For the last week it seems my symptoms are coming back. I had been pretty much symptom free for about a month. The past 8-10 weeks the symptoms are coming back. My hands are stiff and my fingers are swelling and going down. For the first time in a while I couldn't rest because my hands were aching. My knees are very stiff and my ankles and toes hurt. It comes and goes but it is coming more often and staying longer. I haven't changed my meds. I have also been experiencing fatigue again. Should I be concerned or is this just part of the normal cycle? Maybe your meds are no longer working? Or, perhaps you are in a flare? I am on Enbrel and still experience flares (the nurse at Enliven said that this is normal). I generally get flares in the spring and fall when the temperature is changing drastically. Just coming out of one now.
This disease is so disarming because you nevre really know...Sounds like you might be going into a flare. If it continues to get worse, call your doctor, maybe a short pred pack might help?
Have you tried using any of the patches, even the otc ones like the icy hot patches help to take the edge off. If you have good rx coverage, ask your doctor about lidoderm patches. When my hands swell and hurt, I wear soft, cotton gloves. The constant light pressure seems to make them feel a bit better and it helps to take the swelling down. I got mine at CVS drug store for .99 a pair.
Hope you feel better soon.
Not sure what meds you are on.....but it sounds as if an adjustment will soon be in order. A slight increase in whatever you are taking could be all you need. I wouldn't wait too long to report the problems because it will just take that much longer to catch up.
I've gone through this many, many times over the years. In most recent years while on MTX just one more pill a week can make a big difference. Over time it will take more of a particular medication to get the same results. It's not uncommon at all.
Hope you are feeling better soon!
Be really nice to yourself.