Hi, struggling. Need some advice - medication!!

Elske

Hello I’m new to this group. I am a female, 40 this year with two children 8 & 10. I had lots of problems and terrible pain in my early 20s, and it took a while before I was diagnosed with AS. I was told about biologic drugs at this point, but because I was trying for a family I was told to come back after! Luckily I went into remission for a while. After my second child I flared, but this time with a new condition: Chrones. I was given steroids then sulfasalazine, but was allergic, and eventually mesalazine which worked for me. Lots of years with only mild flare ups of arthritis usually managed with ibroprofen. In the last couple of month I’ve had pain moving around my body, Costochondritis, then sore side, sore finger, sore kneee! All different days. My last bloods taken a month ago showed my CRP high, and waiting two weeks for a doctor appointment to discuss either going on steroids or methotrexate. I keep feeling like my inflammation is going down, then it the pain randomly comes back. One of my problems is I have a fear of taking medication! Due to very severe reactions from trying antidepressants a couple of years ago. (I cannot tolerate them). I am very chemically sensitive and have been told in the past I should be prescribed geriatric or paediatric doses! unfortunately my mental health has suffered all the way through. My husband is somehow managing through it all, although it all takes it toll on everything. I am wondering if I should request another blood test in case this flare is going away, so I don’t start on medication I might not need?! I have limited access to rheumatologist (video appointment only) and I have never seen a gastroenterologist because where I live is very remote and have limited NHS options. I’ve got to my limit, because all i can talk about is my pain and I hate it! I do manage work (part-time) but I often come home both physically and mentally exhausted, not giving my best energy to my family. Thanks for listening!! X

Naomi33

Morning @elske and welcome to the onlinonline community.

Sorry to hear your concerns about new medications.

Personally I would make a diary and take photos of any flare ups. I did as I have Palindromic RheumatiRheumatoid Arthritis and was hard to diagnose at the beginning.

Keep posting I am sure others will connect with you soon.

Best wishes @