Hi,
I haven't been posting in a while because of no
energy and lots of pain. I was able to see a new rd,
who was great, but now we're still waiting for
authorization for remicade. I'm currently 8 months
over due. Still taking mtx weekly, and am try a little
pred too, unfortunately. She hasn't approved pain
meds for now
But I have this awful, awful pain that is mostly on my
right side right now. Goes from my neck to shoulder,
down my right side, my ribcage, tailbone, righ hip
and leg. Also very achy and still all over. Do you
think this pain sound like it still might be ra
related???
Also, my last blood test had a positive anti-ccp result
of 175. Do you know if this is considered high? All I
know is that the dr's notes said 'high titer' about the
test.
Kind of rampling ...just too much pain. But hope you
are all well. Will post more later.
TaraI may be wrong, but I thought that anything above about a 65 was a 95% confirmation. Sorry to hear about the Remicade. I don't know why it always takes so long to get the okay from the insurance companies. Don't be afraid to be more aggressive about the pain meds. Everyone is different, but for me, the pain meds gave me back my life. You'll have to work on getting the right dosage - I try to take as little as possible to take the edge off the pain and yet not enough to make me dopey. They actually increase my energy level by lowering my pain. They are different for everyone, but whatever the dosage strategy, stand up for what you need. Its your life, not the doctor's.I am sorry you are in pain.......Have you called the doc to see if they won't give you something for the pain at least short term??? Some days I couldn't think or function without the pain pills - hope you can call and get something. Hugs and good vibes.Tara, this could be a spine problem that you need to get checked. I would make an appointment with your Rheumy right away and also insist on something for pain. Some doctors are relunctant to do so, but that is very outdated attitude especially from a Rheumy. Most should have no problem getting you something for pain.Tara, I know you like this doctor but sweetheart, I would not like a doctor that was not interested in relieving my pain. I am so worried I will have problems in Oregon. I would have NO quality of life without pain meds. Tara, I just do not think there is any excuse for a doctor to not give you pain relief. You are such a sweetheart. I wonder if you need to be more assertive. My heart goes out to you and pray you are feeling better soon. You deserve it !Yes, I have been thinking about a spine issue too.
But I guess I'm letting myself get too overwhelmed,
because I though about calling to ask about an xray
or mri, but then though,"what if I have to yet get
another referal and make another appt" Which is
silly, I know. But I'm really feeling "stuck" mentally.
Also,your probably right Roxy....I have never been
good asking for pain meds, just so afraid of
rejection!! When I spoke with the nurse last week
and left a message that I wanted to aske about pain
meds, she was very hesitant and said "well, I'll tell
her, but..."
I think I'm in the 'can't comeone take care of me?'
mode.
I will try calling agian tomorrow.
Thanks guys!Definitely go in to the doctor and insist of both. Tara, you deserve to have treatment and pain relief. Pushing with the doctors can be hard at first. But I try and think of it like when I am pushing for someone I love like my kids. I would do anything for them. You have to do the same for yourself.
Hi guys-thanks for the encouragement. I'm in so much pain this morning I am sick to my stomach. I think it is a disc/nerve issue. My rd's office will probably tell me to call a neurologist... :- )
But I might as well get the call in. And, unfortunately, I have
by the way, can ra affect discs?
Tara, RA can definitely affect your discs. I have problems in both my cervical and lumbar spine. They say it is OA. But RA, when it inflames your body, breaks done cartiledge and sets you up for the OA.
It is very painful.
However, RA can affect your spine independently of OA. The worst space that can happen is your cervical spine. It can cause the canal opening for the spinal cord to compress and make the bones fragile. It is one place you don't want RA to set in because it is hard to treat and if your neck is compromised, it can cause sudden death. That is why you shouldn't have adjustments to your neck if you have RA.
However, your symptoms sound like you might have a combination of discs that are being affected. But only going to your doctor is going to tell that. Really push for a MRI. They should do that even before sending you to a neurologist.
It is possible for them to do physical therapy and cortisone shots to help relieve the pain. The kind of pain you are having definitely warrants pain killers.
I feel for you because I live with similar problems as do several others I know with RA.
I hope you get in soon and can get some treatment started. You should look at this treatment as a separate issue from your normal RA symptoms. This is probably damage that is starting to occur and the sooner it is addressed, the better off you will be.
Even though you won't have money until Friday, try and get in to an appointment right away. Call again for the pain medicines, stating exactly what you are experiencing as you described it here in your post. They should not ignore that. If they do, or they minimize it, then something is wrong with them. If that happens, then tell the nurse that you need to talk to the doctor.
I really hope you feel better soon.
Yup they have to treat pain or it just is not adequate treatment.Tara, I hope you get some answers. Pain is always a hard monkey to deal.