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...
okay, hi again! I've been a newer member here, and figured I just have to ask this (seems a little stupid to me, but yet, I know, never a stupid question...) so, here goes.... What should my expectations be on medication - absolutely NO pain, very minimal pain, what is a "livable" amount? Should I expect to be on several medications - I know each person is different - but usually more than one med? Do you still use Ibuprofren or anything as well? Or are these more so signs that change of medication is needed? My Dr seems to go towards treating the symptoms, so she said we'll reconsider in another 3 months - she wants zero morning stiffness.
I've been on the plaquenil since early March of this year, it has made substantial improvement & even morning stiffness was almost wiped out (hands & feet); I've been taking prednisone as well, but the last month have dramatically dropped (prednisone) down to only every 3rd day. Should I be able to do without it entirely? use only for flares? (which did occur this past weekend) Once again, trying to get healthy & lose more weight - joined a nearby gym, so do some light band exercises, plank, nu step bike, and then (my best friend) the POOL (laps, walking, exercises, etc) - I've been experiencing that hand/foot pains again, but I've got to be doing something!!?? right? makes it so frustrating
How do many of you handle exercising?
Thank you all for any further info and support! I've been learning a lot already in this group!
I've been on the plaquenil since early March of this year, it has made substantial improvement & even morning stiffness was almost wiped out (hands & feet); I've been taking prednisone as well, but the last month have dramatically dropped (prednisone) down to only every 3rd day. Should I be able to do without it entirely? use only for flares? (which did occur this past weekend) Once again, trying to get healthy & lose more weight - joined a nearby gym, so do some light band exercises, plank, nu step bike, and then (my best friend) the POOL (laps, walking, exercises, etc) - I've been experiencing that hand/foot pains again, but I've got to be doing something!!?? right? makes it so frustrating
How do many of you handle exercising?
Thank you all for any further info and support! I've been learning a lot already in this group!
I had never been on prednisone (diagnosed 3 years ago), but finally had to give in. I am taking 5 mg for 2 weeks, then will do 2.5 mg for a week, and by that time this last infusion should kick in enough.
I have also had cortisone shots in my shoulder 3 times, which has helped a lot. One time it didn't seem to help very much, but two times it very, very helpful.
I do not know how much prednisone you are on, but I think you should call the Dr before you decide to stop.
i have moderate pain most of the time and family demands almost all of the time. if exercise gives you joy - there is something that you love then take anti inflammatories (if you are not allergic to motrin et al) and do the thing in baby steps that you have always loved. maybe you love gardening or working on your yard. maybe you have always played fill in the blank. you know you want to smile now and then so be your new normal within 10 percent of whatever it is that you always loved. if you hate exercise then here is your perfect excuse to start a chair program or get a prescription from the doctor for a heated warm water therapeutic physical therapy pool (smile) - they aint bad and they are better than nothing.
your doctor wants zero morning stiffness? wow, can you take me to your next appointment? I have been wanting to go back to Michigan. :) smile. zero morning stiffness. I think I had that about 10 years ago. it's a distant memory, if I watch a home movie I could probably see myself with zero morning stiffness. I am glad your doctor is such a great advocate for you.
depot
She has lost her morning stiffness but she has flare ups 2-3 times weekly(mostly in her hands). She has had feet flare ups twice in the last 3 weeks. A few hours ago she had a "9"(1-10) flare up.
Any recommendations on what to do during flare ups? Relax? Warm water towels?
If you enjoy exercising, then by all means do so. I have found that I can walk and swim, but I have to be mindful of the time and distance. I simply cannot do what I used to, so I do what I can. I apply this philosophy to just about everything in life now. You do have to adjust to life with RA and its limitations.
I aim for the least amount of RA symptoms with the least amount of side effects from meds. I go on prednisone tapers when I have a bad flare - my doctor gives me plenty of prednisone to taper as I need it. Maybe twice a year or three times at most. But, I still live with daily pain. To me, it just becomes what you can tolerate. Low levels of pain daily are not uncommon with me. Flares are a different story, and I usually involve my doctor with a phone call.
Edward - during flares I usually find that heat works best for me. Others here have posted alternating cold and heat. Your wife will find what works best for her. A lot of this is trial and error.
Hang in there everyone!!
Linda
Edward- I find heat is best, I got some special mitt gloves you heat in the microwave, those r good for in morning. Can she get to a heated pool? That is my best friend!! Mine at home is not heated other than sunshine, but joined local gym that has heated therapy pool - so kept at about 80, Figured then I have year round pool! (Being in Michigan, half year is not doable at home). Hope she finds some relief!!