Finally some pain meds. | Arthritis Information

Dr. called in vicodin for me.I am hoping for some relief.Does this usually take the pain away?And if it does should I go back to the gym and workout?I don't know what to do at this point.I don't want to make things worse.I go see ENT next week and probably from there I will go to reheumy.I called family dr. today about pain meds. and to ask what my blood levels were.The nurse said there wasn't a number but the level was under 20.What does the RA? level have to be to be dx. with RA?And how could I get the count if my dr. doesn't have the count?

Anyway,looking forward to some relief that won't kill my already torn up stomach.

Sheila

Yes, the Vicodin will more than likely take the pain away--but it will not treat the inflammation. And keep in mind that it is a narcotic and addictive. So it will probably just be a temporary thing until they can treat the disease itself. Oh--and eat a little something when you take it, to protect your stomach a bit.

I agree with you. How could there not be a number--if there isn't, how can they know anything? Makes no sense. What would be the point of taking your blood? Get yourself to a rheumy as soon as you can, and ask for explanation of your bloodwork results! Nurses that give answers like that get me fired up.

Sara38558.8028819444

Well I took my first vicodin 2 hours ago and still have pain.Dr. gave me 500mg. tabs.I do feel some relief but not that much.I am so disappointed.I was hoping to go to bed pain free tonight.I think I will take one more before bed.Just hope I'm not hungover in the morning.

Sheila

I looked back at my script, and it was for 750mg. Can you cut one in half? I don't know how you handle this stuff, your weight or anything like that. Even if I did know, I'm no medical professional. I want you to be pain free. I'm just concerned. Please be so so careful.

Thinking about you.

Sheila, if you are still waiting for a diagnosis and flaring, I wouldn't overdo at the gym yet. Otherwise, your creating a viscious circle. Do some stretching exercises but I'd protect your jts. till you get on meds and anti inflammatories. I now request copies of every blood test and XRAY write ups and keep my own files. That way I can compare and look up my own information. I wanted to know everything!!! Can't your dr even give you some antiinflammatory to help you? Hate for you to take alot of narcotics. I would get in to see the Rheumy ASAP!!!! Why see a ENT dr? Don't even see a MD for anything possibly RA related. My MD kept telling me I didn't have RA because I didn't have a positive RF factor. Now I know MANY people don't have a positive RF and still have RA!!! I WENT THRU ALOT OF UNNECESSARY PAIN AND DAMAGE BEFORE I GOT TO THE RIGHT DR! gET TO rHEUMY asap!!
Shelia-Hope you are feeling a little better by now. I
have taken vicodin in the past, and yes it is ok to
break them in half. I always had to take an
anti-inflamatory too to try to help relieve the cause of
the pain. Hope you get to your RD soon. (and
yes-there must be a number on your test??) Sounds
like maybe the nurse didn't want to be bothered.

I have been having some sleepness night too..have
been taking anti-inflamatory, but hasn't relieved the
actual pain. My RD is great but he won't give me any
pain meds.. so it's hard to get that restful sleep or
sit at work all day.

hope you are able to get some rest.

Hey everybody.Thanks for the concern.

I can't take anti-inflamatories cause I have a stoamch condition called gastrtis.It is inflamation of the stomach lining from too much stomac acid.I am on meds. for that and had to increase the dose due to taking the anti-inflamatories which caused some bleeding in my stomach.I already tried celebrex but found out I was allergic to it,I itched all over,it was awful.

I am going to an ENT due to the severe sore throat and hoarseness I have had for over 3 months now.I am also having pain in my ears.Someone sent me an article about arthrtis being in your larynax and jaws.I am hoping by going to the ENT he may be able to help me get a dx.

I will make an appt. today with a reheumy.I saw one a few years back.She is very busy,I hope they can work me in soon.

I did take another vicodin last night and still had pain.So, why bother with the stuff.I mean it did help some,I slept better,but I hate taking meds. that don't help.

I am gonna try a slow walk on the treadmill today.We'll see how it goes.

I'm so glad I can come here and talk with everyone.I really don't feel like I can talk about this with anyone else.Too much going on with everyone else in my house.I just hate adding to the problem over and over.

Time to get up and get moving.

Thanks again everyone, Sheila

Sheila136638559.1425810185

Sheila,

have you talked to your doctors about your Gastritis and what type of medications they may be able to offer you for it? Are you on any antibiotic therapy for the bleeding part of the Gastritis. I am surprised they haven't already put you on a H2 blocker (Pecid, Tagament, etc) or a Proton Pump inhibitor like Prilosec, Previcid, Peptic, just to help slow down the acid problems. They are usualy prescribed for Gastritis.... If they do dx you with RA, sometime down the road, you may have to take some sort of Anti-inflammatory medication and you very well may need to take those types of medication with them.... I take Previcid because of the stomach problems I was having with all the medications I take. Once my doctor heard about what was happening, he did not hesitate to put me on it. If you are not getting satisfactory counseling from your medical care providers, I think it is time to find one that will... As for the ear and jaw pain, RA can be part of the reason for that but right now you have no dx of RA, so seeing a ENT is the best thing you can do for yourself. It took them almost a year to get a dx of RA, so try to hang in there.....You mentioned being in a very stressful enviroment right now. Stress does not help your Gastritis... I am not a pill pusher but it makes common sense to use what ever means it takes to help you on your road to feeling better.

Try and have a relaxful day Sheila,

(((Hugs)))

Toni

Sorry Sheila,

I see that you are on Meds. for Gastritis. I am sorry for the oversight.

Toni

hey everybody.

I currently take protonix for my gastrtis.I was on 20mgs. due to bleeding I had that was brought on from a bad stomach virus.I started bleeding again and the dr. increased protonix to 40 mg.I had an uncle that died from cancer of the esophagus.I worry about that happening to me.

I do hope to get some help from the ENT.Right now I am waiting for my dr.'s office to get back from lunch and send a referal to a reheumy. I found at Wake Forest Univ. Hospital.Dr. O'Rourke, ever heard of him?

I hope to get some help soon.I did stay away from the gym again today.Got plenty to do at home but I am gonna rest for sure.