Rheumy appt

Rallymad
Rallymad Member Posts: 84
edited 11. Feb 2012, 06:29 in Living with Arthritis archive
Had my 6 month check yesterday. Was having a flare up but as I am sero negative RA she did not think there was much swelling apart from my right wrist. Although I have recently had two cortisone injections into my left shoulder and she had upped my sulfasalazine by one tablet (now on 5 in total) she was not making any changes to my meds. I asked about the pain as GP said was maxed out on painkillers and recommended morphine, she said that was not an appropriate med for joint pain. She has suggested to my GP that I try Gabapentan, as I work with learning disablities I know the drug but was not sure about it for joint pain. Anyone else here used this and what results have you had?
Arlene

Comments

  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi can not help but sure some one will be along soon who can help val
    val
  • Numptydumpty
    Numptydumpty Member Posts: 6,417
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rallymad, I was first prescribed gabapentin when I hurt my shoulder in a fall. My doctor said it's good for sharp pains. He said it would make me sleepy. It didn't, but once I was asleep I found it hard to wake up properly. I also had very vivid dreams.
    I do find it helps a little with the pain and it's safe to take with solpodol. I hope this helps. Numpty
  • Numptydumpty
    Numptydumpty Member Posts: 6,417
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sorry Rallymad, just read my reply and wanted to add, you should leave a gap between taking gabapentin and solpodol. That's what my doctor told me. I'm not qualified myself! Whoops! Numpty
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I was prescribed gabapentin for nerve pain and find it really effective. I have taken it for 5 years. You have to start slowly, and can never stop straight away. I have had no side effects, although I felt woozy for the first couple of days.

    I believe it is also used to treat fibro pain.
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rallymad, I'm suffering with a flare up at the moment, and wanted to say I have Gabapentan, to be honest I'm on such a mix of meds I don't know what is helping seperately! But it is one of the many meds on my list! Hope it does help you and I hope your flare up goes soon and that you have some better pain free days soon.
  • Rallymad
    Rallymad Member Posts: 84
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone, good to know that it is not just another pill to take. I took my first one and felt bit woozy like you said, but then I found myself running around carrying on with my dog Kane! (German Shepherd) :D
    I have to up them slowly, build up. I am on sulfasalazine (500mg) 5 a day, co-codamol 30/500 8 a day, meloxicalm 7.5mg 2 a day, fluoxatine 20mg 1 a day, tramadol for when painkillers need a wee help, and the gabapentin 300mg to take 3 a day, amitriptylinr 100/110mg a night.
    I have found that although I am upping the dose of the gabapentin that I have had a good couple of nights sleep!!! :D
    I am trying not to get too excited about this, but hopefully this will enable me to get back to work and work through the pain.
  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Rallymad
    I take gabapentin for back pain and severe sciatic pain, it really does help, I keep saying I will wean myself off them, but to be honest I am scared of the pain coming back
    I do wish you well with everything , and hope they help you.
    Love
    Barbara