Medication options

[Orcinus orca]

are painkillers ever prescribed to RA patients?

if so what are the variables that would complicate it?

[Heather]

I was given soma when my hip arthritis was seen on an xray because my back was all knotted up around it. It was only a small prescription though, just to get my back to relax, and I was afraid of addiction. I don't know how common that is.

[Orrymain]

I do know that some types of arthritis do have various kinds of pain medications. I don't have RA but I do have another type and I was given something for inflammation which has really helped me.

[faith]

I do know that some types of arthritis do have various kinds of pain medications. I don't have RA but I do have another type and I was given something for inflammation which has really helped me.

hi orryman..inflammation? you mean your joint are swollen because of? im really interested since i know there comes a time that i will really experienced this one and at least i am aware of..is there any preventions?

[faith]

are painkillers ever prescribed to RA patients?

if so what are the variables that would complicate it?

not really sure if its prescribed(since i am not diagnosed yet) but i guess if your in pain and you consulted a doctor for sure he will prescribe one for relief of such pain.....

[brecklundin]

are painkillers ever prescribed to RA patients?

if so what are the variables that would complicate it?

I was Dx'd with JRA at 9yrs old...was symptom free from about 15-35ish, I'm 48 now and live with significant pain daily...were it not for either hydrocodone (vicodin) or codeine I would not be able to make it through a day or sleep at night. Even then it does not always work or even come close...stronger opiates are not helpful so we are trying to hold off on those for a few years yet.

The one and only medication I found that works each and every time is MMJ. I know it is a touchy topic but it does work for me...I can use it 1-3x a week and get near complete relief from pain. And I have an MMJ card but do not have easy access to a MMJ place to buy it. So, I have not been able to use it for a good 5-6yrs now. I live for the day when it is finally and completely legal, even if just for medical use, here in the US. It's getting better but not fast enough for me and many others.

But keeping in what is technically legal, the opiates will work. If that is something you want to look at, or NEED to look into, learn about how they work, why they work and why they might now work. As an aside, if you have any neuropathy as a result of chronic inflammation due to your RA odds are opiates will NOT work to relieve your pain. Also, do not feel weak if you need the opiates...the tylenol or aspirin in vicodin or codeine pain meds is far more damaging to your system. NSAIDS WILL eventually ruin your liver so be aware what long term and chronic use will mean...and become aware what meds have NSAIDS beyond things like tylenol, aspirin, ibuprofen, etc...but cold meds and such can push you waaay over the top for daily dose max.

Also, learn the difference between addiction and physical dependence. There is a major difference. Also know not many, and we are talking about a 1-2% number, but few people seeking relief from chronic pain become true addicts, yeah we will be physically dependant on the opiates, but given the option of intractable 24/7/365 pain...take the pills...that is why they were put on the planet. Still, consider other options as well and don't rely on opiates 100% as over time you will need to take more to get the same relief, some folks are lucky and that does not happen, but most are will need increased doses over time. That is why MMJ is a much more attractive option, no physical dependence as well as many other side benefits, including relief from pain induced anxiety/depression...MMJ is not the medication vilified in the media and from the Fed...not pushing it as a cure all, but it really does seem to help pretty much anyone I know who used it as an RA pain reliever...

So, I guess that is the long answer to your old question, but yes, pain meds are given for RA...in fact it is almost always a given that you WILL eventually need them as your RA progresses. No getting around it.

[bangaram]

pain killers will not have any effect in process of curing but it might give only temporary relief.

[Orcinus orca]

Thanks for the great response.

I recently saw my rheumatologist for the first time in 4 years, my last one being a pediatric. He had x rays of my hips and blood work done, as I'm in remission and don't have "active" ra.

He didn't seem to take me seriously when I discussed the pain of walking or anything. Very cold and seemed like I was wasting his time. Should I request a new doctor? I don't have many options, and would likely have to stay in the same office.

The recommended 800mgs of ibuprofen is wearing on my stomach and barely helps. I limit my activity as much as possible, but there has to be another option.

I'm 22 years old and was diagnosed at 3. Just because I'm young spritely with decent geneics as far as weight/fitness shouldn't mitigate the severity of my pain.

Are all adult rheunatologists like this?

[brecklundin]

pain killers will not have any effect in process of curing but it might give only temporary relief.

