Sorry but can't let you be alone in this one - RA doc conferred with my PCP and presto, changeo - meloxicam - just an ugly pill that raises cane with ulcers but is suppose to ease inflammation in the tendons - have been on it a week and no change yet -

I just adore this "stuff" we deal with

Be well and rest peacefully

Bluedogs2

Hi Bluedogs 2, good to see you back and posting. As you see you sere missed. My friend RCross, RA can affect all of the above yes. The Rheumatologist may have to step in and work it out as to what to order, or pain management is good when it comes to making you comfortable and relieving pain due to inflammation. Let us know what they come up with and hope you are feeling better real soon.

Sad to say, but I'm happy I'm not alone with this one!

Did they give you any idea on how long the meloxicam would/could take to work?

Christine. The Rheumy and ortho are working together, thankfully! So far the only option has been injections, but the comfort is short lived. I am seeing a pain management doc and he's willing to increase my current meds and/or change meds but I'm trying to hold off on that. I'm sure with the cooler weather, well wetter here, coming around I'll end up needing to increase the pain meds anyway.

Stubborn, stubborn I am.

Thank you, dear Christine26, it's good to be back and yes, I see and am so flattered by the concerns.

RCross - PCP said it varies with each person but on the norm, 4 to 6 weeks - HOW DO THEY KNOW I FIT IN THE NORM - Mr. Walrus as I see me (from an old Beatles song)

Be well Ladies. The old man is tired and it's been a long day

Sleep well
Bluedogs2

Some tendons have an outer sheath that is synovial, especially where they cross or touch bone. That gets inflamed like your joints. It seems to be my primary problem. My joints do not join the party until things are out of control.

SUPER. HUGS. Bluedog!

RCross, I am having the same problem... My doc gave me meloxicam and no relief after 2 months but having lot of stomach problems now so time to give up the meloxicam .... shots or surgery? both thumbs are so bad very painful and swollen I can't bend them..I didn't know how much we use our thumbs until now... can't pick things up ... I keep dropping things because of the pain .... can't see my new rheumy for 2 months so thinking of seeing my orthro soon... but maybe he can't help if yours hasn't come up with something to help outside of the shots... which I didn't want before but thinking I don't have an option now...this is getting the best of me ...can't even start my car... can't pick up my new grand puppy.... can't get a cup of coffee...even getting dressed is chore.....I am so lucky I have my wonderful hubby to help. Yesterday and today my elbows are jumping in on the pain and swelling. Hope you get some relief very soon and if you do please pass on the info...thanks

One of my very first symptoms was severe tendinitis. Most all of my tendons are inflamed. I do have a positive dx for RA. Possibly a 2nd auto immune disease is at work on my insides also? We are not sure at this point. But yes, tendon inflammation is my biggest source of pain. I hope you find relief. Sure can be discouraging at times!

Thanks everyone. I've had single episodes tendinitis on and off - shoulder here, knee there, etc. but this time it's craziness. The pain doc wants to put me under and inject multiple places at once. Not sure I'm okay with doing that.

Y'all are making me feel better just knowing this is RA and not something else.

I'm curious how did your doctor diagnosis the tendonitis?
I'm having problems in the shoulder area again can't help but wonder if it's playing a role or if it's my neck.
What a mess this can be.
About the injections, I have my neck, shoulder & spine done. Several at one time.
I have full faith in my PM. I will say if any other doctor would want to do the injections I'd sweat bullets.
I seem to respond well but that's me.
I'm so sorry my goodness that must really cause your pain level to go way up.
Hope there's relief in the near future.
Sammy

Sammy.....I've had several MRI's that detected the tendon issues. Quite certain I glow in the dark now. I'm just nervous of cortisone since I've had a cortisone flare before. The ortho and pm doc both use a tiny tiny amount so I don't react again, but that means more injections. Ugh.

I do love, and trust, my PM doc. He's done wonders to get me feeling better.

Jen...I knew I had read another name for it some where. Thanks for posting it. I've suffered with bursitis in my hips for years...wonder if that was the "beginning" for me?

The MRI report also stated tendinopathy? I'm not even sure what that is. LOL

Although a rheumatologist hasn't verified my RA diagnosis yet I can say that I have had tendonitis problems for several years now. Ten years ago it was carpal tunnel and then what I thought was long term effects from that , even after surgery. The tendons in my wrist swell so bad they feel and look like rocks under my skin. Then about 4 years ago I had my first episode of tendonitis in my shoulders. It has happened 4 times since the first, twice in each shoulder. Pain so bad I could not move the affected arm and had to have cortisone shots and narcotic pain meds. I have had it in my left hip as well but not that severe. For me, time will tell if it is RA related or not.

I hope you feel better soon!

So I wonder why do many rheumies seem to overlook this aspect and go completely on the actual joint. At least that's what I have seen in the past I'm s new with my current doc and haven't raised this issue yet. But as I hVe said before a lot of times my joints don't swell or turn red just hurt and stiff many times and tendon probs big time. Curious.