Rheumatoid Arthritis Pain Relief.

[missprim]

This is a question for sufferers of RA and anyone who knows about medication.
Since the end of last year the pain from my RA has got progressively worse.
Saw my GP just before Christmas and he gave me a steroid injection (general) and prescribed Co Codamol although I did tell him they do give me stomach pains he prescribed a lower dose of the disolveable type but they still gave me quite severe pain and I was unable to take them.
I have had several stomach ulcers in the past and cannot take anti inflammatories and so I have a 'Gold' injection every 4 weeks.
At the moment the pain in my neck, shoulder and hands is so bad I am finding it very difficult to do simple tasks like making a cuppa.
Could you perhaps recommend a pain killer that is strong enough to take the pain away without upsetting my stomach please?

[dollie65]

i use a freeze gel that can be bought over the counter and find this works for me ...it doesnt get rid of the pain completly but does numb the area and make it more comfortable...

[jd_1984]

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tramadol

Tramadol? But seek a medical professional before taking. I am simply guessing, but here is some info attached..

[Sqad]

missprim.....you certainly are suffering and it does seem like an exacerbation of your R.A.You mention Gold and steroid treatment and they are drugs for a well established R.A patient and other managements need to be scrutinised by a Rheumatologist.

I would suggest that you ask your GP for re-referral.

[missprim]

squd I have been attending Rheumatology since 1989 although I don't see the Rheumatologist anymore but instead I see the specialist nurse who is very thorough in examining my joints but even though I tell her of the pain, she doesn't ever recommend pain killers.
Things seem to flare up in between my appointments and although she knows I have swelling on the back of my right hand which I'm told is due to synivical ?? fluid (sorry I don't know how to spell that) nothing in the way of treatment is suggested.
I now have the same on the back of my left hand plus a gangaloin (sp?)
Saw the Occupational Therapist on Monday who said 'You must be very careful with this' I mean, is that it? Do I just have to put up with the pain?

[missprim]

Sorry sqad I gave you a new name there :-)

[Sqad]

You have backed me into a corner......;-).......I was thinking of splints to your hands and possibly the introduction of Methotrexate, but this would have to be recommended by a Specialist.

[Sqad]

missprim...no problem, I have been called worse manes than that on AB ;-)

[Sqad]

^^ names....

[missprim]

Have had splints but can't bear the weight of them even though they are very light. OT has given me some fingerless gloves Isotoner it says on them and I have been wearing them since Monday.
Was on Methotrexate for years but was taken off them when they realised they had caused damage to my liver. Unfortunately they didn't put me back on anything for a long time but I begged to go back on Myocrisin 'Gold' and I have blood tests every month to make sure it's ok to have.
Just wish I could have something for the damn pain.

[Eve]

Have you been to see you rhumo nurse recently? If you are at the same place as I am you have to be quite assertive sometimes if you have a point to make as they can be quite focussed on what they are doing.

If you are at the same place they have been giving out a new booklet about pain relief and pain clinics and such for people with chronic pain, my nurse gave me one when I went in for my steroid injections last week.

You could always ask for an appointment to be made with one of the rhumatologists to discuss pain relief, maybe referral to a pain clinic if there aren't other options to consider from their side like change to drugs.

I'm on methotrexate and have codydramol and dihidracodeine (and pregabalin for fibro) and just started mirtazapine to help with sleep and coping and such. I've got the isotonergloves too - find them much easier than the splints for doing stuff (use splints for resting).

[missprim]

Hi Jenna have an appointment with the specialist nurse on 7th Feb. We didn't work out if we are at the same hospital and my clue that you would know about the specialist nurse is her surname is double barreled?
Anyway I am going to be more assertive as I must admit she is becoming more of a friend and we do have a laugh but she is very good with her examinations etc, but I might just have to insist on some kind of pain relief and see if the can do something about the synovitis on both hands which is becoming very restrictive not to mention painful. Thanks for joining in the thread.

[needrelief]

Hello missprim

My sister suffers from RA really Bad as well. It always bugged me to see her suffering so much. Some where around January 15th she was introduced to a new product that just came onto the market called a Power Strip she at first thought ya right something Natural is going to help me, her friend insisted she try it so she did and could not believe the relief she got there is a Facebook page that talks a lot about it if you care to learn more about it facebook.com/fgxpress1 Media URL: http://facebook.com/fgxpress1
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[missprim]

Thanks for that info needrelief.

[Shazza36]

Mum's got chronic RA she's been through all the treatments, she's been on 'retuximab' (not sure on spelling) for the last couple of years but she always becomes resistant after a couple of years, so she's just started something else. the retuxib has done a great job up until it stopped working she just went for an infusion every 6 weeks. For pain she takes paracetamol every 4 hours and dihyrdrocodine evry 4 hours alos oramorph whenever the paind is really bad. Mum had gold injections about 12 years ago but they only worked for a while, look up newer treatments on the internet and suggest something new to your nurse, mum's had a new shoulder but wouldn't recommend it she's not really had any benefit from it still only has limited movement, can't get it higher enough to brush her hair, her new hips and knees have been great though

[Buenchico]

There are some references to courses, clinics and counselling here which might be worth pursuing with your GP:
http://www.nhs.uk/Livewell/Pain/Pages/Longtermpain.aspx

[missprim]

Thanks shazza I found that really interesting what you said about your Mum's treatment and the operation on her shoulder.
I have been on the waiting list twice now for shoulder op and each time have pulled out as it has eased, but have been having second thoughts lately as both shoulders are bad, but I must admit I do know of others who have had the op and have had no benefit from it.
Chris (King of Links!) that link looks really interesting, I'm just going to print it off.

[jazzie07]

There are some natural remedies that you can try to ease the pain temporarily, you should also watch your diet and avoid foods that may trigger the pain. Living with rheumatoid arthritis? You may qualify for this clinical research study http://www.sirroundprogram.com