I am the wife of someone diagnosed with RA last New Year. My husband is currently on MTX - no side effects but had been told that his RA was 'being stubborn' and that MTX did not seem to be working. Was told that he would probably be changed to a different drug (one of the newer ones) but that due to NICE guidelines, this could not be until he had been taking MTX for 20 weeks (now 22 weeks).

Went to see new locum consultant who said that MTX WAS working ie no flare-ups since end-June and inflammation levels now normal so would continue on MTX but dosage would be increased from 17.5 mg to 20 mg per week (husband also takes hydroxychloroquine).

My husband has only slept in a bed for about four weeks since last Christmas due to pain in shoulders - sleeps sitting-up in our lounge - doesn't enable him to sleep well. Also, has pain in hands, feet, elbows. Currently taking maximum dose of painkillers each day - codeine phosphate/paracetamol (Zapain).

Husband had a steroid injection about four weeks ago but it doesn't seem to have made much difference - only thing which DOES work is Prednisolone Tablets but obviously only allowed these if he has a 'flare-up'.

Now the 'new' consultant is sending husband for physiotherapy (on his shoulders) in the hope of giving him some relief. He is dreading this though as his shoulders hurt so much.

My husband is quite despondent now. Does anyone have any experience of physiotherapy ie did it work?

Would be grateful for any thoughts or advice - thank you.

Hi

It is good to hear from you but sorry that your Husband is suffering so much. Dealing with chronic pain can be so disheartening and you can never see the end of the tunnel.

I was referred for physio about six months ago for pain in both hips. It turned out to be referred pain from my back and the physio did very little manipulation herself. All she did was show me how to do the exercises and then told me to go away and do what I could when I could. Little but often and it has really worked. She also diagnosed that I was not walking correctly following my knee replacement and my foot has turned in and has referred me to a orthoptist. She also arranged for a spine xray and this has showed that my bones are less dense than they should be. To be honest just someone taking their time and looking at all the problems and thinking about where the pain might be coming from is well worth the trip to see the physio.

I do agree with Lyn that your Husband may not be on strong enough pain killers. There are lots of choices out there and he may need really strong ones for the evening so that he can sleep better. I would get in touch with his GP or speak to the RA team and tell them he cannot manage. Lack of sleep can make him more pain aware so he needs help soon rather than trying to battle on.

Good luck and let us know how he is getting on.

Jackie
xx

To you all - many thanks for taking the time and trouble to reply. We will act on your advice and let you know how my husband gets on with his physiotherapy and, hopefully, different painkillers.