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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 3/20/2011 7:03 AM (GMT 0)
Hello- My husband is the one with the RA, but he's not too computer savvy.  He's had RA for about 15 years.  Pain is so bad at times that he gets night sweats.  Hips and shoulders are the worst.   He takes Daypro but it doesn't work.  He just started back on Enbrel.  He has been off of it since last September after being hospitalized for a serious cellulitis infection.   He's been on methotrexate as well for a long time. 

Is it normal for his doc to never prescribe narcotic paid meds??  I just can't stand to see him in pain anymore!!!  Should he find another rheumotologist?  I live in the Cleveland area, so there are a lot to choose from, just don't know who.

Posted 3/20/2011 10:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hi you should get some good support here, i've had RA for about 17 yrs  - Longer if you count the mucking around trying to Diagnose, i've been on Narcotic pain killers for at least 12yrs i have changed type and gone from patches back to pills, but my GP and Rhumy never hesitated to prescribe them, i did monitor myself early on took less so when pain got worse they would still work , Night sweats are a pain my hubby cringes " oohh keep away" and sheets are frequently sent to wash. if i were you i'd definatly seek 2nd opinion it's hard enough dealing with RA pain With ample pain relief let alone trying to do it without. i'm not from your country but have you tried google for Rhumy's in your area? theres also a site called www.yelp.com

Good luck and welcolme

Posted 3/20/2011 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome! I agree you need another opinion. What about a pain clinic? Do you need a referral or can you refer yourself? Reading the posts on this forum you will see that others have difficulty one way or another sometimes with their rheumy and are much happier after they change rheumy's.
Posted 3/20/2011 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome to you and your husband. I have been on different types of pain meds, even when my previous Rhuemy wouldn't look into the RA possibility. You need a second opinion. It takes a little while. At first they like to see what kind of pain you are having so they can figure the best way to control it. Mine took (new one) about 6 weeks and 3 app. before he decided the Tramadol from my last Rheumy was not doing the trick and switched me to my higher Vicodin, which does help. Along with that i have the predisone, plaquenil, and methotrexate(new to this one) but i still receive my pain meds. My joints have rubbing with them so i will be in pain whether they can get the RA under control or not.
I googled Rhuemies in my area then went through each one to see who, and how they were rated. It was time consuming but worth it!! Also the research section at the top of this page has lots of links to very helpful info along with Dr.'s in your area, I believe. Poat often and I wish you both lots of luck. ((((HUGS)))) Heather
Posted 3/20/2011 7:57 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome! Most people when on the right med combo do not suffer like your husband. There are some people who are med resistant and it would be a sin to deny them adequate pain relief. I'd encourage a second opinion as well.
Posted 3/22/2011 2:10 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you for the well wishes.  I wish I would have find you years ago.  The only time his doc gave him a really strong pain killer was when we had to take a long drive for my brother's funeral and he demanded it.  He knew he wouldn't make it without help. She gave him 30 tylenol with codeine, no refills.  Incidentally, his brother actually died at 53 from complications of RA.   He lived in a very small town and I think, didn't get good care.   After all I've been reading on this forum, I'm taking him to another physician pronto.  Best of luck to all...I've seen the suffering this disease causes and my heart goes out to you.
Posted 3/22/2011 3:48 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad your taking your Husband to another Doctor, that's the most important thing,
there are other pain meds out there other than tylenol 3, and I hope this new Doctor
can get him on something that will help him better, if not then try another doctor.
Please keep us posted and I wanted to send well wishes and healing hugz......
Posted 3/22/2011 5:45 PM (GMT 0)
No, your husband should not have to suffer in pain.  Keep going until you find one that will treat your husband and get him comfortable.  Not all doctors prescribe pain meds, but there are those that will, mine is one of them. If there are several doctors in your area, keep going until you find one that understands your husbands pain needs, and will get him on the right medications so that he is comfortable.
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