Hi,
I have been in pain for about 5 years now and it has become worse each year. The last 2 have been almost unbearable and the last one is not over yet.
I have been trying to figure out what is wrong for ages. I see some of you write about what you call muscle spasms and I have them but they are more like horrible cramps in which my entire leg from the hip down completely atrophies. Every joint in my body cracks and pops, many hurt and are swollen. I recently went to help out my aging parents and couldn't get out of bed for a day...not at all my intention! I felt, as thought there was something going to explode inside my body between my left hip and the front of me. I hurt from my back to my foot.
I can't tell you that it was the magnitude of the pain but the on going consistency of it. It feels like I want to reach inside of my body about 3 inches below the surface and pull something out.
Both knees, both shoulders, my foot on the top, my big toe (of all things) my hip, my back. And all this whenever it feels like it..It could be completely gone tomorrow and loves to come when I'm on vacation and want to walk places.
My husband recently pushed me around in a wheel chair in the airport after "vacation" because I couldn't walk over about 20 steps.
My Orthopedic surgeon has me scheduled for epidural shots for degenerative disk disease but also has me scheduled to go to a Rheumololigist...in about a month.
I'm so depressed I could cry and sometimes hurt so much I can hardly stand it.
I sort of got better when they gave me SOMA, Vicodine, and Predisone (2 sets of dose packs) but it's coming back and I don't have an appointment to see the people who will be giving me the shots until next week, late, and that is only for a consultation.
I am beginning to hurt again and called for pain meds since it will be a while and here it is the weekend and I called the pharmacy and apparently they got no response and that too is frustrating.
I just need to know did any of you go through this? Is this how it is? I feel so desperate and sort of like I'm begging for help and they are all acting like it's all so routine and no rush or hurry for response.
My husband gets so frustrated and I ultimately begin to cry because I understand why.
Please write and encourage me, advise me, something.
Thank you so much,
Gem
Gem, I am not an expert, in fact, I am newly diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. I have never gotten muscle spasms from ra but swelling is common. Onset is usually very unpredictable also, like you describe. Check back. There are all kinds of knowledgeable people who will eventually reply. I hope you feel better and get some answers.
I wanted to welcome you; and ask that you stick around a while. Your symptoms certainly sound very fimiluar to all of us. We're glad you're here. Lovie Hi Gem, Welcome to the board. I'm glad you found us here, but sorry for all the pain and discomfort you are having. I like Roxy am recently diagnosed. I know that some of the "long timers" (not old timers)
The only advice I would offer would be the sooner you can get to the Rheumatologist the better. Try making some calls Monday and let who ever you need to know that you can not wait another month like this. There is a good thread of postings where everyone posted about their onset of symptoms, that would be a great one for you to read. Everyone here is kind and supportive and you'll get to know us all. If I can find that thread I'll bring it forward to the firs page for you. Hi Gem, if you go to members stories on the opening page of Arthritis Insight you will find many stories from lots of us long timers. I was dx 5 years ago this coming Sept. It was terrible at first and I still have bad days. But you will get better and the sooner you get to a rheumatologist the better. It is frustrating at first and the doctors offices are sometimes not very sympathatic. I think it's because they see so much of it. My dr.'s youngest patient is 6 months old.
Gem: I'm really sorry that you've been in so much pain. I have a disease that is similar to rheumatoid arthritis, and I've had it for quite a while now. It's called adult onset Still's disease, identical to systemic onset juvenile rheumatoid arthritis. Before I was diagnosed, there were many times that I thought that I must be dying, the pain was so severe. The meds, once you've seen the rheumatologist, should help slow down any joint deterioration and give you some days that are easier to handle. Having a prescription on hand for pain-meds helps with the rest. The best thing you can do is continue talking to people who understand exactly how you feel -- and you'll find that here and on other message board forums out there in the wonderful world wide web. I do hope the docs get to the bottom of this and your life can resume in a near-normal way. Hugs, Janis
I also have degenerative disc disease in my back. It's no fun I know. Try moist heat till you can see the dr. That may help some. & nbsp; & nbsp;
Let me know how you do, Evei. & nbsp;
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