Managing RA pain
I have been dealing with RA pain for 30 plus Years. After many many fail medications including methotrexate and trail mess, why is it the rheumatologist still do not describe Norco to give this chronic disease relief to patients after so many years of suffering? Then people wonder why mental health comes into play along side RA pain. This illness is so overwhelming.
Dealing with RA pain is so hard,
, we hear you. And it is especially frustrating when doctors are hesitant to prescribe pain relief meds. You're definitely not alone in feeling overwhelmed and frustrated about this. Have you ever met with a pain management specialist? Some of our community members here have been able to find a regime with the help of this specialist, but of course it's not feasible for everyone. Here's an article with more information in case you're interested, https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/pain-management-specialist. This community is here for you! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member) it is sad that we suffer in pain and rarely taken seriously when the pain takes over n our quality of life drops significantly. Unfortunately I've been suffering with server pain, which effects my being able to eat or drink...which causes massive weight loss as well as dehydration because it gets so bad I become very nauseated, can barely move or get to the bathroom...it's no fun. I'm an upbeat bubbly type of person that very little gets me down and I can handle a great deal of pain, until I can't. I was informed my RA, Lupus, n cancer have progressed n flare up have been horrible these past six months. I am barely being taken seriously but my blood pressure shows the excessive pain I've been in. I may have found a Dr who is taking me seriously n I'm hoping n hopefully she'll be helping me. All I truly want is some relief so my quality of life is better not worsening. 
Hi
. First, let me say that we are hoping right there with you that the new doctor is taking your issues seriously and can help. Every patient deserves to be heard. Second, know that people here understand the impact that multiple conditions/comorbidities can have. My wife, Kelly Mack (a contributor here), was diagnosed at age two, 45 years ago. She has accumulated some other conditions over the years. She wrote this article on research into multiple comorbidities worsening health outcomes: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/comorbidities-worse-health-outcomes. I'm tagging another of our patient leaders, , who, like Kelly, was diagnosed as a child and, like you, has dealt with cancer. I also want to note that we have a sister-site for lupus at https://lupus.net/.
Yes, quality of life absolutely matters. Please know that this community is here for you and feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Hi, MaSanchez..I see a pain Management Specialist. He is an Anistesthiologist ans is very aware of RA pain. I am on Norco and it has made a difference in my life. Ask your Primary Care Provider to refer you to a Pain Dr. We are in So much pain even after methotrexate, which Really tore up my stomach. I couldn't talk it, Sulfasalazine or any of the RA meds causing stomach issues. I see my Rheumatologist on Aug 21st to discuss biological. I was only diagnosed 2 months ago. It is challenging. Be your own Advocate. Best wishes
Norco is Hydrocodone 5/325.
Or Vicodan 5mg.and 325mg of Tylenol. I am taking Hydrocodone 7.5/325...At this point my pain management Dr. Is going to use something else.Thank you for clarifying that for me. I'm taking Oxycodone. Up to 150mg a day. Somedays the pain is too much.
I get hydrocodone but to be honest it doesn’t stop the pain. Prednisone is what stops my pain
does it help you? sometimes I take a meloxicam other it. It works even better. The hydrocodone doesn’t work at all
Yes, I gain 100 lbs and plus over the years taking 40mg of prednisone twice daily over the years. Recently 8mo. Ago I got on a diet and since then I went from 270 to 170 lbs. Thank you
oh girl, I feel you. I was on daily low dose Prednisone when first diagnosed in 1994...I went from 115 to 210...it took me 2 years after getting off of the steroids to drop to 180. Now I fight daily to stay above 100lbs. In one bad day I can loose 5 to 10 lbs...not joking. It's been a struggle for me at both ends ..but we're fighters...we keep moving forward as best we can... so happy for you. I i’m currently on 10 mg of prednisone every day and I really feel puffy all the time. I haven’t gained too much weight but hopefully I can keep that under control. Good luck!
