Finally found the question post. Yes, RA can make you scream. It is much worse than OA. I have both, and I do't even worry about the OA, ever. But RA pain, is debilitating.

You need to start with some DMARDS that are not related to NSAIDS. Like Plaquenil or Methotrexate, or Arava. Give them a start, then in 6 months, demand a biologic. These drugs don't treat symptoms, they actually stop the progression of the disease.

The DMARDS are cheap, and they do help. The biologics are much more expensive, You will need either insurance or to apply for a subsidy from the drug company. I know these companies have helped me out quite a few times.

So go see a rheumatologist and get started immediately. RA gets worse if it is not treated. That is what happened to me. I was not properly diagnosed, despite obvious symptoms, because I was sero-negative and my blood tests showed nothing. It was 7 years before I got on a biologic and a DMARD that worked well, but by then, I already had some bad deformities.

Because although the pain is horrific, the damage flares causes to the joints is worse. Sometimes I cry because I can see the deformities getting worse. Then I get more accepting of my condition, and start being thankful that at least I can walk again, and do things.

I hope that answers at least a few questions for you.

Welcome, Minnie.

I understand where you're coming from. I was so afraid of the drugs that I didn't seek treatment for a very long time. I regret it now.

RA is a progressive disease, you have to do everything you can to slow it down. While DMARD's and biologics are serious drugs, they aren't nearly as scary as some people make them out to be. It takes time to find the right treatment and get relief, so find a good rheumatologist and get started, the sooner the better.

When it comes to describing pain, I find the comparative pain scale to be very helpful. I Googled it and have a copy saved to my cell phone so that I can reference it when filling out paperwork. It helps me to be as consistent and accurate as possible.

There are pain relief alternatives besides NSAID's and Tramadol. Make sure you tell your doctor that what you're taking right now is not working. You should not have to endure that kind of pain. I hope you find relief soon.

Welcome. With all due respect to marlene who I do respect as knowledgable - I do not know that RA would be more painful to you than OA. The cause is different but the effect the same - swollen painful joints. It is more SERIOUS that OA in that it is systemic and can effect major organs, not just joints - but there are very good biologic meds like Humira, Orencia, zeljanx, simponi and so many, many others that stop the progression of the disease and help ease the pain. Don't be scared! Having a diagnosis is a good thing. you cannot treat what you don't know you have!

I understand the pain factor you are talking about. I had pain in my feet and hands that was bearable. But when it hit my shoulders as it did you, it was unbearable pain like I had never had. It happened about 2:00 AM and I could not get back to sleep until about 7:00 am. My wife woke me up to go to work and that was not going to happen. I went to my family doctor and he did blood test and told me I need to see a rheumy. With in a month I was on methotrexate. I still have flare ups but have not had any in my shoulders like I had that first night. I did not scream but sure wanted to. I was really scared of the idea of taking methotrexate but now am very glad I did. Hang in there and life will get better. Big hugs.

thank you ,all i well do as you have said i think i have had it for a good year or so now , i have both i find ra much more painful, if i start now it could help waiting on hearing from rummy hugs min

Sorry about what I said about OA. That has been my experience. Although OA can certainly damage and destroy joints, just like RA. My mother had to have a hip replacement because of OA damage. Although it hurt, I don't think her pain was as bad as RA pain. I guess we all respond differently to these kinds of pain in these diseases, as well as how they are treated.

marlene j osto painful but ra is total difference

I have RA and OA. I have had them both for a long time and about the same length of time. I gave up trying to figure out which one is more painful. To me they both can bring on the pain. Plus I don't think my doctors know which one has actually attacked which joint. Had a knee replaced and thought it was all because of OA but my doctor said it was really bad and looked as if it had both OA and RA in. So all I know is that my body can sure hurt at times. Minn63 hope you get some relief from the pain soon. Also hope you have a good appointment with your Rheumotologist.
Gentle Hugs