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...

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Grandpa2one 12/28/2013

I've been hit with a really bad flare the last several days, got so bad, I had to break down and call PCP and get something until I see RA doctor on the 10th of Jan. She gave me Vicodin and a Steroid pack to get the swelling down and the vicodin so I can get some sleep. I took 6 steroids tabs at once today per instructions and oh my, how fast they work. Swelling has gone down, not completely but almost and the pain level is at maybe a 3. I can walk without holding on to something.. I fell twice yesterday so I knew it was time to do something before I got hurt and broke an arm or worse my hip.

Anyway, feeling much better this evening and hopefully it will continue to improve. Hope everyone had a nice Christmas? Love you guys and gals and God Bless.
Gary

hilynnea 12/28/2013

Wow, so sorry for the flare up. Glad the meds are working.

2scicrazed 12/28/2013

Grandpa, so sorry for the flare. Glad the steroids are giving some relief. Hugs...

carrottop50 12/28/2013

It is good you are taking care of this until you get into see rhuemy because falling is not a good option. Glad the prednisone is working so well for you. Take care and keep us posted.

Sistahbear 12/28/2013

I'm so very glad you are getting some relief! I know the first time I got Steroids for my pain and swelling I felt so elated and like a druggie...like thank God for these pills!! I also take Hydrocodone for severe pain and between those two I can get some relief during flares.

I'm glad you decided to call the doctor and I hope you continue to feel better!

bluedogs2 12/28/2013

Wishing you well this evening, Grandpa2one.

Be careful with that falling stuff. I NEVER go anywhere with out my cane after falling myself going to the mailbox. MBDs2 and I have walkie-talkies we use when we are not in the same room. We have a rather large property and the little radios let us stay in touch, just in case the 'ole guy falls again.

Peace
Bluedogs2

nerot 12/28/2013

Sorry you had such a bad flare and thank God for those prednisone packs! Nothing short of a miracle. Hope you are on the mend.

deleted_user 12/28/2013

good that you saw your PCP. feel better now grandpa.

annettearizona 12/29/2013

Glad you are feeling better-my mother would say if the month goes out like a lion the next will come in like a lamb..so I guiess you have a quiet month to look forward to(hopefully)

trishcorsi 12/29/2013

I feel you. I'm on my 4th day of steroids for a flare that hit Christmas night. I love how quickly they work, but as soon as the pain is gone my natural inclination is to stop taking them. My rheumy say not to do that or it can throw you right back into the flare. I really, really resent taking oils! But whatya gonna do? Be well and get to feeling better quick. Trish

deleted_user 12/29/2013

Sorry you were feeling so poorly but glad to hear that you are finally getting some relief now.

Grandpa2one 12/29/2013

Unlike last time I took steroids, this time they are not working as well or as fast. Pain and swelling are better but nothing like before when one dose pretty much put me in a comfortable position. Couldn't sleep last night and paced the floor until close to. 3 AM before finally going to sleep. I so want to stop them but I know I'll pay the price if I do.

bluedogs2 12/29/2013

Grandpa2one

Have you tried heat? When I do the midnight walk thing, I get the electric throw and sit in my recliner in a heated cocoon - it seems to soothe me to the point that I can nap

Be well

Bluedogs2

camba 12/29/2013

Oh just full of sympathy with that pacing the boards in the middle of the night. Had a flare in hand hit quite a few weeks back. Wow, tear inducing pain as adult that had only ever happened with dengue fever.

Steroids are the things. They gave me an injection that got it manageable but until "for Christmas and holiday season" smiled the GP I got that magic instruction 'bump up the dose' not under control.

Sigh. People often worry on here about steroids and I think I will post asking to see how long the long termers have been on it.

We are of an age (even though I am not a grandma) and need to live each minute - cant be saving it up forever!!

depotblue 12/29/2013

gradpa2one

hope it abates as soon as possible. use a heated blanket in between gentle house strolls. sorry about the pain and/or pred pacing. you took such good care of everyone with your holiday treat making. let them look in on you now :)

Ros

Sunvalleygal 12/29/2013

I hope the tenth gets here fast for you... I know it seems like a long ways off when you're hurting...

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