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 all,
I was diagnosed with RA a little over a year ago. Pain has waxed and waned several times (although pain is always present to some degree), and for the past several weeks, it's been worse again. Being that the pain and stiffness is particularly pronounced in the wrists, hand, and elbows. working at the computer - a big part of my job - is particularly painful. In my upcoming teaching position teaching art, I will have to be doing more with my hands; right now, I am not sure if I could handle it.
The increased pain compounds the fatigue I already experience due to Fibromyalgia and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome.
An additional challenge is that I am overseas, away from my USA Rheumatologist - with whom I trust more. Getting advice and proper treatment is harder.
How have you dealt with RA flares - both medical and non-medical?
The Tramadol is seeming to help somewhat with the pain, but I am concerned about damage, particularly to my hands and wrists. When/how does a person decide that it's time to switch RA meds and/or add something more powerful, such as a biologic agent?
Thanks for your advice and support.
I was diagnosed with RA a little over a year ago. Pain has waxed and waned several times (although pain is always present to some degree), and for the past several weeks, it's been worse again. Being that the pain and stiffness is particularly pronounced in the wrists, hand, and elbows. working at the computer - a big part of my job - is particularly painful. In my upcoming teaching position teaching art, I will have to be doing more with my hands; right now, I am not sure if I could handle it.
The increased pain compounds the fatigue I already experience due to Fibromyalgia and Upper Airway Resistance Syndrome.
An additional challenge is that I am overseas, away from my USA Rheumatologist - with whom I trust more. Getting advice and proper treatment is harder.
How have you dealt with RA flares - both medical and non-medical?
The Tramadol is seeming to help somewhat with the pain, but I am concerned about damage, particularly to my hands and wrists. When/how does a person decide that it's time to switch RA meds and/or add something more powerful, such as a biologic agent?
Thanks for your advice and support.
Also, what meds are you taking besides pain meds. Angela knows what she's saying about irreversible joint damage.
Having Fibromyalgia, I am used to pain. But if this pain is a sign of potentially damaging inflammation, I don't want to simply cover it up with pain meds. When I see the Dr in India (he is an Ortho, as it is difficult to find a rheum) in three weeks (or earlier, if the pain & stiffness still is there), I will suggest adding a biologic. Thankfully they are available here.
Angela, I don't see a link, but a reconstructed foot sure sounds painful!