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Haven't been able to straighten my elbow in months, when to call doctor?

Posted , 5 users are following.

baicoleman
baicoleman

I'm 19 years old and was diagnosed with RA right before my 18th birthday, so I've been on methotrexate and Enbrel for about a year now.  I was immediately put on both medicines by my doctor, which I now know means that it was/is pretty severe.  I haven't been able to straighten one elbow since October.  The pain is always there, sometimes more dull than others but always there.  It's only on one side of my body, which is weird because my doctor always tells me that RA is symmetrical.  I got three cortisone shots in it last month, and even those didn't work.  When should I be concerned and do more about it, i.e. more medication or even surgery?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Rowbirdie
    Rowbirdie baicoleman

    Posted

    Good that you were put on a biological right away. Has it helped with other areas?

     I haven't had a particular elbow problem, but my thoughts are like yours as to why on one side? Why no relief with steroid shot? Does it stay in same pain through the day or ease up in afternoon as most joints with RA don't?

    is it by any chance the elbow of the hand you write with/ use a mouse with?

    you should def not have any more shots in elbow as 3 is already a lot- so wondering if you ve thought of referral to physiotherapist ? Hopefully someone will come on the forum who has experienced this themselves and will be able to offer advice .

    sorry you ve got this constant pain.

     

    • baicoleman
      baicoleman Rowbirdie

      Posted

      It has helped a lot with pain in other areas, particularly my feet and hips.  I definitely do not want any more shots in my elbow, and I have been doing the exercises the physiotherapist gave me but to no avail.  The pain stays the same throughout the day, doesn't go away or get better nor does range of motion.  I think I just get better at managing it.  It is the elbow of the hand I write with!
  • ann19155
    ann19155 baicoleman

    Posted

    Hi I to also have RA iv had it now for about 10 yrs also like you I cannot straighten

    My right elbow I have had steroid shots and have seen physiotherapists however

    After having x-rays I have now been told it's a combination of ostio and RA so

    I'm afraid all I can say is continue with the exercises that the physiotherapist has given

    You and if and when it does get any worse to the point that you cannot cope

    With it any longer then discuss it with your Dr about surgery as you know they

    Don't really consider that course of action until all else fails anyway I hope

    This helps please let me no how you get on

    Regards

    Ann

  • Light
    Light baicoleman

    Posted

    I'm thinking a bit like Rowbirdie, that it might be something else other than RA because it doesn't fit with most RA progression that I've heard of (10 years RA)
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