Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
I am a 35 year old wife and new mom to a beautiful baby girl. This should be an exciting time for me and instead it's been a sad time. I was diagnosed with RA on 1/23/15 and started Plaquenil on 1/24/15. I was told it takes 3 months to take full effect. In the meantime, I'm just unsure of what is normal aches and pains and what is considered a true "flare". I am experiencing morning stiffness but usually subsides within a couple of hours or less. Is this a flare or does a flare usually last for days? I've been experiencing some pain in my feet. Sometimes feels like I'm walking on concrete. It comes and goes though. Should I be worried that the medicine is not working? Every time I feel any discomfort I get sad and anxious. If this medicine doesn't work, my Rheumatologist will want to put me on something more invasive and I just am not ready for that. My husband and I really hoped to have another child. XRays and other tests have showed no sign of joint damage and I want to keep it this way. I will do what it takes to make that happen but I don't want to give up all my hopes and dreams either. I have so much to live for as a new wife and mother. I want to be happy and not sad and anxious all the time. Damn you RA!!!!
A flare to me is when that morning stiffness starts to last much longer then "your" average and when pain and fatigue start to diminish your normal abilities. Flares can last days, weeks, longer if your not on the right medicine, that's why if it gets to be too much talk to the doctor, its important to control the inflammation causing your pain. If iinflammation is not controlled no pain medicine will help. If your allowed ask if you can try a tylenol & ibuprofen combo to reduce inflammation, if your stomach can bear it. For limb pain like on your feet, I use topical creams like Joint Flex, Aspercreme (no smell) or Zostrix (super hot).
I'm also going through anxirty myself and while it seems like so much trouble it might be helpful to see a doctor about that issue to, but any drug you take can come with side effects (drowsiness) so I save it for when its really bad.
If you want to try alternative medicine I did well with massage every two weeks and a monthly acupuncture session, really well, but I had to stop because my insurance does not cover it :(
God Bless you on your journey and may angels guide your decisions