Recently diagnosed 2/22
I have throbbing pain. Like someone hit me with a baseball bat, and I can feel my heartbeat pulsing in my veins. This happens from my knees to my toes, and elbows to my fingertips. Is this normal? So far this is causing the most pain and fatigue. Also with RA, is it normal to end up with gout? There is pain in my foot that feels like someone it using a saw to cut into my bones. So far I'm on plaquenil, I'm scared to have to get on Methotrexate. Any thoughts would be appreciated!
Hi
. It sounds like you have a lot going on right now. My heart goes out to you. Gout is another kind of arthritis, but it is a common comorbidity with RA. Here is an article that includes a description and potential treatments: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/types-of-arthritis. Throbbing pain is not unusual for people with RA. If you are still experiencing that much pain after taking plaquenil for a few months, it might be time to try something new. Methotrexate is commonly prescribed first because it's relatively inexpensive, but there are lots of other treatment options you can try. Here is an article about RA treatments: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment. I hope you get some relief soon. I am sure you are miserable. Thinking of you. - Lori (Team Member) Thank you!
hello, so sorry to hear how bad your leg pain is. Please bring this up to either your RA Doc or Primary. Tell them what is happening and ask if there is a way to find out what or why it is happening. My legs were feeling heavy, like that between numb stage and awaking up, my foot and ankle was killing me. My doctor choose to do a test called a Venous Doppler (vein ultra sound). He was thinking a blood clot for I have problems with blocked arteries in my upper body. Well he was not to far off, I actually have Venous Reflux. The valves in my leg veins are not working properly, thank Goodness it was blood clots or blockages as this time. It never hurts to ask and keep our doctors informed on what new aches and pains come up so they can be treated properly. I wish you the best on figuring out what is going on with your legs and arms. Please keep us posted.
Have a warm and caring day, DorisI am glad you have a doctor who decided to take that extra step,
. That's some great advice. Thanks for chiming in here. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
RA and chronic illness in general results in a lot of co-morbidities, or secondary and tertiary conditions. They can be painful and sometimes even illnesses in their own right. All of it results in an exponential explosion of pain. I finally had to give up and go and see a pain management specialist because the pain was keeping me from doing pretty much anything. Luckily after two years of trial and error we found a regimen that worked to give me back some quality of life - enough that I could do many of the things I wanted to. It's certainly worth considering, but either way just know you are not alone. We are here to help however we can. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
