I've recently had a baby 5 months ago. Before pregnancy my Inflammatory arthritis was under control with Sulfasalazine 500MG 4 x a day, 30mg Amitryptaline, Omeprazole, diclofenac and paracetamol. I came off all medication whilst pregnant and only took paracetamol as and when. After delivery I had a massive flare which was expected, and went straight back on all drugs. The main arthritis is now under control but I am having agonising pain in my back which was diagnosed by the GP as an inflamed SI joint and I was given Tramadol as well as my other painkillers. Long story short the only thing I gained from Tramadol was a headache, and after 5 months of being told 'You got pregnant, what did you expect would happen?', 'It'll go away eventually, just grit your teeth and bear it', and 'You've always had backache anyway' I eventually just stopped taking all pain medication as there's no point subjecting my body to it when I'm getting no benefit, and pushed to see my Rheumatologist who wasn't happy with the treatment I'd been given so far and ordered an immediate x-ray of my lumbar spine, urgent MRI, Physio, and recommended different painkillers to my GP.

I visited my GP this morning to discuss the new meds and have come away with 5mg BuTrans patch, 2mg Diazepam (for muscle spasms around the SI joint), Sulfasalazine, omeprazole, Amitryptaline, and an anti-emetic. The GP was VERY vague when I asked should i be taking the Amitryptaline at the same time as the Diazepam. And the Diazepam at the same time as the Omeprazole as the leaflet in the Diazepam says Omeprazole can alter the way the liver processes the Diazepam. and the BuTrans says it shouldn't be taken with Diazepam because it can cause fatal breathing problems. I am now completely confused and overwhelmed as to what I can take with what and the GP's answer was that I'd have to experiment and see what worked. I figure they must be okay as the rheumatologist has advised all these to be prescribed to the GP, and the Pharmacist has handed them out to me. Still with me? Sorry, it's all very confusing but I just want to be able to carry my baby and play with her on the floor and it just seems like I have to jump through a million hoops to do so. Any advice?

Hi there. Congratulations on the birth of your baby. It's a shame that you couldn't get better advice and guidance on the drug combinations. My advice is to go and talk to a pharmacist. Usually they are really happy to be asked and they are the experts on the drug combinations. I hope you get some answers and can get on with enjoying being a mum, XXXX

Hi

Thanks for your help. I am on week 2 of the BuTrans patch and it's certainly taking the edge off. I have used the Diazepam with it but only on one occasion. Apparently the 2 medications are safe to mix because they are in such low doses. I have had an MRI and have found out that I actually have quite a few herniated discs and some are quite worn which explains the back problems. I am now waiting for a referral to Neurosurgery so I have no idea how long that will take!

And just think, if I wasn't already under a Rheumatologist and had someone else to go to other than the GP I would be still sat here waiting for the pain to go. Because the original diagnosis from the GP was that it was probably post pregnancy related and to grit my teeth and bear it and wait for the pain to go. Hopefully i am now on the path to getting this sorted with decent pain medication in the meantime and at least the main arthritis is under control.

I can't wait to feel better and be able to enjoy my daughter. I feel like my maternity leave has just turned into one long period of sick leave and I find it hard not to be bitter and resentful of other Mum's. But bitter won't get me anywhere!

Thanks again