My mother has arthritis since 2 years. When her RA factor came out positive, we had no idea how's it going to be like. Last two years have been really painful for her but relatively better. Her knee pain and right hand (which has a nodule) were effected but medicines kept them in control. Her right hand used to go through severe episodes of pain where she used to end up crying.
From last 2-3 weeks her arthritis has taken a new turn. Her left arm started hurting and was swollen, then she found out it was her shoulder blade that was getting effected. After days of terrible pain, the swelling and pain moved to the right shoulder and arm as well. Those days we spent in hell. She would scream all the time. No medicines helped and she was unable to move her both arms. She panics a lot and has low motivation for treatment. She doesn't really believe the doctors when they say she has arthritis - in a kind of denial. she just keeps wondering what's wrong with her.
Went to doctor again and he gave her deltacortril (oral steroid) for 3 days. It eased her pain but now after the 3rd day her pain is back. Her arms are less swollen but the swelling on her shoulders has increased and it's frightening her. The front of her neck also hurts and she's worried about
the swelling effecting her neck as well.
She's also taking HCQ, lefora, folic acid and some other drugs. Nothing is working for her and I'm terribly stressed out.
Has anyone here tried physical therapy for the pain? Is it useful? Also, how has been your experience with the medicines and what do you do if certain medicines don't work for you?
Post Edited (voice) : 5/25/2016 2:08:12 PM (GMT-6)