Arthritis Forum
Home.

News.

Personal Stories. Links. Message Board.  
Arthritis Forum  
Add your comments to this topic Start a new topic
Date: 26.07.2011
From: Valerie Pankhurst

Subject: Medication

I was diagnosed with RA in Feb this year. I am on 6 Methotrexate a week, 2 Naprosen daily and 6 - 8 Tramidol daily but still have pain in my hands, wrists, shoulders and feet, sometimes extreme. It is hard to do a lot of things I used to and I am wondering how long it has taken for others to get the correct medication, also what others find effective.
reply | back to forum

Date: 27.07.2011
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Medication

I can't help I am afraid, but I wanted to bump this up for you, so maybe others are able too.

bump :)
reply | back to forum

Date: 27.07.2011
From: kirst

Subject: Re: Medication

hey, you are on the same meds as i was. I was on 20mg MTX, 8 paracetamol, 8 tramadol and naproxen (stoped this as it gave me reflux).
I asked to be refferd to the pain clinic and they advised me to switch the tramadol for codeine every few weeks, as you can build a slight resistance to it (ie it doesnt work as well). I was told to always take with paracetamol as the 2 drugs together increase the painkilling effect by up to 30%.

Ive been tried on Amytriptaline (an anti depressent) because it can help with pain so ask your GP about it. I found it ok but if i got up during the night i felt a bit drunk and off ballance, i again stoped that one because i was having to get up thru the night with my kids so wasnt good lol.

At the moment pain killer wise i take the paracetamol, tramadol or codeine and something called nefopam... nefopam for me is great as i take it when the others arnt quite enough and it takes effect within 20min, some people feel funny on it but for me it works.

non meds wise i find hot showers and not staying still for too long can help with the stiffness i get in my shoulders. Speak to the GP about the pain clinic because they can offer some good advice, and give out medications the GP perhaps wouldnt think of.
Hope this has helped a little, and good luck! try and be patent anc give anything you try a fare chance as some things take ages to work properly. x
reply | back to forum

Date: 28.07.2011
From: Valerie

Subject: Re: Medication

Many thanks for that info. Think I am too impatient. Have been put up to 8 meth a day today but will definately ask about pain clinic when I next go to doc, I know we have one at the hospital. Have also been recommended for physio today. Think the main thing is that there are people out there who understand as they also have RA. I don't know anyone so haven't been able to speak about it before. Again many thanks
reply | back to forum

Date: 28.07.2011
From: Valerie

Subject: Re: Medication

Many thanks for your reply. I think more than anything it is knowing there are people out there who understand. I don't know anyone with RA so haven't been able to speak about it before, just don't want to bore people. Again many thanks
reply | back to forum

Date: 28.07.2011
From: Dalton

Subject: Re: Medication

Valerie, it took my almost 12 months to get the right medication and now my life is so much better. I take 20mg (8) methotrexate, 4 sulphasalazine a day and 25mg of amitriptyline plust painkillers. The amitriptyline really helped me especially with nerve pain caused by the RA. It just takes time to get the right balance of medication.
reply | back to forum

Date: 29.07.2011
From: Valerie

Subject: Re: Medication

This really does confirm to me that I am being a little too impatient. I'm now up to 8 methotrexate so I'll definately be rattling like everyone else. Many thanks
reply | back to forum

Date: 29.07.2011
From: kirst

Subject: Re: Medication

dont think you are being inpatient! it is utterly frusterating when the things we try just dont seem right, so dont be hard on yourself lol x
reply | back to forum

 

Add your comments to this topic
Subject:
Please type your comment here:

Your name:
email:

4+3=
(This sum is to help prevent automatic spamming through this page - thank-you)


top

Site design: T - Creative Home | News | Personal Stories | Links | Message Board