Several years ago I was diagnosed with RA--was on medication--I hadn't had any falre ups--went off meds and felt fine---over the last year I have felt those familiar aches and pains--stiffness---and finally went to the doctor and had some xrays taken. He said there was arthritis in my shoulder and gave me a shot--it's no better--but I did have blood work done---RA and ANA was positive (no surprise) but I am going to a specialist (the wait is disgusting) in April. (to rule out lupus) My pain is in my collar bone and shoulder-- elbows and knees---my GP told me she could give me an anti-inflammatory shot until I see the rheumatologist--has anyone else had pain in their collar bone like this and how long does the shot last? I just had the cortisone in my shoulder and no changes---in such pain--i don't want to live off of darvocet--thanks for your help
Hi Tami-in-LA
Welcome to AI.
Good to hear that you had a few years away from RA but sad to hear it has returned and especially in the shoulder area. From what I have read from past post on here and the pain I have had in my shoulder from the RA. It is not a nice thing to suffer with. Did the doctor give you a cortisone shot? It's strange how some people swear by them and then there are some, like myself and you, who do not get much help from them....What is the anti-inflammatory shot called or is it going to be another steroid shot? I would try the shot. Having to wait till April to see a Rheumy, is a long time to be in pain. How about seeing if they can put you on some prednisone...That would help you too. I have never had a shot in my shoulders before but when my shoulder did hurt, it was so bad that I actually had to have a morphine shot (in arm)to stop the pain, so I know how much you must be hurting. I hope that you do not have to deal with Lupus and RA together. SO, keep good thoughts and crossed fingers ( if possible) and maybe you will not have Lupus too. God knows RA is enough for any one person to have to live with.
Keep us informed as to how you are doing.
Toni