Pain and Fatigue

By lb38

1 min read

Rheumatoid arthritis symptoms hurt

It started in hands and feet. Then spread to mid-back. Then when fatigue hit I could barely function.

Seeking non-steroid solutions for RA pain

What was the best treatment you experienced besides steroids, cause so far that is all I can get?

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Erin Rush Community Admin
Ugh! I am sorry you are dealing with RA pain and fatigue, <inline-mention user-id="3140119" username="lb38"/> ! Pain and fatigue are two big issues that come up time and again in this community. I do hope you get some helpful feedback from other community members as to how to manage those symptoms. I will say that just like the many medications used to treat other RA symptoms, what works well for one person may not work as well for another. Steroids do work for a lot of individuals, but I totally understand why you may want to avoid them. Here's some basic information on the various medications that can be used to treat RA pain -- <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/pain-relievers-analgesics' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/pain-relievers-analgesics/</a>. I hope other community members can chime in and share what has worked well for them. Fatigue is a pretty pernicious and hard to treat issue when it comes to RA. There really aren't any medications that are widely available for managing the fatigue. Here's some information on RA fatigue that you might find helpful -- <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/fatigue-and-weakness' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/fatigue-and-weakness/</a>. Again, I hope you get some good feedback AND that you can get some relief from these symptoms! Best, Erin, <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net' target='_blank'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.
Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention user-id="3140119" username="lb38"/> , I think in an earlier post you mentioned you are waiting for a Rheumatology appointment? That will be the best place to get your questions answered and a plan in place. In the meantime, there are a few modalities at home that can help. I love my paraffin bath for my hands and feet. Compression gloves and socks can help. You can shop for these on Amazon. Try to schedule your day in a way that allows for rest breaks. I also love Gentle Yoga for RA classes; there are some by Peggy Cappy available on line. Warm baths. Massage, when done by someone who understands RA/RD, is a standby for me. Be careful to instruct them to not go too deep to prevent increasing your pain. Lots of fluids after a massage help flush your body. With hope and best wishes, Jo (moderator)
L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
My best was a combination of Methotrexate and Remiciade. Often it is our first biologic that makes the biggest difference. I sang the song from the rock opera Tommy the day after it kicked in "I'm Free I'M FREE- I'm free, And freedom tastes of reality, I'm free-I'm free" rick moderator
1. nana5 Member
 How long did it take for Remicade to kick in? I have been going for infusions for 3 months. Some days I think my pain and fatigue are better, and then BAM!! I feel terrible again.
2. L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
 I think each person is very different. In my case it was my first biologic and almost immediately I felt so much better. I hope you find that shortly. rick