CC Kuhns Hurtin' n Frustrated

By CC Kuhns Sunday, December 30, 2012

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I was diagnosed with RA and Sporiac arthitis in august of this year 2012 at age 48. I started out with pain in my toes so bad I could barely walk, It quickly moved to my hands. Started methotrexate 8/19. releived some of the pain but was given prednisone and cortisone shots to help combat the pain.I can no longer take methotrexate due to the affect it has with my liver. The pain now has spread all over. hands, wrists, feet, hips, shoulders and neck. It is so bad it is difficult to do much of anything now. I have difficulty cutting vegatbles or opening a baggie. Today my shoulders and wrists hurt more than anything else.

I start Humira on thursady, my dr was able to get me a one months supply of sample, Thank God because I have no insurance until March 2013. Please HELP if anyone can give advice on how to strengthing and how to handle facing the challenges ahead.

Much Thanks !

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Comments (3) | Add comment

Poppy

1/ 3/13 1:36pm

I am so glad that you are moving onto another med that should help longterm. However, what are you taking for pain control on a daily basis that you can control? Ibuprofen in prescription strength, Tramadol, etc. for purely just pain management? You might check into something because although Humira and other drugs like it help to control the disease, I find that I also need pain medications to take when I need them - which is almost always, but it is still nice to have that control. I would ask for some further help with this. Also, heat helps and there are a variety of deliveries for this: heating pad, chemical heat pads (Thermacare), Icy Hot spray, etc. Keep asking for help!

I cried for the first time at the rheumatologist's office last month because the places he was pushing on were so painful. I felt bad, but realized that he then knew just how different the pain was this time. He had topical lydocaine mixed for me to numb what areas do not respond to all of the meds.

Good luck - it will get better when you find the right cocktail that works for you!

wonderwoman

1/ 3/13 2:18pm

Hi Poppy

Welcome to our world, pleased to meet you, even though the circumstances are so hard. Pain management is essential. Don't settle for getting no help with this. Ask your docs and keep asking till you get what you need

Pain is now recognised as a disease in it's own right and it will hinder your recovery from RA or any other disease.

I take regular pain meds every day and dont miss. Sometimes it feels like things have improved enough for me to take less, but I have learned they have only improved because of regular pain meds.

I hope your pain can be settled quickly but in any case, don't be a hero, a life with as little pain is possible helps the body to deal with sickness.

It's ajourney and not a quick fix to get the right pain meds, just like it is to get the right ra meds. I am still struggling but I do encourage you to not be embarassed to ask for more.

Bless you

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

1/11/13 2:24pm

one of the most frustrating aspects of living with RA and psoriatic arthritis is the fatigue. The most important thing you can do to start getting your strength and stamina back is to find a medication that works for you. Hopefully, Humira will do the trick. You also need better pain control — are you on any anti-inflammatories, such as Mobic or Celebrex? If not, ask your doctor for a prescription. These types of drugs won't suppress your disease, but they can help control symptoms of inflammation and pain, and that will give you better quality of life.

While you waits find out if Humira works, there are certain things that can help you conserve the energy you have so you can use it in a smarter way. Check out my post on the Spoon Theory, as well as the post on building and maintaining energy. You may also want to talk to your rheumatologist about getting a referral to a physical therapist who can help you get better pain control, as well as keeping you mobile.

good luck! Please keep us posted on how things go?

CC Kuhns Hurtin' n Frustrated

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