AOSD flares.

Johnty

I'm a 72 years old, busily retired male. I was diagnosed with AOSD in summer 2024. Prior to the diagnosis I was on Paracetamol, Tramadol, Naproxen and Amitriptyline to ease the pain. After I was diagnosed and put on Prednisolone, i started to feel better within hours. I stayed on those drugs for several weeks while the pain disappeared altogether. I had to keep reminding myself that I was taking a lot of painkillers. I then gradually reduced my intake of painkillers, started reducing the Prednisolone as I went on to Methotrexate and experienced no pain at all. I started on Methotrexate on 23 December 2024. On 14 February 2025, the pain returned so I started taking the painkillers again. However, the pain has stayed with me. I've had one good day between 14 February and 27 March. I don't have a video consultation with my Rheumatologist until 9 April. Am I experiencing a flare and if so, how long can a flare last?

Poppyjane

Hello @Johnty welcome to the community,

You were diagnosed with Adult onset Stills Disease last year and were taking a mixture of drugs to ease the pain. Since then you stabilised your medication and became pain free, however unfortunately you have recently experienced a return of the pain. Have you spoken to your GP, local Pharmacist or Rheumatology nurse for their advice ?

Your question is about whether this is a flare, is a difficult one to assess but the fact that you have not had a good day for so long is certainly a common descriptive factor. I attach some links which I hope you find helpful. Many of our members use heat and cold pads for pain relief . I also include a link to a TENS machine which you might consider investigating.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/adult-onset-still-s-disease/

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/treatments/electronic-pain-relief/

If you go to the magnifying glass symbol top right you will be able to view members conversations about living with Stills Disease which I may be of interest.

Do let us know how your appointment with your consultant goes. The fact that you have been keeping a pain diary will be a valuable topic in your conversation with them. The more questions you have prepared the better.

Best wishes

Poppyjane

Johnty

Thank you Poppyjane, for your comment. I have spoken to my GP about the pain but he prefers to leave it to my Rheumatologist to recommend painkillers. I have got a TENS machine which I used to use for sports injuries (I used to race a Laser dinghy). Unfortunately it doesn't work now, even with fresh batteries, and I've not got the dexterity I used to have, to tinker with it. It'll probably be worthwhile my getting a new machine. Thank you for your tips and links. One day, I hope to contribute useful information to the forum.