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 have been on Methotrexate for 1 month now. I have had one good week since this has started roughly in April 2014. I am basically trying to figure out what I can do to help with the pain and stiffness in my knees. I am on Tramadol, Ibuprofen, and Methotrexate. I use Aspercream and heat. I have tried ice and can not tolerate the coldness. I can not use any other rub because it burns my skin, even after I wash it off.
I am on medication for depression, but this RA has just really got me down. I feel worthless, useless and helpless. I basically go to work and come home. I do not enjoy much of anything anymore. I used to be active and somewhat happy. I could walk my dogs, clean my house, prepare meals for my family, go visit friends and even go and photograph wildlife. Now, pretty much nothing, I have to ride a scooter to even get my groceries. I am relying on my mom to help me with everything and she is at the age where she should be able to relax and do things she wants to do instead of worrying about me.
I am just so frustrated and my Rheumatologist doesn't care enough to keep appointments...he is out for 3 weeks and the office said the other Rheumatologists DO NOT see other doctors' patients. They basically told me to quit calling and to quit having my medical POA call.
does anyone have any suggestions for over the counter medications or homeopathic medications/suggestions...im to the point of trying almost anything to get some relief.
I am on medication for depression, but this RA has just really got me down. I feel worthless, useless and helpless. I basically go to work and come home. I do not enjoy much of anything anymore. I used to be active and somewhat happy. I could walk my dogs, clean my house, prepare meals for my family, go visit friends and even go and photograph wildlife. Now, pretty much nothing, I have to ride a scooter to even get my groceries. I am relying on my mom to help me with everything and she is at the age where she should be able to relax and do things she wants to do instead of worrying about me.
I am just so frustrated and my Rheumatologist doesn't care enough to keep appointments...he is out for 3 weeks and the office said the other Rheumatologists DO NOT see other doctors' patients. They basically told me to quit calling and to quit having my medical POA call.
does anyone have any suggestions for over the counter medications or homeopathic medications/suggestions...im to the point of trying almost anything to get some relief.
Well, I completely understand your feelings of depression and frustration. Sometimes I feel like I want to take a long walk off a short bridge, but I have to push those kinds of thoughts out of my mind. I've managed to do so for many, many years.
I've had so many issues with the various RA drugs, I am about down to nothing but small dosages of ibuprofen right now. Someone here mentioned Turmeric (also listed as Curcumin). I've tried that, and it does seem to help with pain, but it gives me very bad heartburn. Could be because I was using the "Extra strength" capsules. I may use some again next week because I have to go somewhere where I'll need to walk and stand. I may cut them in half and/or keep some antacid handy.
Is it possible for you to switch to a different RA doc? I don't think you should have to stick with one if he/she is unresponsive or unavailable. I think these doctors get burned out (can't blame them) and perhaps establishing a new (doctor) relationship will bring some new perspectives to your treatment.
Best of luck and hang in there!
RA is not for the faint-hearted. It is such a difficult disease to get your head around. Methotrexate takes quite a while to kick in..
Hope you are able to get relief soon.
Try keeping a diet/drink and symptom diary. You may notice patterns after a few weeks. Several of us on here have had success controlling moderate-severe RA primarily by avoiding trigger foods. Each person's triggers are different, so you must do your own investigation to uncover the foods that flare you.
Prior to finding my current treatment - i also had luck with heavy duty knee braces. The ones with hinges.
A month isn't long for methotrexate. Prednisone would probably make you feel better, but it has a definite dark side- lots of threads here on it. If you can't get any help while your doc is out of town, it might be a good idea to see if there is another practice around that might be a bit more accessible.