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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Wth?!-Flaring 3 days straight

ReeDee43
ReeDee43
Good morning, all. I hate to vent this early in the morning but I need support. To the women-I started my period Saturday and went into a huge flare that night. I didn't leave the house yesterday because everything hurt so bad. Then I tossed and turned all night due to the pain in my ankles, wrists, fingers, and elbows. It ticked me off because I told my rheumy last week that I felt the Humira wasn't working anymore. So I switched my rheumy yet again and I have an appointment Wednesday morning. This time I chose a woman with the hopes she'll actually LISTEN!
My male rheumy kept sending me home basically telling me it's all a part of RA...idiot. It's days/weeks like this that make me feel as if I can't survive. I've been over emotional and stressed because I can't stand being immoble this way. Again, I'm sorry for venting so early but this is only place I get it off my chest. I'll keep you guys posted.
aggie83
aggie83
Sending good thoughts your way. Venting here is encouraged! Hoping you find a drug cocktail that works for you. Make sure you are hydrated!
bcatz
bcatz
I hope a female's perspective offers exactly what you need - two working ears. :)

So, your flares aren't just exercise or exertion induced. That's horrible! I wonder if there is anything to offer hormonally that might stop the trigger. ?
tinaunger50
tinaunger50
sending prayers that you get relief soon. and hope the new Rheamy is the right one for you, I think thats the most important thing about this disease, having the right dr working for you. good luck !
Dreamchaser-Linda
Dreamchaser-Linda
Mine was the opposite, woman rheumy was the worst, got an old rheumy now, he is better, but he treats a lot of older Patients, and my questions, and googling, drive him nuts . LoL

It might be time for you to go on orencia, or a bio like mine. I tried humira, enbrel, simponi, next step was orencia. Takes forever to work, but once it does, it really helps.

It is an emotional roller coster. Hope this next rheumy helps you!

Lin
deleted_user
deleted_user
I'm so sorry for your pain and for the dismissal of it by your doctor. I'm glad you were able to get into a new Rheumy so soon- here in CT it takes me 2 1/2 months to get in to see my own doctor! I hope your new doc will listen and give you some relief.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Every time I start my period it's the same thing I hurt so bad the whole week, I know exactly how you feel. I had a couple of people suggest that Humira to me cause my meds are not working either. But my dr says to give my meds more time. He already has me off from work for a couple months because I cant stand on my feet they are full of RA nodules which hurts me so bad stand on them. Idk what to do either!!!
sammyo1
sammyo1
I'm the same my cycle throws me into major pain,
Long ago I went into a see my PCP but not in so I seen one of his partners. A female doctor & she explained how weather & monthly cycles can send pain levels up.

Retention of fluid can add to any stress on sore joints.
I'm sure the hormones play a role also.
My cycle makes everything much more awful.
Especially the exhaustion & inability to think clear.
I wish you the best of luck.

My RA is female & she is attentive so far.
Very adamant about explaining & you understanding.
I'm also trying onto something new. NO fun.
I completely understand as I'm in flare myself.
I hope we all have relief soon.
I truly hope you have better luck with this doctor. Nothing worse then being told to deal with it.
Hugs & prayers, Sammy
aggie83
aggie83
lol, finally, an upside for menopause.....

Seriously, I feel for those experiencing extra pain. I became a fluid retainer in perimenopause, and I felt like crap then (pre-RA a few years). Back then, they told me to drink a lot of water with lemon juice in it and that seemed to help. Next time I flare, I 'll try that again.
deleted_user
deleted_user
Been there, done that, and burnt the blasted T-Shirt!!

Being female throws a wrench in treating RA. It seems that our wonderful monthly visiter throws it all in overdrive, especially for those of us with bad cycles to begin with.

Hoping you fell better soon!
-Tanya N
deleted_user
deleted_user
otg I thought it was only me that had this problem. I start the flare a few days before my period and it can last for a week or more. I didnt link the two together for ages then all of a sudden it hit me a few months ago. now I have an appointment with my Rhemy tomorrow and hoping that is one of the many issues he can solve for me. I love my Rhemy, I have been so lucky with him, he actually cares...so many other doctors I have had didnt care a bit.
Hope your feeling better ReeDee
deleted_user
deleted_user
Hey ReeDee, I am so sorry for your pain. Saw my rheumy on Tues. and it was very discouraging. No progress in pain alleviation and he seemed disappointed that my one dose of Humira did nothing. He cut back on the Prednisone to 1 1/2 pills daily and told me to hold off on the MTX for next Tues. After months of hobbling around I am no better, just constipated from pain pills. And weird from the MTX; napped today and dreampt most viscerally that my toes were being massaged (I live alone and am a widow). Anyone else get vivid dreams from all the meds? When I awoke, I managed to get to the grocery store for prune juice mostly, but I felt so woozy and confused in the laundry aisle, I nearly cried on the spot. I got home, but two hours later I still haven't put everything away. I hate this disease. I hate it. Please tell me it gets better, please. J.