I am on Norco 10-325 for pain it is not working. What is next? I am going to see rd in the morning for my first remicade infusion. I don't know much about pain meds, Is there something that I can or should request? I have severe ra and so far nothing has worked to treat my ra.
Thank you
Sandra
Hi Trinity, I am so sorry for your pain, I guess no-one will recommend Prednisone as it is a wonder drug/dangerous drug. I was given it when I was first diagnosed as I had a new baby to look after and could not move at all. It was definately a wonder drug, I had never felt pain like it and nothing else would touch it, the pred was magic, unfortunately due to intolerance, allergies and constant infections, I could never tolerate any of the others so had to stay on pred, to control my inflammation and pain. You may find your rheumy will try to put you on it. I know most of the people here will tell you to try and avoid it and I totally understand that, it just depends on your options. Best of luck, Janie.If it was me....I'd have him up that MTX. Pain meds are a quick....short term fix. Once you get your DMARDS adjusted right you won't depend on pain meds like you do.
Cortisone injections are a great releif also if you have a particular area that's bothering you.
Feel better.
Upping that mtx dose like Lovie said is an option. Pred until the upped dose of mtx kicks in is another option. The dose of mtx you are on is kind of a low dose. Like a starter dose. Another option would be to switch pain meds altogether. Maybe think about something that is time released over the course of 12 hours instead of something that is every 4-6 hours. You can always use the norco's for any break thru pain.
I am so sorry about all the pain that you have. It really is a symptom of your ra being out of control or being in a flare. Once that is resolved, you won't need to be so dependent on the pain meds. I really hope the remicade works for you and you get relief.
While getting the pain resolved is certainly the most important issue, getting some relief in the meantime is important. Have you tried Tramadol/Ultracet? It is considered to be less addictive and they have an extended release version that lasts 8 hours.
I hope you find some relief soon.