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.