Hello, and welcome to our community. 

I see you take MTX.  Are you seeing a rheumatologist, and did ne not give you anything to help control the pain?

I am not a doctor, just another person w/a chronic illness, but maybe you need to call your doctor and explain to him how much pain your are experiencing.

Have you tried any of the "low tech" methods of pain relief? I find that one of the most inexpensive and effective low tech pain relievers for me is the Icy Hot Roll.  I can cut off a piece and wrap it around my wrist or hand and go onto work.  It helps quite a bit for what it is.

I take Tramadol for pain, and right now I am taking prednisone.  I also use ice packs on my knees and one of those heating pads you can toss in the microwave to heat up.  Those are great when you need them.

You can also have steroid injections in your joints to help w/acute pain and inflammtion. I just had both hips "shot" yesterday.  What a relief!

There are a lot of people on this site w/many healt condition concerns.  There is that old saying about when it rains, it pours.

I would suggest speaking to your doctor about your pain levels.  I  know all of this can be overwhelming.  Try to take one day at a time and give your attention to the things that need it at the moment.  It may take a while to find the right medicine or combination of medicine, but there are a lot of options out there. Chances are very good that you and your doctors will find something that works well for you.  Don't give up!  Post here anytime, and someone will try to help you and/or just "listen".

Peace,

V

Lasuppura

1/ 7/11 12:55pm

Thanks for the uplift, I am currently taking Prednisone and MTX and I am currently taking something for pain but it seems to just take the edge off.

How long have you been diagnosed?  I just got PSORIATIC ARTHRITIS SEPT 2010 AND HAS DEFINITELY CHANGED MY LIFE.  THANKS AGAIN

 

PEACE

V, Health Guide

1/ 7/11 8:38pm

Hello, again! I am a lot more spunky this evening.  I had my hip injections yesterday. Hooray!!!

 

I actually do not have RA. I have Inflammatory osteoarthritis.  My ortho and the rheumy said it is not the same biologic mechanism as RA, but it causes the same destruction of joints and the same type pain.  I have it in my hands and my feet.  I have osteoarhtritis about every where else, and I have Fibromyalgia. Just diagnosed w/carpal tunnel, too. Knees need replaced, etc. I think that is enough of my issues for now. LOL

 

I know this can be overwhelming, because that all happened to me, too.  It happens to a lot of us, so don't feel alone.  We are always here to listen.

 

My issues started the end of May 2010.  At that point, I could barely walk because of the inflammatory osteo in my feet. I am much better now, but have had a setback.

 

I was taking Plaquenil, and it worked so well, but I ended up having an allergic reaction, and I can't take it anymore.  My rheumy is trying to figure out what to do next.  I am taking prednisone and tramadol and soma at the moment, but my joints are swelling and making clicking noises, etc.  I stopped taking Plaquenil about a month ago, I think. I see a marked decline in my hands and feet.

 

I take asthma meds and high bp meds, too.  Oh, yeah, and Vitamin D.

 

The point is, you just have to hang in there and work w/your doctors to find the treatment for you.  If you feel you need a second opinion, I would recommend getting one.

 

Wishing you the best, and happy to have you here in our little online "family".

 

Peace,

V