RA - acute pain
Posted , 5 users are following.
Hi all,
I'm looking for some advice. Since yesterday, I've been experiencing acute pain - first in my right hip, inner thigh and left shoulder; now it's moved to my right wrist and I'm getting stabbing pains in my wrist and hand. I cant close my right hand or use it all. I barely slept last night and tonight is looking to be the same.
I'm on Plaquenil, although have to admit to being a little inconsistent in taking it lately. Added to that I've been tapering Prednisone from 5 gradually to 0. I've taken Plaquenil and Naproxen today and Paracetamol.
I'm still in a lot of pain and don't know what to do to alleviate it. Any advice appreciated! Also, is this a normal occurrence that i should come to expect? I've been fairly lucky so far in that I was diagnosed a year ago and have only had relatively minor flares - compared to this one at least!
Thanks for any help anyone can offer!
0 likes, 7 replies
linda07106 susan46836
Posted
susan46836 linda07106
Posted
Thank you!
I'd tried heat but not ice until later last night / early this morning. It really helped!
Tinabird susan46836
Posted
Arnica gel is amazing, although not long lasting, you must re apply every hour or so.
Have you tried a diet consisting of lots of leafy greens, and low fat and sugar? The Mediteranean diet?
Also 1000 mgs of fish oil capsules three times a day with a meal.
Tumeric with black pepper pills.. 600 mg once a day.
These are all natural de inflammatory medications and take time, but truly lower your inflammation. Good luck and get off the prednisone !!
susan46836 Tinabird
Posted
Thank you! All really helpful tips.
I've been reading about the natural remedies, such as diet and supplements. I'm going to give some of them a go!
Light susan46836
Posted
Are we in the alternative forum? Most offerings here are about alternative help, so I'm not sure...
It may be that you are reducing your prednisolone too fast and the symptoms are returning with a vengeance. It does happen. Preds needs to be reduced very slowly and watchfully. And sometimes it can't be reduced to zero at all without a return of symptoms.
And being inconsistent with plaquenil or any of these horrid drugs is a bad idea.
Also, did you GP approve a mix of paracetamol and naproxyn? Usually we stick to one painkiller for a period and then switch to another.
On the alternative front, have you tried a TENS machine? can work wonders with pain.
I've been having similar relapses with pain in neck, shoulders, elbows and arms. Shoots, sears, burns, stabs and stiffens... and then rests for a bit. Learning to live with pain is the cross we RA sufferers bear...
susan46836 Light
Posted
Thanks for this. I'm frustrated with myself as I think I got complacent after not having pain for a while, so was too relaxed with the medication. I'm wondering if I should go back to my GP about the Prednisone.
I wouldn't normally take Paracetamol too, but was in so much pain last night that I thought it may help.
I haven't tried a TENS machine. I'll take a look.
Thanks.
Tinabird susan46836
Posted
Hi: As far as an "Alternative forum" I think big gun drugs are fine for arthritis (I have Psoratic) but we should all be open to integrated medicine. Prednisone can truly take a toll on the body over the years. I know from watching my own Mother who had RA. Dr Weill's book "Mind over Medicine" is a nice partner to keep on your beside along with whatever your Doctor is prescribing. Just saying, we should be open to natural remedies as well.