Is there anything that will help the RA symptoms QUICKLY???? Is there a shot I could get? Do IV infusions help right away? I just started taking plaquenil and I know it takes months to work. I can't tolerate any type of steroid, so that is out of the question. The NSAIDS I have tried so far have either not worked, or had side effects I could not manage. I mainly have trouble with nausea as a side effect, and I've already lost a good amount of weight and eat barely 800 calories a day (mostly Ensure). My pain level is an 8/9 (on the subjective scale from 1 - 10). My little fingers are constantly locking out of joint (which just icks/freaks me out). I just don't feel good at all. I have cardiomyopathy/congestive heart failure as well and I don't feel like I'm in my 30's. Anyone with info on quick help? I'm willing to ask my rheumy for anything (except narcotics, lol). love and gentle hugs, juliahJuliahh; Sweetie you need to get in to the rd and tell him exactly how you feel!!!! Make a copy of your post and show him this and tell him this is how you feel and that the pain is just too much. Ask about alternative ways, there have been several here who have done acupunture and have said it has helped with the pain, yoga and meditiation are two other types of help. You need to find away to make the pain lessen so that you can function. Please call your dr and talk to him. I am sorry if I wasn't much help, but please know I wish I could make the pain go away for you. I wish I cold do more than say take care and hope that you get some relief from pain soon. Your words"gentle hugs" warms my heart. Feel better soon!
Hi Juliahh. I'm sorry I don't have any suggestions for you. I wish I did. I'm sorry you're in so much pain, but know that you're in my thoughts and prayers. And the others are right. Contact your dr and tell him how you feel. Hope you get better soon and can find some relief.
Cris
As soon as I started reading your post I thought "Cortisone injection!!" then I read on that you can't take any kind of steriod what so ever? Guess that would include predisone too. huh?
I personally have found both to be my saving grace when I get to the point you are right now. Those two in combination with my regular meds always get me back on track with in days.
I don't really have any other experience to offer you...I do hope you're feeling better soon though. Like Meme mentioned; call your doctor right away. You shouldn't have to suffer the way you are.
Good Luck!!
awww im sorry your feeling so poopy :( just as others said, talk to you rd.. maybe they can help somehow :( Make sure you get a nap in everyday too! Sleeping sometimes makes me feel a lot better because my joints get to take a nap too hehe. I hope you find something that works for you soon hun! Hang in there :)Prednisone is the only thing that works right away and since that is out of the question, that really limits your choices.
When MTX stopped working for me, the "biologicals" had not been released yet. My arthritis came roaring back and I was confined to my house and using a wheel chair, even that was difficult. My feet and hands were swollen and inflammed, so I was unable to walk or use my hands.
There are some good anti-nausea meds available. Several were developed for cancer treatment patients and they are very good. You do not want to keep losing weight. That just saps your energy. Do talk to your Dr. right away, there are still some options available to you. Good luck and God bless.
Barb
Weight loss is just another symptom of RA for some and it's really hard on your body. I always feel so much better once I'm able to gain the weight back and get a little cushion on my joints. At least that's the way I think of it.
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