30 Years of Living with RA: My Strategies for Pain Management

RetiredRN

444d

newbie here. I have had RA for over 30 years, diagnosed about 20. allergic to humira, enbrel, and side effects with methotrexate. I use topical, herbal, imagery, positioning, and splints to help with pain. as a last resort I get epidural and take steroids. try to stay away from narcotics as long as I can.

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9

9

Pilocarpine

Other Diseases of Sebaceous Glands

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Methotrexate

Hydroxychloroquine

Chronic Liver Disease & Cirrhosis

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    • JustcallmeOmi

      444d

      Have they tried hydroxychloroquine? Plaquenil is the name brand.

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      • RetiredRN

        443d

        @JustcallmeOmi yes. It affected my vision so I had to come off it after 6 months

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        • JustcallmeOmi

          443d

          @RetiredRN Suck. I’m really worried about that myself. I’ve only been on it for 4 months. I can’t do methotrexate due to stage 4 fibrosis/cirrhosis of the liver. Most likely due to it taking 10+ years to get diagnosed. I can’t take biologics until I can get my bottom teeth pulled and get implants, because it would never heal. Thanks, Sjögren’s, you jerk.

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    • RetiredRN

      443d

      I deal with Sjogrens as well. My eyes and mouth get so dry...painful in addition to joint pain. I have had cervical fusion, spur removal from shoulder and rotator cuff repair, as well as thumb joint reconstruction thanks to RA. I will be getting the other thumb fixed in the near future. Trying to put off knee surgery.

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      • JustcallmeOmi

        440d

        @RetiredRN Have you tried pilocarpine for dry mouth? It really works well for me except if I’m in a flare. It seems to help my eyes, as well. Not sure if it’s supposed to, but I’ve noticed a significant difference with my dry eyes.

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        • RetiredRN

          439d

          @JustcallmeOmi no, but I will definitely give it a try. Thank you so much.

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          Reply

☝ This content is generated by our users and it is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult with your physician before making any medical decision

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