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PA and Methotrexate help with pain relief please

Posted , 4 users are following.

Lisa_Batts
Lisa_Batts

Although I have been struggling with PA and been on MTX for the last 18 months or so I don't use any pain relief. Something since the middle of September has changed. I noticed more swelling and more pain. Long story short Sulfazine has now been added for inflammation and I am awaiting results of knee X-rays with a follow up appt in 6 weeks. In the meantime I have had no choice but to take pain relief as it is severe. I have suffered with addiction in the past and eventually gave in with co-codamol. The specialist also prescribed a Oxycodone solution so I can manage my pain depending on the severity. The question I have is that I am allowed 4 X 10mg of Oxy a day or 8 X 30/500 codiene and as long as I make sure there is a 4 hour gap can take either. I am well under the recommended daily dose whichever I use. The problem is the Oxy works far better than the other when the pain is severe. I am now having to fight my doctor for it, even though I have only had one bottle which lasted far longer than it could have. I have read that people are on far higher doses of this than I am. I am very aware of my addiction problems and already feel a failure resorting to painkiller without my doctor making me feel like an addict again. I'm so confused, in extreme pain although it is being investigated but am in tears a lot and exhausted. I guess really I'm crying out for some support

2 likes, 12 replies

12 Replies

  • steve43628
    steve43628 Lisa_Batts

    Posted

    Your doctor giving you a guilt factor for needing painkillers is a disgrace Lisa.I have 6 doctors in my surgery. Can't you go to someone else at yours? Oh.and no failure for wanting,and needing help with such pain sad The amount you're taking 4 x 10mg tells me how much pain you're in sad Any doctor in your surgery who looks at your medical record will be aware of your stuggle,but this should make any doctor who does see it,ever more diligant and more hands on in helping you.and supporting you fight your such brave,hard fight.Gotta say too.Doctors are some of the worst addicts going,and always have been.Damn their hypocrosy!!
    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts steve43628

      Posted

      Steve bless you and thank you. I actually changed my doctor to the one I have because he is the only one there who has any knowledge of mtx and takes infections seriously. As a doctor he is right to think of my past addictions but I have been clean for 7 years. Also i explained to him I didn't rub my hands in glee when I got ill with the thought of medications but rather have been controlling my pain with ice and hot baths for 18 months but he should have understood and given me what I needed without a fight. I have to go back and ask for more and you have inspired me. Rather than seeing it as a fight I am going to mention that I didn't choose this pain and until they have got to the bottom of it all I am NOT going to let him make me feel guilty for using pain relief. Thank you for taking the time to respond. You have made me feel much better 😊😊😊 bless you. Have a good day and know you have helped somebody ☀️☀️☀️ Lisa
  • mrsmop
    mrsmop Lisa_Batts

    Posted

    Hi Lisa, I'm sorry you're having a tough time with things.  I think I said once berfore that I was on MTX for 20 months and had to come off it because of the severe joint pain.  I was also prescribed Co-codamol, I hate the drug, it made me hyperactive and did nothing for the pain. I found Co-dydramol more effective with pain.

    I have now been put on Mycophenolate Mofetil & am in the throes of upping the dose to 3g/day.  I don't know whether this is a drug that they use for PA?  But I would suggest that your ask your prescriber to look at the MTX.

    Good luck!

    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts mrsmop

      Posted

      Hey stranger,

      I'm sorry but did I reply to your last e mail? My brain has been in la la land 🙈🙈 I'm actually finding the mtx an excellent drug (well you know what I mean!) for my Psoriatic arthritis but somethings changed. I think it is all down to the untreated ankle, foot injuries. Whilst they are investigating and sorting the ankle it looks like I'm going to be in this pain for a while. The pain medications work, the Oxycodone better than the codiene but my specialist said I need the extra strong ones or I may as well not take any. Incidentally I got a Rheumy appointment within 4 days. How's that for butt kicking??!!😂😂😂 I hope you are well X xx Lisa ☀️☀️☀️

    • mrsmop
      mrsmop Lisa_Batts

      Posted

      Hi Lisa, I'm still here!

      When I was on the MTX, it was excellent with my autoimmune problem it just triggered the joint pain and immobility.  Nothing touched the pain & eventually I told my Derm that I could no longer tolerate it and he took me off it.  I subsequently  had to restart the Pred and have been playing musical drugs since then!

      I am impressed with the butt kicking!

      Email me and let me know how things are, take care Lisa, xx

    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts mrsmop

      Posted

      Oh yeah! That was one butt kicking.... Did I mention I have a follow up appointment in six, I repeat SIX weeks 😂😂😂 the thing is I was doing really well on the MTX. Sure I had pain but I guess we always will but it was 'grit your teeth and get on with it' pain. This is something else. This is, I may hit myself hard on the head with a hammer so I don't think about the rest of the pain! I was going to e mail you earlier but can't find the address.... Could you resend it please? Love to keep in touch again 😊😊☀️☀️🌸🌸 xxx
  • lucynewas
    lucynewas Lisa_Batts

    Posted

    Sulphasalazine made a big difference to my pain - but took about 3 months.  may be worth having a short course of steroids to give you some short term relief?
    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts lucynewas

      Posted

      Thanks Lucy, they did say it would take about that long. They don't really want to up my steroids as I've been weaning off them very gradually from 30mg to 2.5. The problem is definitely from the untreated ankle injury so I need it to be swollen as I have an appt in the next 2 to 3 weeks to get it reassessed.

      Just out of interest when I phoned my doctor to update him and told him about the Sulfazine he said 'so they have taken you off the MTX then? I said no and now I'm panicking there was so much to take in. Do you know if you can be on both? I'm going to start a discussion asking as I take MTX tomorrow 🙈🙈🙈😊

    • lucynewas
      lucynewas Lisa_Batts

      Posted

      I'm taking both and have been for about 6 months.  I've had no problems with kidney or liver function.  I'm on a static dose of 3 mg prednisolone because without it I'm too stiff.  They said it was safe for now - if I wanted to carry on with life.

      There is Danish research to say that 3 - 5 mg prednisolone the day after mtx makes a big difference.  

       

    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts lucynewas

      Posted

      Thank you Lucy. I have been told not to reduce the prednisone at least the moment so along with your advice that is a good thing 😊
    • lucynewas
      lucynewas Lisa_Batts

      Posted

      Happy to chat any time - sounds like we're in a similar boat!  3 mg of prednisolone is a working dose for me - and reduces the risk of cateracts and diabetes as low as reasonably practicable at the same time.

      It's about living not just existing.

    • Lisa_Batts
      Lisa_Batts lucynewas

      Posted

      Absolutely agree! It is about living. Not just existing. I'm also happy to chat anytime. Sounds like we have the same consultant!!! 😂😂😂

      Lisa

      X

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