Pain meds

Star2001

Hi everyone, I just want to ask a quick question about pain meds if that's ok? I have had some sort of virus going on over the Christmas/New Year period so the pains confused me as things seemed to be overlapping but I think I am starting to pick up a bit - my pain is now mostly an ache. It's always there in my hands, wrists, knees and shoulder but I don't know if I should keep on with the pain meds which may sound silly but I have never been used to taking them every day. Now that I am only aching, albeit constantly, do you think I should take them regularly? The obvious answer is that I should know if my pain is bad enough to warrant taking drugs but (and I hope I can explain this properly) these are aches that I used to just put up with before my RA diagnosis - my concern now is whether I should keep on top of things in order to prevent things flaring. What do you do?
I hope you are all having a relatively pain-free time of it - that's what I would wish for all of you - I know it's a long shot.

Star x

[Deleted User]

Hi Star,
I had the same problem once. I asked my specialist and she said I shouldn't stop the painkillers when I feel better. I sometimes feel better during the day and not so well in the mornings and evenings, so I thought I could just miss the dose. But the doc said not to do it, cause I need a constant dose and not ups and downs, if you know what I mean. Anyway, that's what happened to me. And I thing it probably is a good idea as I would rather prevent flaring, which will cause joint damage, than wait for the pain and act then. Well, that's what I think.
Maybe you should stick with your painkillers and ask your doc next time you see them just to be sure.
Good luck.

Star2001

Thank you so much Nesia Yes, I too tend to feel a little better in the middle of the day but achey and stiff early morning and in the evening. I am due to see my nurse soon so will ask then but I'm grateful to any opinions in the meantime!

Hope you are well,

Star x

hileena111

Hi
I dont have RA, I have OA but I have been told {especially after my hip replacement} not to play catch up with the pain.....to keep on top of it.
So basically to keep taking the tabs even if I did feel a bit better.
Depending what they are {I know little about RA meds} you could maybe try cutting down a bit and you might find that they were helping you more than you realised....then go back to them again....on the other hand you might find that you could do without the occasional dose.
Sorry thats not a very sensible reply
Hope others come on to give you more help
Love
Hileena

Star2001

Hi Hileena and thank you! I take Tramadol and sometimes Amitriptylene (spelling?) at night to help me sleep. I think it might be a good thing to take them regularly - maybe even try to get by with Paracetamol as the Tramadol make me even more tired at work. I have come to realise, after reading up, that the pain of OA can be just as horrendous as that of RA. Are you feeling better now after the hip replacement?

Star x

hileena111

Hi Star
I discovered that tramadol didnt work for me.....made me very tired and groggy.
The hip replacement.....that was 2 years ago and if anything my mobility is worse.
Dont let that put anyone off that is thinking of replacement please.
The majority of people are so much better and lead a more active life than before......I'm just one of th minority that it didnt work for {Consultants words}
Love
Hileena

bubbadog

Hi Star, I don't have R.A I have Osteoporosis and I'm on Amitriptyline and I can't change doses or stop any of the meds I'm on I have to see or have a phone consultation with my G.P and she can reduce or stop any of the meds because she's a doctor and knows what meds I need to take or what I can stop. I hope I've been helpful and hope you get your meds sorted out soon.

stickywicket

I do believe in taking as few meds as possible and reducing doses as soon as I can BUT I always work with the docs. I have been known to ask how soon I can reduce the dose at the very consultation when I've been put on the stuff. But I wouldn't reduce anything without at least a phone consultation.

Star2001

Hileena, I'm so sorry to hear that you are worse off safter the operation - that's awful for you! Yes, Tramadol tends to knock me out a bit so I'd rather not take it while I'm at work as it could be dangerous in the job I do.
BD and SW, thanks too for your input. I suppose I tend to think of these painkillers being prescribed the same as for a sprained ankle or some such thing and, in that case, I would stop them when the pain eased but this is a whole new ball game. So I think you are both right - a call to check with the nurse is in order!

Thanks to you all for taking the time to help

Star x