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Louise09
#1 Posted : Friday, August 12, 2011 11:46:55 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 10/19/2010
Posts: 88
Location: Saddleworth, UK
Hi Y'allThumpUp

I hope the majority of you are pain free (fingers crossed)!

I am on 25mg Methotrexate injections and I have depression 150mg Sertraline. I have had CBT and its not worked. I have RA and a step daughter with Aspergers (low scale) and I am a self employed newsagent!

I am on here because I am losing patience with everything. My RA is flaring, my depression worsening and my ability to work is non existent! I sleep all day, hardly eat and moan and groan and am extremely irritable! (at least I am honest!).

I also have clear - frog spawn like lumps on my fingers and palms of my hands. I have looked it up on 'tinternet and it seems I have Pompholyx! The treatment for it is Methotrexate! Well that's not working!

The last time I saw my rheumy nurse (I didnt have my lumps) she suggested that I see the consultant in 5 weeks and they will decide what to do with me. She couldnt feel any inflammation in my joints but maybe a bit of fluid on my right knee. She did mention that at a seminar she attended they tested a number of patients with inflammation by feel alone, some had visible signs others had none. They had to say which ones had active inflammation and which ones didnt. At the end of the test hardly anyone got it right. The best way to check for inflammation is either CT scan or Ultra Sound! So shes going to suggest one of these for me. And to see if I have active inflammation because of RA or if its mechanical. If its RA then a change of meds is needed or its its mechanical then managing pain is suggested.

I have not been able to work this week and I have applied for Employment and Support Allowance. Has anyone else had a experience like mine (I am sure you must have) and how did you cope or are coping?

Love to hear from you!

Thanks for reading
Lxxx
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LynW
#2 Posted : Saturday, August 13, 2011 6:57:59 AM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 12/4/2009
Posts: 2,127
Location: Thornton Cleveleys
Hi Louise

I am not sure whether I have had an experience like yours but over the years I have had a fair few to draw on RollEyes Thing is we are all so different and RA affects each of us in a different way. It certainly sounds as though things aren't good for you right now.

At some time we all seem to go through periods when the whole thing is a jumble of non-effective treatments or inconclusive symptoms. I have been well controlled in the past, despite long term joint damage, but the last 15 months or so have been chop and change and very uncertain. I think it's important to set priorities and try to deal with one aspect at a time. RA can have such a devastating affect on our day to day lives and dealing with everything it throws our way can be so very difficult.

Inflamed joints tend to be warm/hot to the touch and often puffy from the increased fluid in and around the joint. Whilst you are in a flare situation 5 weeks is a long time to wait. Do your blood tests show high inflammatory markers, ESR/CRP? Perhaps not and hence the need for ultrasound. It sounds as though a GP visit might be in order to 1) get some better pain control 2) speak about your psychological well being and 3) to try and hurry things along!

My thoughts, and as I said we are all different, would be to sort out your day. Decide what you need to actually do as regards family, meals, hygiene etc. then think about what time you have left. Set up a plan allowing plenty of rest, try not to sleep during the day, watching a film, reading a book. Keep your mind occupied and busy! Have some periods of gentle activity to keep you mobile, do some small tasks to keep on top of things. Larger jobs such as cleaning, shopping, washing only one every other day and try not to overdo it! Try to eat small amounts often and above all keep calm! At the moment you do need time out from work, space to sort things out and time to adjust to your present needs. It's at this point you might wish to chuck something at the computer screen Scared, so I'm going to duck!

It's not easy, been there many times in the last 23 years, but things will get better. Sometimes they just need organising into manageable bits to help you cope. Do let us know how you go on Smile

Lyn x
My son, Ian, completed the BUPA Great North Run on 15th September running for the National Rheumatoid Arthritis Society (NRAS). You can read his story at http://www.justgiving.com/ianlukewilson

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Louise09
#3 Posted : Monday, August 15, 2011 4:38:01 PM Quote
Rank: Advanced Member

Groups: Registered

Joined: 10/19/2010
Posts: 88
Location: Saddleworth, UK
Thanks Lyn,

You didn't need to duck. I totally agree with you.

Today I have rung my GP and arranged a sick note for 2 months and a referral letter to have an ultrasound scan on my wrists, fingers and feet. My hips cannot be scanned as hips have too much tissue (dont I know it!). Whilst on the phone my GP told me that my Neutrophils are 1.8 and should be over 2.0. It may be that I have to come off Methotrexate anyway!

I should have more info by the end of the week. As for family, they do help but they cant completely understand that I cant take the bins out or even dry up so every now and then I blow up! My Mum is good at cracking the whip and they take more notice of her (as I do!)

I dont have the RA factor and my bloods are usually fine. I was diagnosed with RA cos of the Ultrasound so it will be interesting to see if there is any damage since 2008. There has certainly been more flare ups and more pain and more joints involved!

I am glad its settled down for you and I hope it continues.

Lxx
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