a lot at the moment.
take this time to rest yourself and do as you please with no pressures.
take care
Suzanne x
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Rank: Advanced Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
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Hi Gemma Sorry to read of the problems you are having but so pleased that you have seen an understanding GP who has actually done something about your problems! The two weeks away from work will give your joints a rest, providing you don't sprint off to the pool immediately, and you time to regroup and get your head round things. I do think it's great having all this information about RA available to people but it can be one hell of a frightener at the outset! When I was diagnosed 22 years ago it was a case of you've got Rheumatoid Arthritis, here's some pills now go away and get on with your life. I had no idea what lay ahead, just as well really, no real idea what RA was and just hoped I would get better by taking said pills! By the time I actually realised it was my companion for life I was over the diagnosis anyway! The drugs are so much better now, new ones are being introduced all the time, and once the right treatment for you has been found you can look forward to a near normal life. You do need to pace yourself though because putting added pressure on inflamed joints can actually cause damage which is just what you don't want. So do rest when you can but keep gently mobile to avoid stiffness in the joints ... don't sit for too long! In time all the drugs will become your friends, you need them so don't be afraid to take them. It is a nuisance being reliant on drugs but for most of us it goes with the territory. Swimming is great exercise and although non weight bearing, as the water supports the joints, shouldn't be done whilst you are still in pain or in a flare. The disease really needs to be under control before you consider exercise and do take it very gently at the start. Jackie's advice is good and it is definitely well worth getting the employer's book from NRAS. Once your employer is aware of the problems they should be able to offer you the support you need and be understanding if you need time off. Hope you are able to get plenty of rest and start to feel an improvement soon. Take care Gemma  Lyn x
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 10/18/2010 Posts: 45 Location: Barnsley
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Hi all Thanks for the support I keep sitting here next to my partner Dave and telling him what all of you are saying. Because we're both pretty clueless at the moment it's nice to hear other people's opinions. I feel much better today for being able to actually take the codeine. My hips are still nagging at me but at least the pain is in the background along with all the other pain in my joints and I can cope with that. My hands haven't been hurting me at all today which I am amazed at, so I have sat on the couch all day and knitted. I can feel them seizing up a little and can see the swelling starting now so no doubt I'll pay for it tomorrow. It's a chance I'm willing to take as I need to knit to keep myself sane! I have signed up for a pre payment certificate and am amazed it's only going to be about £10 a month by direct debit. I'm itching to get to the pool but I do think I need to leave it until next week before I try. It's very hard because since January this year I have been on a mission to lose weight and have loved going to the gym 4 or 5 times a week for an hour a time. I loved being on the treadmill and the crosstrainer, sticking my earphones in and switching my mind off for an hour. And just as I feel I've lost a ton of weight (3 and a half stones so far), and start to feel healthier, RA happens! But I think as long as I can go swimming as an alternative to a workout I should be okay. Just have to watch what I eat more aswell. My work life is very inactive. I basically spend 10 hours a shift sat at my desk, and absolutely cannot leave my desk (as I'm constantly monitoring several computer screens) unless someone comes to cover my break. So I think I'm going to have to look at desk exercises. As for work - I'm planning to go back to Occupational Health (this'll be the 3rd visit), but now I have a diagnosis and feel more knowledgeable I'm going to insist on some help. I feel a bit as though I've been brushed aside previously so I won't let that happen again. My immediate manager is great, but in a department of hundreds of people no doubt there will be the odd few who think I'm taking the mick. It's the NHS though so I don't think I have to worry about policies and DDA being followed. I'm also a member of the Union so I have them on my side if I need help with anything employment related. Starting to feel a little brighter. Gem x Pain is inevitable. Suffering is optional.
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