Pain free, wow!

By tonytoshiba

1 min read

As a baby I started walking. The Dr. told my parents not to let me walk, I was too young. I am bowlegged and only road horses a few months. My joints began hurting. Bone and joint aches became more common as I got older. Then pretty much constant. I continued working and hiking and we raised some great children.

Pushing through the pain

They began to ask me if I was okay to do things with them. I felt bad because I thought I was good at hiding my pain. Oh well.

Now I push as best I can, usually the aches diminish a bit for a few hours in the afternoon. I saw a couple doctors but the answer was, you are out of shape, that is your problem. Finally one doctor told me I had RA and the small joint arthritis. Nothing to be done, live with it.

Experiencing full relief for the first time

So I was in hospital and a migraine moved in. The nurse pushed a morphine into my IV drip. Wow, pain free, first time I can remember not hurting, head to toe no pain. I can see why people like opiates. I will not ask for it because I don't think I would be strong enough to stop.

Sure wish doctors had some tools to help us. After it gets bad enough we cannot distract ourselves sufficiently.

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L rick Phillips Moderator & Contributor
Hello tonytoshiba: I also hope doctors find a good alternative to opioids. I do not use them because of an issue associated with opioid use that impacts diabetes complications. But yes lets hope for a good alternative soon. rick - moderator
1. tonytoshiba Member
 Thank you, Rick, I hope so too. Being the only time I can remember, I don't, and won't head down that pathway. Also opioids cause breathing problems for those with asthma and emphysema.
Franki King Moderator & Contributor
Hi tonytoshiba, Thanks for sharing your story. I'm sorry to hear you are suffering so much. I agree, distracting from the pain feels nearly impossible most of the time. Some days I feel like all I can really do is lay in bed and watch tv but pretty sure that just makes it worse. Have you seen a Rheumatologist? I cannot bring myself to believe that absolutely nothing can be done. You don't deserve it! Wishing you non-opiate related pain relief soon, Franki
Richard Faust Community Admin
Hi tonytoshiba. As others have noted that there are other treatments for RA. In fact, there are quite a few. This article from our editorial team gives an overview of medications used to treat RA: <a href='https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/drugs-and-prescription-medications-for-ra' target='_blank'>https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/treatment/drugs-and-prescription-medications-for-ra/</a>. As Franki noted, if you can see a rheumatologist an assessment can be made and discussion of the treatment options that may be best for you. Please feel free to keep us posted on how you are doing. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
Jo Johnson Moderator & Contributor
In the years prior to my diagnosis, I had to convince some doctors that I was pursing diagnosis and treatment for my pain - not pain medications. Some seemed to feel since they didn't have the answer to the cause of my pain, they should at least help relieve it. Like you, I was frightened of going down a road I couldn't turn off. I'm struggling a bit with pain control now. My liver enzymes are elevated, so no acetaminophen (or alcohol). I have mild GERD and am afraid to use NSAIDs as my biologic has a risk of gastric rupture. My PA said, "You're managing your pain with steroids." She's right, and until we hit on the right Biologic and DMARD, that just may be the way it is.