Hello | Arthritis Information

 

I had an account here from before but I forgot my log in information. Recap: I was diagnosed with Polyarticular JRA when I was 2 but they believe I was born with it. I am 21 now, my 22nd birthday is in 2 months.

Anyway, The past few days, about a week actually, my knees and wrists have been hurting so bad. Today, just now in fact, it felt like my knee was literally on fire. It doesn't feel swollen (left knee). My right knee is swollen and stiff (I'm used to that pain). The left knee and its symptoms I have NEVER felt before. I have no clue what is going on and I'm scared. My dr's office is obviously not open today, but when I spoke to him on Friday he said its due to the change of weather and to take it easy and take my medication (celebrex). I lost my medical insurance so I'm worried that if I need something new it'll cost a fortune but luckily my dr understands and he gives me samples and off-brands. This pain though, is new to me. Anyone else have similar pains? I am so worried that there is something worse happening.

I was so happy because from July 6 until last week, I had NO pain and didn't need my medication.

I just need someone who understands my pain to help me through this. I am reaching out for something...I am so scared.
Mrs styles

Thank you, Lisa. The other thing, that happened in June and is currently happening again is in the middle of the night I go to stretch my legs (in my sleep, not realizing it) and it locks up and shoots pain.
I'm so tired of it.

Thank you again. I hope he has answers for me

Hi mrs. Styles.  sorry about your pain. It can be painful, around here we use flexall and a heating pad, It helps.  try not to overdo. learn when to stop before it hurts, but don't set around.  My RA dr. always says do everything you can, but don't overdo.  After a while you know.  I'm not real good at posting, there are a lot of wonderful careing people in here who can help you, and will be here for you.  Week-ends are slow.   sounds like you have a good helpful Dotor, thats alway a good start.  July the 6th. is a great day,  I was married 51 years this pass July 6th.  RA for at least the last 27 years.  It had to be hard for you, to grow up with it,  children shouldn't be sick or in pain. try to have a good evening.

It does sound like you are having a flare and may need some prednisone to get you through the worst of it, then some increase/change in your meds in general. As for the leg pain at night, does it feel like a charley horse? Tight cramping of the muscle in the back of the leg? Does it go away if you stand up and straighten your leg? If so, and I know this sounds crazy but it works, put a bar of soap between your mattress pad and bottom sheet. Someone gave me that suggestion last week because I was up all night with terrible cramps. Since I put the bar of soap in the bed, I've had only one kind of strong cramp. I'm sleeping better than ever! And no sleep aids. Doesn't seem to matter what brand of soap! Mrs. Styles,

• Muscle fatigue
• Heavy exercising
• Dehydration
• High weight (not necessarily obesity)
• Electrolyte imbalances
• Medications (statins, prednisone, others...)

For me it's usually my Potassium level getting out of whack.

If heat doesn't work try cold instead (ie cold packs) So true, SnowOwl, about sharing what you learn at doctors' offices.
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