Don't know how to describe pain | Arthritis Information

I am new to the forum but really need to find someone who can help me understand what I am going through with my RA. I was diagnosed 4 years ago; 50 years old; now on Humira, Leufludomide(Don't know how to spell it!) and prednisone (10mg) as needed, which is 2-4 times a day right now. I have only been on Humira for 3 months but thougth I was doing very well. Then the migratory RA started again, mainly in the hips and shoulders.

This week I have been experiencing a terrible pain in my inner hip. It seems to be very close to my pubic joint. Besides the pain, I am hardly able to walk and am struggling with the embarressment of the location. This pain is sever in burning and feels more muscular than usual.

MY docotr just switched me from MTX to Leufludomide trying to find the right combination for me. He told me to expect to be in pain for 2 months before he would change the meds and really didn't "know the right treatment for me." said it was a guessign game and either I or he could make the guess. I can't tell if he is trying to enable me or just not be accountable for the decision.

All I know is this pain is getting worse and I am struggling to keep my emotions in check fearing I am heading to a condition where I cannot walk at all.

First, has anyone ever had RA attack the inner hip like this and if so, do you call and let your doctor know the severity fo the pain or do you just endure it? My husband is so frustrated thart I continue to try to work but I can't seem to give myself the permission to miss work for pain, especially when I think this may never go away and this si how things are going to be.

there is absolutely no reason to feel embarrassment ove pain regardless of where it is located. What you have described is textbook hip joint pain. Joint pain in the hip area is felt in the groin and down towards the inside of the knee. Soft tissue hip pain is generally felt in the outer hip area the outside of the knee. Back pain is felt also in the outer hip but also in the back of the hip and down the back of the leg. Now these are generalizations and may not be typical for all.

Call your dr and tell him you are having severe burning hip pain..he may prescribe a cortisone injection, he may do some xrays to insure you haven't injured it in some way. If you are taking up to 40mg of pred daily I would be concerned about thinning of the bones and a possible hip fracture. Do you have a cane you can use in the meantime?

I learning the hard way that there is no shame in calling off work when you can't walk...sometimes we need to take aday to let a flared joint calm down. Trying to tough it out ends up hurting us in the long run

Charlye....

Sorry you had to go looking for help on the net for your RA... but glad that you found us!

I have similar sensations that you have in the inner hip.... Not terribly debilitating for me unless i over do it! I am sorry that you're having this magnified intense pain... I can only imagine how horrible!!

I would suggest calling your RD immediately and tell him of this issue. He certainly doesn't want you wheelchair bound any more than you do.... I hope he would want to see you right away!!

Hang in there.... we know this disease is a hit or miss when it comes to our meds... some work..some won't.... you don't know til you try them...

Best to you,

babs

Welcome to AI Charlye. Glad you're here.

I was going to say the same thing about your hip. That's definate hip joint pain. If it's in the out side of the hip it can often be caused by tendonitis which a lot of us get also. I didn't realize they prescribed predisone the way you described. That large of a dose as needed between 2 to 4 times a day? I've had plenty of experience with short term predisone use.....but I didn't realize you could use it like your using it. I'd call the doctors office and describe your pain and ask if they would give you a cortisone injection. I've had several for hip joint pain and it's very helpful. Hurts like hell....but well worth it!

Hope you're feeling better soon. Again; Welcome.

Hi Charlye,

Pain from the hip joint does present in the groin. Bursitis and tendonitis hurt on the outer side of the hip. Both hurt, but bone damage is worse so you should definitely tell your doc it's time for xrays. I did that with only groin "aching" and outer thigh pain and knowing osteopenia had shown up in my hip. I was relieved to learn I do not have RA bone erosion or OA cartilage loss so it's just really bad bursitis again (common with RA).

I too have never heard of Prednisone being taken your way. It's a great but serious drug that needs to be taken regularily, monitored, and gradually decreased when time. Does your doctor know you are taking it whenever you want to for pain?

Good luck, please keep posting.

Charlye,

Welcome. I can't add anything that hasn't already been said. Call your doctor and let him know how you feel. You definitely should ask for a steroid shot in the hip and/or maybe even some pain pills. You have a right to some pain relief. Maybe your doc didn't suggest anything because he didn't know how much pain you are having.