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...

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Caren28 11/12/2009

I think I'm experiencing a flare. I'm exhausted and my hips and shoulders have been in a non-stop ache for about a week. I've missed a day and a half of work this week. I'm less than a year into RA, and I'm not sure when I'm supposed to call my rheumatologist, other than my planned visits every two months. At what point do you seek help? Would it be more appropriate to go to my PCP? Thanks for any advice!

Caren

deleted_user 11/12/2009

I posted a similar question a few weeks ago - call your rheumy is my suggestion - the nurses asked why i waited so long (i waited 4-5 days) before I called - I think they are used to it!

I called mine, she prescribed a prednisone burst and when that didn't work, she fit me in to see her the next day (after the 9 day burst) - and prescribed other things that are helping a lot!

Let us know...

Tort

deleted_user 11/12/2009

I agree that you need to call your RD when you cannot cope because of the pain. Having take off work would constitute that to me. As Tort said, they can prescribe a medrol dose pack ( a 7 day prednisone burst). Very often if you take it early on it helps. There are also pain pills to help you feel better. HAve you tried ice or heat? SOmetimes one or the opther helps. Good luck at feeling better soon. hugs, marcia

lycesq 11/12/2009

I agree with Tort and Marcia - now is the time to do it. Any time you have a flare or can't stand the pain - call.

Lynne

bigiblue 11/12/2009

If I don't have an appt. right around the corner then I call. If I am in alot of pain then I call anyway. Tort is right. The Nurses expect it and they are alot of help too.
bigi

deleted_user 11/13/2009

I always call my rheumy when the pain is so overwhelming that I have to miss school/work. When the pain interferes severely with my day-to-day life I call. Oftentimes, they up my prednisone or pain meds and then they call and check back in with me in a few days. If I am still feeling bad they call me into the office to see if I need a full med change. It makes me feel like I am not totally alone with the pain. The doctors should know where you are at and your progression.

Caren28 11/13/2009

Thanks for all the advice, everybody. I did call and my doctor got me in first thing this morning. I'm going to add a low dose of mtx to my Enbrel to see if that helps. It was psychologically good for me just to hear that yes, my shoulders are inflamed and that I don't just have to suffer through it.

thinksRAstinks 11/13/2009

Glad you made the call and best wishes that this is the answer for you.

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