Quick question | Arthritis Information

Do most of you take anti-imflammatories along with your other medications?

The doctor mentioned I had had some swelling. I do have a bit of trouble fitting into my shoes!

I forgot to ask her about nsaids. I did take mobic for quite a while when I had my first rheumy.

I thought it had caused some bad side effects but the problem was caused by something else.

I'd like to ask my new doctor but I think the staff find me annoying since I said I was going to call everyday to get an appointment. I did say I was kidding!

Now I feel I'm in an awkward postion if I've made them mad this quickly.

Is methotrexate supposed to control swelling?

Should I ask the doctor about an anti-inflammatory?

Thanks in advance.

It is up to you. For some people, NSAIDs are hard on the digestive system. Some people don't notice enough difference in their swelling to keep taking them. When my swelling went down, my doctor told me not to take them unless I really needed them for pain.

I personally don't take them but my RA is well controlled right now. I am also a diet responder so I can adjust my diet and pull out of a flare that way.

Another way to decrease swelling? Walking! I know how it sounds, but just taking a walk for 20 minutes a day really helps keep my swelling down. Getting the circulation going is really good for us. I try to go for a walk even when I am flaring, and I pull out of flares faster if I do it.
Assuming you don't have any problems with taking NSAID's (allergies, asthma,hypertension, kidney issues, heavy alcohol consumption, ulcers or other stomach issues), you can try taking naproxen (Aleve) or ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil) for a week and see what that does for you. If you're taking other prescription meds, be sure to check with your pharmacist first. JasmineRain39433.3784953704Oh, one other thing. Your feet are always a bit swelled in the afternoons. My doctor always commented on my feet but I always had afternoon appointments! Sounds funny but it's true.
I take nsaids along with my other meds I am suprised the rd doesn't have you on a nsaid, have you had any problems with them before? meme

I notice an increase in pain when I slack off my Relafen.

Thanks so much for your replies. I do walk regularly. I asked her about walking with a bit of ankle pain and she didn't advise it with rheumatoid arthritis. I think I'll keep it up though as it is good for my mood, weight, and I just like fresh air.

I will try motrin for a week. It's on my list for meds I take occasionally. If I see an improvement, I'll give her office a call.

Thanks again. I always get good advice here.

For anti Inflam i take Mobic (meloxicam generic name), it's the only one that won't mess my stomach up and it works strong for me like celebrex did, but celebrex started to attack me so they put me on mobic about 6 months ago and it's still doing well.I am on 350 mg of Indocin/day. Because I have been on it for so long I am also on Protonix for my stomach. Since starting the Protonix I haven't had any stomach issues at all.

I can't believe your doctor said that walking with a "bit of ankle pain" with RA is not advisable. Unless you have some reason to believe, like an xray, that there's some permanent damage that would be made worse by walking, there's no reason not to walk. It will help strengthen the muscles around the joints which will provide some protection from future damage, and it's a great way to get some exercise and reduce stress. I walk 3 to 4 miles every day, even when my feet are hurting...usually the walking reduces the pain and I always feel better. I say...go for it!

Alan

Yes I take Ultram (generic is Tramadol) 2 pills 4 times a day to

keep the swelling down and Dicoflenac also I hope your ankle gets

feeling better. Have a nice evening. Tramadol doesn't do a thing for swelling; it's strictly for pain. Dicoflenac is for swelling.

I take 750mg of relafen twice a day. I have tried to not take it, but it really helps me, so I stay on it until something kicks in to help.

take care

Well, Dotty, the DMARDS should help with the swelling in theory but since they take a long time to kick in and they are variable in how they work often a NSAID is a good idea for swelling.

I take Celebrex, it doesn't really seem to do a lot but they threw it in for good measure into the mix. NSAIDS, like DMARDS again are very personal and variable in whether they work. You need to find one the works for you and gives you the least side effects. The main thing with them is they all need to be taken after a main meal, not a snack, or they can upset your stomach.

Walking is excellent for reducing swelling if you can do it.
Most anti-inflammoties cause some swelling. They can reduce inflammatory swelling in the joints but can cause edema (swelling) of feet and ankles. Also if you take Lyrica or Neurontin, both can cause hand and ankle/foot swelling. Just being on your feet al day or sitting in a chair with your feet on the floor can cause feet/ankle swelling by the end of the day. When you get home put your feet up and relax for a bit and the swelling will likely go down. Since I've been a nurse for so long, on my feet all the time, I have varicose veins in my legs. The liquid portion of the blood, the serum tends to leak out of varicose veins because the pressure is higher in them than the surrounding tissue. There are many medication created especially for edema. Most of them work by increasing urine production. I take Bumex, it's a heavy duty diuretic. I only take it on the days I have to work, have to pee every 45 minutes or so! Luckliy it's worn off by the time I go home so I am not up all night going potty. :)

[QUOTE=Red840]I am on 350 mg of Indocin/day. Because I have been on it for so long I am also on Protonix for my stomach. Since starting the Protonix I haven't had any stomach issues at all. [/QUOTE]

Isn't it amazing how different NSAIDs work differently on us? The very first one my first RD put me on was Indocin. On my 3rd dose, I had a seizure and was "out of it" for 36 hours! I had to crawl upstairs to my bedroom (I was home alone that whole weekend). When I finally had the presence of mind and the ability to pick up the telephone and call someone, I called my doc..who simply said "don't take it anymore". Thank you, Captain OBVIOUS!!

I learned two important things from that experience...

1. I never start a new medication when I am going to be alone.

2. My RD was an uncaring jerk, and I left that practice and found the best RD I could ask for!