Flare Up - Since May

DebraKelly

Hi Everyone,

I'm still fairly new to the forum, but I'm finding all your advise worth while.

I have been having a really bad flare up since the end of May when I came back from holiday. The swelling in my hand and ankle is particularly bad, although my knee is actually okay.

I visited the doctor on Friday (didn't see my own doctor) and got told to take paracetamol and ibprofuen together, this didn't help! Infact it made me very spaced out. So I just went back to the taking the ibprofen.

I have a visit to the consultant on Tuesday, what do you think he'll recommend? I am dreading steriod injections if that is the answer!

elnafinn

Hi DebraKelly

I am sorry to hear that you have been in flare for so long. That is no joke. The consultant may change your meds but if he offers a steroid injection that could really help you. I know that the thought is not great but when you think how many seconds it takes it is worth it especially if it relieves pain and so on. If it does not work at least you know that it is not really worth trying again. I do not relish the thought of having blood tests and steroid injections but I grit my teeth and it is soon over. I never look at what is going on and when I have had steroid injections I always request that they just get on with it, without the running commentary. All have been very understanding and do that for me.

I wish you all the best at your appointment.

Elna x

DebraKelly

Hi Elna,

Thanks for the reply.

How do the steriod injections work? I've heard a lot of people getting it into their bum? :eek: which doesn't sound appealing?

It is as sore as getting your blood taken? If so I can probably handle that!!

I suspect that he will change my meds, as he knows of my fear of needles.

keith1971

Hi Debra.....

Welcome to the flare club! :roll:

I had a steroid injection a week or so ago.....I find them more painful than bloods for sure & they leave me with a sore bum cheek for a couple of days!

I've had four now in total & none of them had any effect on my symptoms but for others they are very beneficial, hopefully you'll be one of them.

All the best,

K.

x

elnafinn

Hi DebraKelly

Me again Never had the bum jab! I am not really sure how these injections work, I have only been happy when they have! There is no guarantee of course.

I have had injections in my fingers, toes, shoulder. I have also had injections by xray direction in my spine but was not awake for them. My sciatica went instantly and so far so good. I am forever indebted to that Dr. Had them done in December 2009. Most steroid injections I have had worked for a time, sometimes a good few months.

Elna x

frogmorton

Hi debra

So glad you will be getting help so soon

The doc will suggest something far more useful than ibuprofen and paracetamol :roll:

hmmmph!!

Love and hugs

Toni xx

dreamdaisy

Steroid injections into the joints are not that pleasant (not in my experience anyway, I have had them in both knees preceeded by draining :sad: ) and they did nothing. The depo into the backside never caused me any trouble and did nothing to help either. Everyone is different in how they react to these things, if he offers you a joint steroid then try it, but make sure you rest the joint thoroughly afterwards - my hospital recommends at least 48 hours of inactivity so that the steroid has a chance to 'sink in' to the joint and really get to work. As for the depo it's worth a whirl - and ask about resting after, I am not sure if that is required. DD