Hello. I am 35 and was diagnosed in Sept with RA (and osteo-arthritis
diagnosed 2yrs ago). In March I had a 2nd scope of my right knee done
and have had pain ever since! I have tried cortisone, Tramadol, Ultram,
Norco, synvisc injections and PT before being sent to a Rheum Dr. She
started me on Prednisone and then Methotrexate - neither of which I
felt was helping. I saw a 2nd Rheum Dr who confirmed and stopped the
Pred, increased the Metho and added Leflunomide in addition to Tramadol
with monthly blood work to monitor. Last week my ortho-surgeon
recommended trying Voltaren Gel to help with the pain and my GP gave me
a stronger Norco Rx to help with pain through the holidays until I see
the Rheum Dr again mid-Jan. My GP/nurse practioner advised asking about
using Remicade with Metho. As I am totally PHOBIC of needles and
especially IVs, I am not real keen on this option unless it can really
help. I feel like a walking drug store that should be closed!!!
Other
facts: I am recently unemployed and filed for disability b/c the pain
keeps increases despite the increased meds and the decreased - almost
non-existant - day to day activity. I have trouble sleeping despite
sleeping Rxs and all the meds taken. The pain keeps me up b/c I can't
get comfortable. I have had knee problems since I was in Jr High and
after initial scope surgery in HS, I had no problems except doing a lot
of stairs. But this Jan, after a long year of depression, weight gain,
and a mis-step which caused me to twist my knee, it has gone downhill
from there! I did get a custom knee brace that seems to help a little
but can be cumbersome and hard to wear for more than a couple hours at
a time.
HELP? ADVICE? I AM BEYOND FRUSTRATED!
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