Q: I was diagonosed about 4 years ago. I have had very small flares. My pain has never really been more than a 5. For the past 3 days I have a very bad flare. About a 9 on the pain scale. What can I do?
contact your rheumatologist right away. If they are not able to give you an appointment in the next few days, ask if they can call your pharmacist with a prescription for a booster pack of prednisone to help control the flare, as well as some painkillers. Most rheumatologists will do this to help people through a flare, although some will want to see you in person to examine you. If you have problems getting this kind of assistance from your rheumatologist - for instance, some rheumies only treat inflammation, not pain - get an appointment with your family doctor. Quite a few people with RA rely on their PCP for helping them with pain control. Your PCP may also be able to help you with the prednisone booster pack.
Good luck! Please keep us posted on what happens?
In addition to what Lene said, heat and lots of it seems to help me. Also, get as much rest as you can.
So glad you called your doctor. Getting the inflammation under control is very important to reduce the pain. Be sure to rest up and definitely report this flare to your rheumy when you next see him/her. It's good to have it documented.
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Thanks! Rheumy was out of town! PCP had me go back on Plaquenil - I've been off for 4 months. And he gave me 800mg ibuprofen for the pain and swelling. The swelling and redness are gone and the pain is back to 'normal' levels. Happy Thanksgiving!!