A Newbie

By amyjean

1 min read

Thank you so much for the add. I’ve struggled with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia for many years and fell into the opioid addiction. I did rehab and now I'm 16 months clean.

Managing RA pain without opioid use

A month ago I was dx with RA. I'm severely allergic to NSAIDs and gabapentin so my pain relief is very challenging. I started my second month of methotrexate and feel pretty sick the 2nd and 3rd day after... I’m 56 years young moved from up north to down south a year ago. Still adjusting to the weather but for me south is better.

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Daniel Malito Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3116162" username="amyjean"/> Being allergic to NSAIDS and gabapentin does certainly seem like a challenge, it may be worth considering seeing a pain specialist as those aren't the only methods in use to help pain. For me, narcotics changed my life and gave me back a degree of quality of life that I would never have otherwise enjoyed. When you are first diagnosed with RA it can be an overwhelming time, but eventually , most do find a routine that works. Just know we are here if you need, you aren't alone. Keep on keepin' on, DPM
Monica Y. Sengupta Moderator & Contributor
Hey <inline-mention user-id="3116162" username="amyjean"/> ! Thanks for reaching out. I hope you find a treatment plan that works for you. As Daniel mentioned, it does take a bit to find the right medication mix but it does happen at some point. I was put on Methotrexate very early on and experienced similar side effects. I would definitely speak to your doctor about supplements to help alleviate the nausea or changing the time/day you take them. I wanted to share my experience with the medication with you: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/fearing-methotrexate-side-effects' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/fearing-methotrexate-side-effects/</a> Also, I wanted to pass on some information on some extra non-medicine methods for helping RA symptoms. You should definitely run these by your rheumatologist to make sure they are the right choices for you. <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/natural-remedies' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/natural-remedies/</a> and <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/alternatives-therapies' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/alternatives-therapies/</a> All the best and reach out if you need to! ~Monica
Mary Sophia Hawks Moderator & Contributor
Amyjean, Welcome and thanks for sharing so honestly! Great job getting off the opioids too! When you are new to RA, there are many things to learn. I will try to make a most important list. 1) Keep an honest and open relationship with your rheumatologist. 2) Keep an ongoing list of issues and take it to your appointments. 3) If you think your medication isn't working after 6 months, speak up. 4) Realize that it can take time to find the "right" medication. It is not your fault, it just takes time because we are all different. 5) Your family and friends will have trouble understanding your fatigue and brain fog and pain. They have no frame of reference. 6) Build time in for rest and recovery each day. 7) We are here for you! We understand your journey with RA and are always willing to listen. Check out the articles here and check in with us whenever you need to. Gentle hugs, Mary Sophia, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>Rheumatoidarthritis.net</a> moderator/author