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 -- just joined today. I was diagnosed a little over a year ago. My feet are affected the most, although I have issues in other areas as well...my feet are my "guide" as to how I'm feeling. I have been on Plaquenil for over a year with improvement, but not pain free. At that time my Rheumatologist added Methotrexate (now on self injector) 20mg week.....I've seen a slight improvement with this. I also take Duexis (800 mb ibuprofen coated with pepcid) - at least 1 a day, bad days 2-3.
My big question is this -- I am never and have never been completely pain free. Should I expect to be completely pain free when I get the right combination of drugs -- or can I expect to always have some amount of pain? I'm honestly not sure what to expect but there are days I can barely walk, and other days I can get out of bed and be pretty good -- but never 100% pain free.
The top of my feet are affected -- I can only wear shoes that don't come too far up on the instep of my foot -- I cannot tolerate any pressure on the instep at all. Some days it feels like the bones in the top of my feet are breaking as I walk. It's frustrating.
I really like my Rheumatologist -- he seems genuinely concerned in helping me, spends lots of time discussing how I feel, etc....but I just wondered if I should expect to be pain free --- or if I should expect to live with some pain ongoing. Because if I should expect to be pain free, then maybe I'm not on the right combination of medications. I go back to see the doctor in August and want to be able to discuss with him at that time.
People have different presentations or symptoms and different responses to medication. Many are able to achieve a pain-free state, some have occasional painful flares, but some are unfortunately not able to be completely free of pain. However, I would not accept significant pain as you describe on your current regimen. If your meds are not working, I would ask about alternatives. You will hear lots of stories on this forum of people who went through multiple different medications and combinations before finding the best regimen. The good news is there are still a lot of medications you have not been on yet, so hopefully that means there is more likely to be a better match for you out there. Be patient with any changes....meds take time.
If you have a good relationship with your rheum....talk with him about your concern. Bring a diary of symptoms to show him what is going on with detail.
Good luck!
I know exactly how you feel. Most of my pain is in my feet and ankles. I also feel like my bones are literally breaking at times. I am on Humira and MTX. I don't think you should expect to ever be pain free but with the right combination of medications it can help tremendously. Good Luck!
More importantly, however, is my concern about your instep pain which is uncommon. I urge you to ask for a referral or seek out a good podiatrist who makes CUSTOM orthotics. Pain in the instep can be coming from your arches. Good custom orthotics can make a HUGE difference.
I've had problems with my feet, too, but more OA than RA.
Fay123, where you coming from girl. You addressed your comment to Frazzled, but it was written by bjperkins54. Did I miss something ot did you?
WG, instep pain is NOT uncommon. It comes part and parcel with plantar fasciitis. There are a number of gait issues that aggravate that. Not RA, but your advice is good.