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Medication options for RA pain?

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Rheumatoid Arthritis
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Posted 4/30/2014 3:29 PM (GMT 0)
I have been reading posts on RA issues. I am so glad I found this forum. Reading your comments and recommendations has brought so much joy and peace to my heart. I am a 32-year old wife (with no kids yet). I was diagnosed with RA in 2007 (7 years ago to be exact). At first, I was on prednisone and other medications I cannot remember the names of, but I began to gain weight in a very aggressive manner. I was weaned of the steroids, and still continued with the weight issues. At first, the pain was very controlled, but now, I am in severe pain. I never thought weather changes would have any effect on me, but now, I can see how it does. There was a cold front that came in last night where I live, and I woke up from a nap that I took yesterday after work, without being able to move!!! I was not at my 100%, but at least I was able to walk without any help and with minor pain. I woke up from my nap with swollen wrists, fingers, back, arms, and knee. I say "knee" because my right knee hardly ever hurts. I had a total knee replacement last summer (due to osteoarthritis of the knees). I started a 5 shot treatment on my left knee, but never saw results. I get very discouraged and sad just thinking of having to go through another knee surgery of that type because this disease is eating me up, alive!

I don't know what else to do. I am desperate for a change in medication since the one I am taking is not doing much for me. I am on meloxican, sulfazalazine, hydroxichloroquine, and daily dosage of Vitamin D. Methotrexate was also prescribed for me, but I began to have blood pressure issues because of it. I stopped taking it because of that. What else can I do? What are some good medications some of you are taking? I need to take several options to my doctor because I just can't get her to give me anything new.
Posted 5/8/2014 3:49 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Shmartz~Im sorry for your pain. It can be sooooo hard confused I have had success with Imuran. No side effects but need to have blood tested every couple of months. I take Prednisone at times but try not to since its harsh on he body...RA is an ongoing process of pain it seems. Can only hope it doesn't get worse. I too am glad for this forum where I can chat with fellow sufferers

Have you tried any of the biologics - Orencia, Remicade and Enbrel are the 3 that I've been on, in that order. I didn't find Orencia to be helpful, but a lot of other people do. Remicade helped me, but I can no longer afford it because of a change in my insurance. I've only been on Enbrel for a couple weeks, so I can't offer any advice on that.
Posted 5/8/2014 5:58 AM (GMT 0)
I have psoriatic arthritis & 2 hip implants. It is always a pain. I stick with OTC meds that help. Hot tub soaks, massage , exercises I learned from therapy to strengthen the core muscles & tendons that support bones. Especial try to keeps my weight down UG!

Thank goodness warm weather is here. I am fortunate to have a good support system and my little hobbies to stay out of trouble.

Wish u the best and a good nights sleep.
Tomorrow's another better day.

Peace & healing.
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