Tablets not worked, injection not worked - what next??

sugarbuttie

Hi there

At my first visit to the rheumatologist over a week ago, I was told I have inflammatory arthritis (more blood tests being done as first lot in April were all neg).

I have tried two different NSAIDS (diclofenac & naproxen) & neither of them had any effect whatsoever. I had a steroid injection in the backside 5 days ago & I have concluded that this has done nothing. My hands are still puffy & stiff.

What do I do now? I was told my next rheumatology appt would not be for another 2 months. This seems an awful long time to wait.

Can anyone suggest anything? Why have NSAIDS / steroid inj not worked if the problem is inflamatory?

As always, thank you in advance for taking the trouble to reply. I am very grateful for your help.

barbara12

Hi
Sorry the meds didnt work, suppose it is trying all these things to see what dose work, like you say the trouble is all the waiting between appointments.
I am still waiting for my first rheumy appointment, it should be this mon but it has been cancelled yet again.
You go to your gp and ask if he can give you something while you wait,and ask if you can get an earlier appointment.
good luck
Barbara x

caprica

Hey there,

Sorry to hear you're having such a rotten time.

Not sure about the anti-inflammatories.. I think different ones work for different people. I've only tried naproxen but it didn't have any effect on me, so I don't bother taking it anymore.
There's lots of other types though, and I think your GP can perscribe them so maybe it's worth paying them a visit??

2 months seems like a really long time to wait.. are they sending you for xrays/ultrasound? If they're sure you've got inflammatory arthritis they will start you on some treatment, but I hope you don't have to wait 2 more months.. did they say why so long??

sugarbuttie

They told me they would have all my xray & blood test results back in 2 months - seems a hell of a long time to me!

I think the plan was to give me a steroid jab & that would last me 2 months until the next appt. The fact that the jab hasn't worked has thrown this plan up in the air....

barbara12

sugarbuttie wrote:

They told me they would have all my xray & blood test results back in 2 months - seems a hell of a long time to me!

I think the plan was to give me a steroid jab & that would last me 2 months until the next appt. The fact that the jab hasn't worked has thrown this plan up in the air....

You get back on to them and fight your corner, It seems that this is the norm to make people wait longer and longer.
Hope you get the treatment you need very soon.
Barbara x

dorcas

Hi sugarbuttie,

finding the right meds for arther isn't easy or quick....and it is very often (mostly) a question of trial and error before the rheummys identify what meds are best for you....

I know 2months feels a really long time :roll: but may not be when you consider how difficult it is to identify some of the inflammatory arther types....especially the sero-negative ones which test negative for RF.
so in the scheme of investigating what inflammatory arther you have (there are so many different types) 2 months may be reasonable?.....but only if you have appropriate pain relief meantime!

Rheummy seems to have been thorough in carrying out blood tests and xrayed your hands / other joints so I really hope that they will be able to give you a diagnosis when you go back to see them; but be prepared....it can sometimes take a lot longer. :roll:

meantime...please see your doc who will be able to prescribe you alternative meds to reduce your pain and inflammation.. and if not then phone rheummy secretary and ask if you can see the consultant sooner..

it's frustrating and difficult when you are suffering so....but we understand and are always here to support you.

Iris x