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...
Hello All,
I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected.
I started Xeljanz about 3 weeks ago, and (knock on wood) it seems to be doing wonders for my RA. My pain levels are way down and my aches are minimal. I am still experiencing some morning stiffness, but nothing that an hour and a hot shower can't curb.
My Tramadol intake is down significantly which I am thrilled about.
My only downfall... I've found my Osteoarthritis.
Seems that has been hiding in my knees all along. The large intake of Tramadol kept it hidden very well, but now that the RA is easing up and the pain meds are decreasing, the OA is screaming...
My first Rheumie appt. he did an x-ray and told me I had OA in my knees, I thought what's the big deal everything hurts anyway, then when all of the meds started, they only hurt occasionally.
So, I guess my question would be,"Any advice on how the curb the OA pain without going back to the pain meds?"
All in all, I'm not going to complain, I'll take this one. I am maxed on my Naproxen level for the day, so maybe I will try a Tylenol Arthritis once in a while to ease it up a little.
Well, I am hobbling off to do some more Christmas shopping, that Man of Mine is going to make me responsible even if it kills me. lol
Have a Great Day, Hugs,
Kim
I hope everyone is doing as well as can be expected.
I started Xeljanz about 3 weeks ago, and (knock on wood) it seems to be doing wonders for my RA. My pain levels are way down and my aches are minimal. I am still experiencing some morning stiffness, but nothing that an hour and a hot shower can't curb.
My Tramadol intake is down significantly which I am thrilled about.
My only downfall... I've found my Osteoarthritis.
Seems that has been hiding in my knees all along. The large intake of Tramadol kept it hidden very well, but now that the RA is easing up and the pain meds are decreasing, the OA is screaming...
My first Rheumie appt. he did an x-ray and told me I had OA in my knees, I thought what's the big deal everything hurts anyway, then when all of the meds started, they only hurt occasionally.
So, I guess my question would be,"Any advice on how the curb the OA pain without going back to the pain meds?"
All in all, I'm not going to complain, I'll take this one. I am maxed on my Naproxen level for the day, so maybe I will try a Tylenol Arthritis once in a while to ease it up a little.
Well, I am hobbling off to do some more Christmas shopping, that Man of Mine is going to make me responsible even if it kills me. lol
Have a Great Day, Hugs,
Kim
I, too, have developed OA, especially in my feet (my biggest daily challenge). It is even causing bunions now, and I just ordered a "Bunion Bootie" (~ $30) in the hopes that it will make it more comfortable for me to walk.
I've seen people wearing knee braces, either under or over their clothes. Is that an option for you? Maybe it would help to wear at night.
Lynne
I am happy with the result of the Xeljanz. No major side effects. The only little one that I have noticed is that I get a little shaky, but I think if I eat something in the morning that may help with that one.
I have had minor stomach issues with the Arava, so I can't attribute those to the Xeljanz because it isn't any worse than before.
Silly thing, I know that my inflammation is down because my toes have started cricking again. When I am swollen, even if I don't look like it nothing makes that cricking, cracking sound when I move.
Hugs to All,
Kim