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...
As some of you know I switched my rheumy to whom turned out to be the Chief rheumy of that office. I saw her Thursday and she agreed the Humira wasn't working any longer and that my ra factor has steadily risen over the last few months. She said I do have very active ra. In addition, she wants me to have my first remicade infusion this Thursday. She was really thorough and ordered x-rays of my hands and numerous blood tests for my next visit.
I saw my old rheumy in the hallway and he barely spoke. I really didn't give a damn since I visited him over 6 times since January complaining about my flares and the Humira not working.
Anyway, this is my concern. A friend and I went to the nail shop and the mall last night. In no way did I walk the entire mall but we did spend several hours in Macy's and a few other nearby stores. I
I woke up this morning in a flare I haven't experienced in months. Not to mention a welt or bruise has appeared on my right leg. Well I first saw it at the nail shop yesterday. I took 10.5mgs of pred this morning as apposed to 7.5.
I was able to finally get out of bed around 12:30 and I'm walking a little bit better. I couldn't even dress myself this morning and I could barely stand on my feet. And my damn teeth are hurting for some reason.
So my question is-should I go the hospital or should I just wait until my remicade infusion? Is this how horrible it gets while waiting for a new med?
I apologize for the super long post but this is scaring the heck out of me. And my mom would have to drop by this morning and catch me at my worst. She was all crying (again) which made me cry when she left. I try to appear strong in front of her because I know she's hurting for me. I haven't had ra for a year and I feel like its just getting worse.
I really need some words of support today or at least let me know I shouldn't panic. Thank all of you and I'm glad I have a place to discuss this awful disease.
I saw my old rheumy in the hallway and he barely spoke. I really didn't give a damn since I visited him over 6 times since January complaining about my flares and the Humira not working.
Anyway, this is my concern. A friend and I went to the nail shop and the mall last night. In no way did I walk the entire mall but we did spend several hours in Macy's and a few other nearby stores. I
I woke up this morning in a flare I haven't experienced in months. Not to mention a welt or bruise has appeared on my right leg. Well I first saw it at the nail shop yesterday. I took 10.5mgs of pred this morning as apposed to 7.5.
I was able to finally get out of bed around 12:30 and I'm walking a little bit better. I couldn't even dress myself this morning and I could barely stand on my feet. And my damn teeth are hurting for some reason.
So my question is-should I go the hospital or should I just wait until my remicade infusion? Is this how horrible it gets while waiting for a new med?
I apologize for the super long post but this is scaring the heck out of me. And my mom would have to drop by this morning and catch me at my worst. She was all crying (again) which made me cry when she left. I try to appear strong in front of her because I know she's hurting for me. I haven't had ra for a year and I feel like its just getting worse.
I really need some words of support today or at least let me know I shouldn't panic. Thank all of you and I'm glad I have a place to discuss this awful disease.
RA is rarely fatal in the short term, ruling out ER visits. But if you think you need to go, to reassure yourself, then go.
Sometimes a flare can just show up... If a slight increase in prednisone made things better, I wouldn't think the ER would do anything but give you more pred. Call the doc tomorrow. When I was working through the meds to find what worked, I had one pretty bad flare. My rheummy taught me to self-medicate for flares...
So you're just flared , no heart problems, fainting, etc.?
Your doctor may need to get a really strong pain med into you until the remicade can benefit.
Unfortunately, there isn't much that they could do for you at the ER to provide relief, except maybe administer a steroid shot and/or paid meds. Usually, steroid shots take 24 hours to kick in anyway. I would take some tylenol p.m. and rest until you can get into your rheumy and request a steroid shot.
Hope you feel better soon!
I take arava too and she recently added plaquenil to go with the remicade I guess. Thanks again for all of your responses.
Hope you are feeling better. Did you go to the ER?
Hugs
Also, if you feel you need to go to the ER...go!
For example, Tylenol PM is acetaminophen and diphenhydramine. If you take a Norco and a benadryl, you've now take the equivalent of a Norco and a tylenol PM without too much acetaminophen.
You're in a really rough patch right now. I hope it smooths out for you and quickly!