See Alike in...

Alike App

Browser

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

RetiredRN

657d

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.

1

9

9

Pilocarpine

Other Diseases of Sebaceous Glands

Rheumatoid Arthritis (RA)

Methotrexate

Hydroxychloroquine

Chronic Liver Disease & Cirrhosis

View all
    • RetiredRN

      655d

      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.

      0

      Reply
      • JustcallmeOmi

        652d

        @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.

        0

        Reply
        • RetiredRN

          652d

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

          1

          Reply
    • JustcallmeOmi

      656d

      Have they tried hydroxychloroquine? Plaquenil is the name brand.

      0

      Reply
      • RetiredRN

        656d

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

        0

        Reply
        • JustcallmeOmi

          656d

          @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.

          0

          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

Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Want to chat or share? Download the Alike app now and get complete access to Alike.health's unique features.

Alike health

Instantly get answers to medical questions with our AI, built from the collective wisdom of our community facing similar experiences

Write your question here...

Get answer
Thank you! Your submission has been received!

Related Questions

Find people who are
experiencing a similar
medical reality

join the community
100% Free
100%
Free
Alike is a transformative platform that goes beyond just bringing together patients; it meticulously connects individuals based on multiple critical factors, such as age, gender, comorbidities, medications, diet, and more, fostering a community of knowledge, support and empathy.
© 2020-2023 Alike, Inc
About AlikeWisdomFAQEditorial TeamAll ConditionsAll PostsAll Communities
Your PrivacyStoriesCommunity GuidelinesTerms of UsePrivacy PolicyBlogContact Us

Download Alike for the full experience

JOIN

View All

Bupropion

night sweats

paranoid

Valium

sertraline

palpitations

Anxiety (Including GAD)

Depression

palpitations

Depression

Valium

Bupropion