Monday, January 30, 2012 StacyR asks

Q: Do rheumys ever hospitalize people during an acute flare?

I am sure we all feel at times that "no one" could have hurt as bad as I do, but I have to say...I am in week 3 of a full body flare. There isnt a joint that doesn't have some degree of swelling. Some of my digits are even purple/red. I cannot walk, can barely work, and have my ex-husband pulling extra time w/the kiddo because I can barely take care of myself. We cannot use prednisone because it caused severe stomach pain, and there won't be any other treatment prescribed until an endoscopy is performed Thurs for ulcers. I am on Percodan, but its short lived and I am taking about 1.5x the dose just to survive, I cannot fathom "just living with it" even for another few days. Has anyone experienced similar?

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Answers (6)

V, Health Guide

1/30/12 4:16pm

Stacy,

I have know a few folks who were hospitalized and given IV steroids. Have you talked to your RD? There are shots that can be given...usually Toradol. I think you need to call your doc.

StacyR

1/31/12 9:03am

Thanks for the response, V. We've talked to those folks nearly daily - everything is hinging on the endoscopy on Thursday. I am just literaly knocked on my butt by the amount of pain I am in. It scaresme that I ampopping darn pain pills on a schedule - and thats just to survive!

V, Health Guide

1/31/12 10:56pm

Wow! I was hoping they would have a suggestion, like a shot of something to help you. So sorry you are in so much pain. Hang in there, but if it gets to be too much, I would go to the ER.

Hugs,

StacyR

1/31/12 9:03am

George

1/30/12 8:33pm

I have not heard of anyone being hospitalized for an acute flare. Your symtoms indicate that you are having a severe flare. I hope you are able to receive the medication that works for you. GOOD LUCK!!!!

Lene Andersen, Health Guide

1/31/12 11:59am

I'm so sorry you're having such a rough time.

People are hospitalized, although not as much as they were in the past. Given how severe your problems are, I would recommend that you find a way to get to your rheumatologist or your family doctor as quickly as possible to see what can be done. Going into the hospital may be a viable option for you or there may be other things they can do to help you.

hang in there. And please keep us posted on how you're doing.

Nana

2/10/12 2:27pm

So sorry Stacy you are having such a hard time. I have had Ra for 11 years now. I didn't really have any bad flares until last year. It only knocked me out for 1 week. I feel for you. So sorry 3 weeks is horrible. My flare consisted of muscle aches and severe pain, fever, nausea, severe chills. I felt like I was dieing.

Hope you get relief soon. '

God Bless You,

Nana

Tama

2/10/12 4:55pm

I'm not understanding why you couldn't go in office for a medrol or prednisone injection. That would have nothing to do with the possible ulcer issue. Maybe you should go see an Orthopedists, they give in office injections, your Dr. shouldn't let you go on like this.

Jessica

2/15/12 3:26pm

I'm preparing for my 5th joint replacement surgery, a left total knee replacement. I've also been experiencing one of (if not the worst) flare-up of my life. I was diagnosed at age 5, so I've been ill for 29 years. That annoying scale 1 to 10, well we are talking a 10+, and I can handle pain. My left ankle was so swollen and stiff that I couldn't put weight on it, my knees are bone on bone, my shoulders, elbows, wrists, and upper back are also swollen, stiff, and in intense pain, and all of my muscles have gotten extremely weak. I have not been sleeping, and I can not get up on my own which is leading to serious dehydration as I do not wish to have an accident. I reached the point where I could no longer take it, and I went to the E.R. on the order of my pain management doctor. I was hoping they'd help me sleep and control the increasing pain, so that I could get up on my own. They made me wait with my sister for over 3 hours, and then they refused to see me. They said I had a chronic issue and should follow-up with my regular doctors. They treated me like a drug addict which was insulting and infuriating. My R.A. doctor and surgeon are both out of town, so luckily my G.P. was able to see me and gave me a short dose of Prednisone (which is a short term solution as steroids are not a pre-op acceptable drug). I wish you better luck. My advise is... No longer how weak and terrible you feel, don't let them walk all over you because they will if they can get away with it --- especially if you have no one to stand up for you.

Q: Do rheumys ever hospitalize people during an acute flare?

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