Hi Sophie, sorry to hear you are a bit down and in pain
It is a very difficult condition to live with as it is so unpredictable. I had remission for around 10yrs (had it now for 25yrs) then it came back with a vengence.
I had a consultant that I felt did not listen to me and felt patronised, I always left appointments very upset. I went through my GP and now have a new consultant who listens.
Are you being listend to?
Being a member of NRAS allowed me to ask what my DAS score was at my last appointment, it was 6.5, the consultant said that the aim is to get it down to 2.5!!!
I have never really found effective pain relief since co-proximal was taken of the market. I find keeping active helps me, too much rest makes me stiff and sore.
I do hope you find what works for you, it can be trial and error for a while. I am back on Methotrexate, only been 2 weeks, take 20mg every Monday followed by folic acid the next day, with fortnightly blood tests.
I take tramadol 50mg in the morning then another around lunchtime, if I take it any later I find I cannot sleep.
I have used mefenemic acid as an anti inflamatory for a year now and find it works for me.
Side effects of the methotrexate so far are a slight sick feeling now and then, just hope it stays that way.
I do hope you can stay positive Sophie, although it can be very difficult when those around you may not understand your pain.
I alway find it very difficult to ask for help , but just lately have got a bit better.
I do agree with other comments, contact your RA nurse specialist, that what they are there for.
Take care Sophie
from someone who does understand.
Rose
