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...
Hi everyone,
I have been noticing the last 3-4 weeks an increase in pain. No biggee, been there, done that. However, the stiffness that I had prior to starting Enbrel over a year ago is creeping back in. Morning stiffness in my back is really bad and my feet and hands are worse as well.
I have an appt with Rheumatologist in 2 weeks, haven't seen him for 6 months and was doing well at that time. He will be surprised and I want to have some input on board before I see him. How do I know if this is simply a flare or if we need to change my meds? Also I am taking 4 (sometimes 5) Hydrocodone daily and still rate my pain at it's lowest a 3. I am wondering also if we need to switch to a long acting pain meds and continue the Hydrocodone for break through pain only? Being a nurse, my doctor takes a very casual approach and is pretty much willing to try whatever I ask, sometimes however, I would like him to be the boss :-)
I have been noticing the last 3-4 weeks an increase in pain. No biggee, been there, done that. However, the stiffness that I had prior to starting Enbrel over a year ago is creeping back in. Morning stiffness in my back is really bad and my feet and hands are worse as well.
I have an appt with Rheumatologist in 2 weeks, haven't seen him for 6 months and was doing well at that time. He will be surprised and I want to have some input on board before I see him. How do I know if this is simply a flare or if we need to change my meds? Also I am taking 4 (sometimes 5) Hydrocodone daily and still rate my pain at it's lowest a 3. I am wondering also if we need to switch to a long acting pain meds and continue the Hydrocodone for break through pain only? Being a nurse, my doctor takes a very casual approach and is pretty much willing to try whatever I ask, sometimes however, I would like him to be the boss :-)
I think Enbrel is for milder to moderate RA. My opinion is don't take the pain killers the day you see your rheumatologist. Maybe the day before. Then, if you crawl in on crutches, he will really see that it has failed.
I hope you find something that works.
Good that you are seeing your doctor soon.
Let us know what happens.
Hugs,
Linda
It's definitely worth discussing with your Dr. I would keep a log of your disease activity / pain levels till your appointment so he can see what is going on. Take some pictures of your joints in flare also.
Hope you get some relief soon,
Good luck!
I had flares but held the worst off with Prednisone.
I knew Enbrel was no longer working when other symptoms started reappearing. As I have the exhaustion/brainfog something fierce.
So between the increase in pain, stiffness, swelling & the other nasties I knew it was no longer working.
I'm unsure of a time frame As an actual flare can or should last.
Never had pain meds strictly for RA. Although Im sure you know less is better. So if the RA can be controlled personally I'd hold off on switching or changing. Now you mentioned your back. Although the experts for the most part don't link back problems & pain to RA my back problems increase during flares or if my RA is not properly treated.
There's the consideration of the time frame it takes for starting a new med for RA & finding one that's effective. If your on going to try one that can take 3 months or more you may want added relief from that pain med.,
If your dealing with multiple issues contributing to pain that's another ball game. May be worth inquiring about a LA med.
As we know each case is different.
I'm all for quality & whatever it takes to maintain as much as possible.
Good luck, if you can let us know what your doctor decides.
Sammy