First of all hello to you all this is my first post on this forum. I was diagnosed with ra properly last year after suffering swelling and pain on and off for around 6 years. Just lately well since before xmas ive been having terrible shoulder,wrist,ankle finger pain and swelling, especially on my right side. Ive been to the doctors every week for the last four weeks for cotasone injections and blood tests and been told to up my tablets, but this doesnt seem to be making any difference. My right hand is always swollen and i cant use it for anything, and my shoulders are still painful. I am looking for any advice on things i could do to help relieve my symptons any. I need to try and get some relief from this as im really worried im going to lose my job on top of this because of the time im having to take of work. Any advice welcomed.Hello Smidsy, welcome and I am sorry you are in so much pain! If you have an RD, (rheumatoid doctor) I would begin there. They are best versed in our type of pain and have a whole bag of tricks to use, maybe a Medrol dose pack? What medications are you currently taking? There really is so much that can be done. It can be difficult to get into see the RD, but you should be able to at least talk to the nurse and ask what can be prescribed for relief. As far as at home remedies, hot showers and heating pads help, but some prefer ice and topical treatments.
I hope you can reach your RD soon and you find some relief! Let us know how it goes and keep posting!
Hello and welcome Smidsey, RA is no fun to try to figure out. It a huge elephant that takes up so much room in a persons life.
Me too LinB. Welcome, Smidsy....I hope you get your pain worked out soon. It isn't likely to always be like it is right now, once you get on the right meds. Hang in there.
me also ...about the meds and the doctors