And none of the so-called "treatments" will cure anything either...RA HAS NO CURE. Of course pain meds only offer temporary relief, that is why you need to take more than one in your lifetime. Yeesh....sigh... :cool:

[brecklundin]

Thanks for the great response.

I recently saw my rheumatologist for the first time in 4 years, my last one being a pediatric. He had x rays of my hips and blood work done, as I'm in remission and don't have "active" ra.

He didn't seem to take me seriously when I discussed the pain of walking or anything. Very cold and seemed like I was wasting his time. Should I request a new doctor? I don't have many options, and would likely have to stay in the same office.

The recommended 800mgs of ibuprofen is wearing on my stomach and barely helps. I limit my activity as much as possible, but there has to be another option.

I'm 22 years old and was diagnosed at 3. Just because I'm young spritely with decent geneics as far as weight/fitness shouldn't mitigate the severity of my pain.

Are all adult rheunatologists like this?


***Note: sorry this rambled a bit...d'oh!! :D***

Wow, old post but I still got an email...hahaha...nice. :D

So sorry to read about your Rheumy. No, not all are like that. However, many will try and push people to see just how much pain they feel they are in. This is not to be mean but rather the fact every patient they see is pretty much in constant and daily pain. And of course all are distraught over it which can also make you more prone to being pain sensitive. So they want to try to move people to at least try to manage w/o moving to stronger palliative meds too soon. He is actually trying to help but is just doing a poor job of communicating the reasons, yeah it's a mind-game so call him/her on it but in a calm and rational fashion.

Remember docs are now more than ever, under a microscope for over prescribing opiates. It's for no other reason than the idiots in the pubic eye like Limbaugh (oxycontin) and others who abused a system because he is an addict not any other reason. But it trickles down to those docs prescribing for legit reasons such as yours. So it's frustrating but also best if you can find ways to work with your doc to develop a real pain management plan.

So maybe on your next visit have a frank and honest discussion also express if he is unwilling to help manage your pain he needs to tell you explicitly his reasons. That can form a basis of designing a Tx plan that fits your situation.

Something you can do, assuming you know how, but you can setup a simple spreadsheet or even a database (more complicated) to chronicle your pain as it becomes an issue. Log your stress levels, rate the pain, describe it as well as describe what you do to help alleviate the pain. These are real things a doc can use to justify writing that Rx. A log/journal is extremely helpful for your treatment and management of the disease. It can also be very cathartic when we don't feel like anyone really appreciates the pain or you feel like a burden to others. Face it nobody likes to whine...hahahaha...oh, you can also keep a journal in any word processor program like MS Word, Google's free document apps, MS's free online versions of Word and other programs or even the freeware Open Office. Just organize it and format it to make it nice, it feels good to design a document. :D It's a basically free and easy to maintain aid in managing our disease.

Ibuprofen is so very rough on your tummy. My grandma also had RA and what worked well for her was taking an Ascriptin. Ascriptin is aspirin and Maalox. In other words, buffered aspirin. You can take a half a Maalox tablet with your ibuprofen to see if that helps. BTW, odds are the doc recommends the ibuprofen more to reduce inflammation than for pain management. Probably in hopes if the inflammation can be controlled and/or reduced the pain can become manageable with simple pain relievers. You can also take the ibuprofen can be taken with meals as well but it really isn't that much different and alone when I've tried it.

I think many of the great folks here will completely appreciate the fact you are young and look healthy and capable of anything. Most everyone has been in exactly your spot. I just turned 50 and get the same looks...people don't get that this is something they can't see and if I am in such pain why am I still active so it must not really be that bad...sigh...just smile and let them think what they will.

I make my living with photography these days, it's a nice living at that. But I got back into doing it years ago just to keep active, specifically to walk more. Finding something that give us each a motive to get out and do things is so important. But I do have to remind myself to take time to let my knees and ankles calms down after a long hike. A swallow a few ibuprofen, have a nice glass of iced tea or lemonade (or better a 50-50 mix) sweetened with Stevia then either grab my Kindle or plop down to watch a TV show...or visit some of my only photo pals.

Hang in there and it will be easier as time goes on...oops, 1AM and past my bed time for sure! ;)

[Orcinus orca]

What do you mean by neuropathy mitigating the effects?