Hello Everybody,

Since being diagnosed with RA in November last year I am trying to deal and manage it. But It's getting difficult. By the way I wanted to thank all the people who help me see life a bit positive last time I was in the forum.

I am on Meth x8 per week, Prednisolone x2 per day and Tramadol every hour since the last 3 weeks.

I'm a lot of pain and it's affecting my work and even things I want to do. I do take things easy but I've noticed when I go food shopping after 30 mins I am exhausted(my fiance always accompany me). My heart beat raised like I am having a a panic attack. I know it's early days yet but can anyone help by telling how to manage that unbearable pain. Specially at night my right side of my body ache a lots sometimes I cry I mean most of the time. My RA is worst in my right ankle, right hip, right shoulder, right hand and since last week all along my leg. My right side is getting heavy. I am getting really tired easily and I am a bit fed up with it.

I still do my blood test every 2 weeks, and the inflammation is a bit high.

It's just that the pain is getting down. I like going to the gym I am scared I get worst after. Even today I sat in the sun for less than 15 mins I feel my body was burning a lot. My ankle and hand always swollen. Getting up in the morning is the worst thing sometimes I feel force by the pain to stay in bed. After cooking today I was very tired and had to rest . Sometimes I get so tired, it gives me a headache. I feel like RA is taking my life over and I find it difficult to manage it.. like RA is mananging me not the way around.

My next appointment is in July but I am trying to get a appointment asap. It's so difficult to get an emergency appointment even with my GP.

I feel like my right side of my body is dead..

All these pain is affecting my work, my daily life and myself. I am taking things easy and most of the people around me are helping me specially my finace.

I am worried about my big day in July also. I'm getting married in July.

Any suggestion, any tips are welcome and thank you in advance for all your help.

Hi

I'm sorry that you are in so much pain. Ring your GP and get an appointment to sort out pain relief. I have amtriptyline 25mg at night which is really good for the pain. It does make you a bit sleepy to start with but if you take it around 7pm it's easier to get up and after 2 weeks you get more used to it. There are lots of pain relief out there, morphine, codeine etc which are all very good, your GP will advise you.

Also you could try phorpain gel and wheat bags heated up i find good.

Try and pace yourself and not over do things and rest when you can.

I hope you are feeling relief soon.

Love Shirley x

Hello,

Put the kettle on, make a brew and take a deep breath! Phew ...

It sounds as though things are running away with you and out of control.

1. Stop doing too much, the RA is not controlled and your body is yelling at you to slow down!
2. Pain relief, Tramadol on it's own is inadequate for this type of pain. You need something to take throughout the day and something stronger at bedtime so you get much needed rest. Pain relief and amtriptyline (which works differently) may be useful at this stage. Your GP can arrange this easily.
3. How high is the inflammation level? Is it being monitored properly? If it's inordinately high someone should be shouting by now!! can you speak to a rheumatology nurse?
4. Don't go to the gym when RA is uncontrolled. You will put unnecessary stress on your joints which could lead to damage. Gentle stretching to keep joints mobile is in order. Never exercise when joints are inflamed or RA active.
5. You are on high dose Methotrexate which is known to cause photosensivity. Avoid direct sunlight and use high factor sun cream to avoid possible burning and scarring.
6 Try to keep cooking down to a few nights a week by preparing and freezing meals in advance which can then be whizzed in the oven as required.
7. It certainly sounds as though the current meds aren't working for you and an early review is needed. Please press for an urgent appointment with rheumatology.

Above all you've a big day coming up so do get the help now rather than later, July is only round the corner. Don't let the RA grind you down. Try and stay positive there are lots of meds out there and something will be right for you

Take care,

Lyn x

*hugs gently*

No miracles to offer unfortunately - only best wishes that things sort themselves out for you asap!

Just one suggestion - can you cheat and order your food shopping via the net instead? Make someone else do the lifting for you!

Thank you for all your support and help.

still feeling the same. I've been to my GP today and he has not been very helpful. Just increase my prednisolone from 2 to 6 tablets a day. I need to a blood test tomorrow and go back to my GP on tuesday. He told me he's gonna see a few times then if i get worst or still the same then he is gonna write to the doc in hospital to check me.

I am exhausted with pain. Can't sleep because of the pain. I am using the water bottle at night and lots of pillows.

A massive thank you to all of you.

Poor you! it sounds really bad at the moment. I remember not sleeping but being exhausted at the same time and not really knowing what was happening to me. My husband used to come home from night shift and i'd be crying. I hope you get an appointment quickly. My RA is under control. I never thought i'd feel "normal" again. It will get better. Take care and take time out to rest. It's hard to listen to your body, i thought that was something only old people did. I was 37 when i was diagnosed. Hope you soon start to feel better soon, dawnybee

Hello, and so sorry you are having such a BAD time right now with pain, I can't really add much to all the good advice you have already from all these wonderful people on this forum as I,m fairly new to all this myself. So just to say we all understand, hang in there and look forward to better days, as others have said the constant pain wears you out so you need to keep it under control. Keep going back to your GP till you get what works for you. Take care and hope you feel better soon. ( Gentle hug) , Shenac.