Tuesday, November 04, 2008 shan asks

Q: pain management

Hello, I am a 28 year old female, I was diagnosed in March 2008. The medications I am currently taking are: Hydroxychloroquine 400mg a day, Sulfasalazine 3000mg a day, Prednisone 10mg a day, Naproxen 1000mg a day (stopped taking on 10/24/08 - meds was not relieving pain and makes my breathing and chest tight).

I am allergic to: Nabumetone, Vicodin and Percasets.

My doctor just perscribe me Paxil an antideppressant, I'm not depressed he says it may help manage my pain, I have not currently started taking this.

My question is, is there any reccomendations that anyone has tried for the pain?

Thanks, Shan.

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Answers (3)

Sara Nash, Health Guide

11/ 5/08 9:23pm

Hi Shan,

Firstly, I would recommend talking to your rheumatologist about trying some different medications or adjusting dosages, especially since you are on so many at the moment.

Hydroxychoroquine and sulfasalazine can both take awhile before they kick in-sometimes as long as six months, which when you are in constant pain, is awful. Has your rheumatologist talked to you about trying a biologic drug, such as eternacept (enbrel) or humira, instead? These drugs, though more expensive, have a good track record with many for relieving the pain and progress of RA. There is a lot of good information about these drugs on this website if you want to read up on them before talking to your doctor.

Aside from changing your meds, you could also try some alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage and/or restorative yoga and meditation.

Talk to your doctor and make sure they know you are still in quite a bit of pain. They should work with you to find a medical regimen that works for you.

Good luck,

Sara

Calamity Jane

11/12/08 4:05pm

Hi Shan,

I really feel for you. Living with pain really changes your life, I know. I'm 55 and have had RA since I was a child. I take prescription pain meds every day, and would not be able to function without them -- wouldn't even be able to get out of bed. When you say that you're allergic to Vicodin and Percoset, what form did your allergic reaction take? Is it something that you might be able to manage by taking benedryl along with the pain pill? If not, there are others you might try. I'm taking a time released form of morphine sulfate right now -- you just take one in the morning and one at night, and there is no feeling of going up and down as there is with the others. Since it's a form of morphine, not oxycodone like vicodin and percoset, I wonder if you might be able to tolerate this one?

Also, do you take fish oil? If not, do get some, it really helps in lots of ways. Best to get a really high quality kind from a health food store or a pharmacy that carries supplements. Get it in liquid form (some of them are flavored with orange or lemon and are not so awful tasting), and look for one with high amounts of DHA and EPA -- they will be more expensive, but you can take a lot less and it's more effective, better for you (purer). Fish oil is anti-inflammatory so it does help with pain, and also supports good brain function, so helps with memory, energy, and depression. I highly recommend it.

Good luck. I'll be thinking of you. Keep asking questions and doing online research and talking to people -- don't give up. You have every right to have help in managing your pain. Could you possibly go to a pain ciinic? Sometimes they're good, sometimes not.

Susan Noel

colleen

2/27/09 7:13pm

I am on pain meds,neurontin and trazadone(antidepressent/seizure med). that has helped with some of the nerve pain i have had in my arm and spine. i went without it for a few days and it made a difference. so the combo of all the meds has helped me get through most days. hope this helps. I cant use the injectables, had nbad reactions so i am waiting to find another treatment. Colleen

Q: pain management

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