I've been off work for month and a half now due to swollen ankles, where it began, now my knees are sore and I can't sleep good at night due to aches and pains in both Knees and Ankles. My Ankles stay swollen and the Veins in that area and up my leg some are all puffed out. I keep them elevated a lot, but they are always aching me. My Doctor has yet to figure out exactly what I have - he has given some meds, but seems like the only thing that helped was the Generic Lortab pain pills - i would have to take 3 at night in order to sleep. when i ran out he would not give me a refill cause i was suppose to be taking only one twice daily (that didnt help me).
I have an appointment tomorrow with a Rheumatologist, appointment set up by my Doctor.
I am hoping he can figure out my problem, since its painfull for me to walk and get up steps cause of the pain trying to bend my knees to pull myslef up a step. I have to take mini steps when walking cause the pain in my toes and ankles mustles when i try to bend them.
Can anyone tell me if there is a natural pain reliever out there that they use or will the Rheumatologist prescribe me something to make me sleep thru the night????
Any advice is much appreciated.
Kevin
PS - I've had Vascular Vein test/ Echo Cardiogram/ and numerous blood test done - Doc said they were all ok.....
Hi Keven, welcome to the discussion forum. I cannot offer any advice except to speak candidly with your physician and ask his/her opinion regarding sleeping aids.
Some physicians are reluctant to prescribe medications until a diagnosis has been reached; other doctors prescribed based on clinical presentation.
I hope your appointment tomorrow with the rheumatologist provides you with both answers and relief.
Best wishes, Shug
They should give you something to sleep at night. Also they started me out at two vicoden a day. I finally convinced them that it took three a day for me to walk along with some prednisone. Still i have pain sometimes. Things will get better it just takes awhile. I hope you get some answers. Feel better soon.Thanks Shug and Milly for the reply and thoughts.
I have been suffering with this for over a month and a half now with mostly all sleepless nights. A Friend of mine said if this Doctor today can't help me I should seek a new RA Doctor. Whats ya'll thoughts on that?
Kevin
A second, third, or even sixth opinion is seldom amiss. The more input each of us have from physicians the better able we are to make decisions.
Good luck!
WISHING YOU THE BEST, KEVEN....
and yes, get another opinion!! if you can't find satisfaction.
Good Luck Kevin. I agree with the other posters. Get another opinion if you are not satisfied with this doctor. Hope you get relief soon...Hiking Gal
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