Hi Kristen! I totally understand where you are coming from. I was Diagnosed last month and have yet to be put on anything since I cant see the rheumy til march. I am constantly hurting, although some days are definetely better than others. The only thing I suggest is rest when you need to rest, and come here often! It helps me so much to know there are people who understand exactly what I'm going through. Also, heat helps me in the mornings. i have a heated mattress pad, but even a long hot shower helps relieve some stiffness. Best of luck to you and I hope tomorrow is a better day!!
Lisa

Sorry to hear you are having so much pain. I'm guessing you aren't on MTX anymore. Has your doc suggested another DMARD? Are you taking anti inflammatories as well as prednisone. Personally, I take MTX, Humira, Celebrex, Prednisone and Tramadol for pain. That is alot of meds, but that is what I have to take to get thru my days. If you aren't getting the help you need from your RD, I would suggest a second opinion.

Best Wishes,
V

Kristin, it may take some time to find the right cocktail of meds that work for you..everyone is different..I take mtx which they just upped. Mine is injectable... I have r.a. and osteo arthritis..I have the stabbing chest pain at times too.. I also have heart problems and have learned the difference between the types of pain... The only pain meds that I am on are melxicam and if that does not help I take plain old tylenol pm which does seem to take the edge off.. People do not get it.. They think arthritis is arthritis.. it is just another thing you have to deal with along with the pain.. I have taken articles on r.a. and actually mailed them to people so they can sit down and read what r.a. is all about. I actually sent one last week and put a post it note on it and said please read this..it is something you should know.. they do not understand the pain either..I was in pain every single day until I got on meds.. they didn't understand how someone could be in pain all the time...It takes a long time for them to "get it".. I hope you get on some good meds that help you and you get some people that will understand what r.a. is.. I have even suggested they come to this site to read what is happening to people with r.a.... sendnig gentle hugs

my thoughts and prayers go out to you. I am thankful this site is here and I am grateful for people who post and support us all on this journey. We are here for you. It's taken me 4 months (really it's only been 4 months?) since my dianosis to feel like I might be just beginning to feel like I am understanding what causes my flares, how to manage them and what this roller coaster is doing to by mind, body and spirit. I still wonder how long I will be able to do my job. Every day is different and some days are more challenging than others. Stick with these people - they are the winners and you are too!

It can take a while for some folks to understand (and some never do...), but all of us understand! I take prednisone, mtx, plaquenil and when needed, ibuprophen.

I get the chest pain every so often, almost takes my breath away. Rheummy says it's the little joint at the bottom of my sternum-- who knew we had a joint there!

My advice is to take care of yourself and take it easy. Don't worry about having a spotless house or whatnot. I say if the toilets are clean and the bills are paid, you're doing fine! In the beginning (wow, only a year ago, seems longer), I would often come home from work, get in the recliner and veg out. Don't force swollen joints to do a lot of work. Ice packs and hot packs can do wonders.

Take care.

I don't tell people I have RA anymore. If the subject comes up, I tell them I have an autoimmune diease. I don't want to hear about "arthritis strength" over the counter pain relivers!

LOL I like the way you think, Lynne. I am going to start using the same terminology...autoimmune disease. That may save me from listening to someone explain about the arthitis they have in their thumb or something like that. ; )

I heartily agree, no one understands that RA is different than OS, tell 'em it's autoimmune!
I haven't heard much talk about pain meds on this sight, but with RA in every joint in my body, andyes the little one in the sterum, and OS in my cervical spine and tailbone....I take morhine. IF you are in pain, you need to state it laudly and frequently! I was in hell and wishing for lightening to strike me, until I met my RA dr and he gaave me pain meds...which after a year we are able to start dropping the dose.

Thank you guys so much for all your advice and support! I think this is my new favorite website! I woke up feeling a little better today, and I have a dr, appointment later. You guys are right, from now on I am not saying i have RA, just an autoimmune disease... I will speak up for myself at the doctor and let him know i can't take the pain right now- I Believe he wants me to start using Enbrel? Trying to make it through another day, 30 mg of pred..Thank you guys so much for all of your advice!