Rheumatoid Arthritis

seanair

Hi all, what can I do? I have a flare up which started on Friday, I cannot phone the rheumatology nurses until Tuesday and then you have to wait another 48 hours before they return your call. I’m in agony what can I do? I’ve tried ‘frozen peas’ I’m on mexotrexate. Thank you

Eeyore

Hello seanair. So sorry to hear of your pain, I know what you’re going through as this has happened to me. I resorted to ringing 111, a doctor rang me back and prescribed strong co-codamol which my husband managed to pick up from a local supermarket which had a pharmacy. It helped reduce the pain to bearable. I hope this helps. In the meantime paracetamol may take the edge off.

Woofy

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/63200/rheumatoid-arthritis

Hi sorry you are having a flare. Recently saw my Rheumatologist. I have a frozen shoulder, because my RA hasn’t been well controlled. She told me to use ibuprofen gel, and paracetamol every 4 hours. She also said, just by supermarket gel, as it’s exactly the same as more well known brands. Tesco 2.25p. a tube. Hope you feel better soon, this wet weather doesn’t help.

noddingtonpete

Hello @seanair and welcome to the Community.

Why do things like flare-us happen at the least convenient times? I would go with the advice above and ring 111 if you are in any doubt. Hope you get something which helps.

Best wishes

Peter

seanair

thank you all for your help. They have increased my mexotrexate and hold me to take ibuprofen still got the swelling on the knee. I have been to hospital X-rays and aspiration done but they just say it’s a flare up. I cannot get over how life limiting and painful this horrible disease is.

PJoanne

Hello @seanair

Good to hear that you have been able to get some help. For me, distraction tactics often work, like jigsaws or knitting (things that I really have to concentrate on 😂), while I am waiting for the meds to kick in. I've recently discovered Epsom salt baths, which I find quite soothing when everything else is a bit spiky and harsh!

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/managing-symptoms/emotional-wellbeing/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/knee-pain/

Best Joanne