Jan 26
So we all have experienced the excruciating pain that comes from waking up with a flare-up. I’ve had flare-ups so bad that I’ve been brought to tears, had to go to the hospital and haven’t been able to sleep. Flare-ups are probably the worst part of having RA (at least in my opinion). So what options do we have when flare-ups happen? Well there are several things you can do.
- Steroid shots: depending on where the joint pain is, a doctor may be able to use cortisone shots to reduce the pain: “Corticosteroid injections of steroids (i.e steroid shots, cortisone (cortizone) injections, kenalog injections) can be given systemically to help knock down arthritis flares. Intramuscular injections are shot locally into inflammed joints or tendons to deliver medication directly to problem areas such as the shoulder, elbow, hip, knee, hand, back, or wrist” (About.com). I’ve gotten cortisone shots before in my wrist when I had really painful flare-ups. It took a little bit for the steroid to kick in, but once it did, it felt amazing. I recommend talking to your doctor about it if you have a painful flare-up. There are some side effects that are possible when you get a cortisone shot. I never experienced them, but you should be aware: “The most common side-effect is a ‘steroid flare.’ This is a condition where the injected cortisone crystalizes and can cause a brief period of pain worse than before the shot. This usually lasts a day or so and is best treated by icing the injected area. Another common side-effect is discoloration of the skin where the injection is given. This is usually a concern in people with darker skin, and is not harmful, but patients should be aware of this. Atrophy of the skin and thinning of the skin may also occur at the site of injection”(arthritis-treatment-and-relief.com). Arthritis Treatment and Relief Web site has some good information about cortisone shots to look over before getting one.
- Prednisone: I always keep a bottle of prednisone around to use when I have a flare-up. Prednisone isn’t good for long-term use (see my post “Jagged Little Pill” for more information on prednisone), but can be helpful to treat the occasional flare up. I just take one 5 mg pill in the morning of days I have a flare-up and have found it pretty effective.
- Cold Compress: Using a cold compress is also an effective way to dull the pain when you have a flare-up: “Apply cold for occasional flare-ups. Cold may dull the sensation of pain. Cold also has a numbing effect and decreases muscle spasms. Don’t use cold treatments if you have poor circulation or numbness. Techniques may include using cold packs, soaking the affected joints in cold water and ice massage”(CNN).
Overall, as your rheumatologist works to get you on the right medications, you will experience fewer flare-ups and less pain when you have them. That is why it is important to see a rheumatologist and get started on the right medications.
Until next time,
S.P.
This entry was posted
on Saturday, January 26th, 2008 at 2:38 pm and is filed under Medications, Symptoms and Side Effects of RA.
You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed.
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
8 comments so far
I agree with you in a sense here, but do wish to say that I wish I COULD take something. With treating my RA, I’ve tried 8 meds so far and am allergic to every one of them. It leaves me with Enbrel/Humira to try and my rheumy doesn’t want to even risk trying me on them. She’s afraid I’ll have a major reaction and since they stay in the body so long, it would require hospitalization for up to 4 weeks should I have one.
I am happy that you are able to take anything, at least you have some chance of it controlling your disease. I on the other hand am at the point where my options are running out and I was only diagnosed 2 years ago. I’m 32 and have been told I will probably have to “retire” in 3-5 years. With 3 kids that should be interesting. I must cross my fingers (on the days I’m able), and hope for a natural remission.
Please remember to be thankful for what you are able to take, there are some of us who can’t take anything. Keep your chin up and good luck to everyone with RA that they eventually figure out how to treat this disease without killing us in the process.
January 27th, 2008 at 3:43 pm
I talked to another woman recently who was diagnosed in her thirties (with three kids as well) and went through trying all the meds. She had really bad reactions to all of them. She got sick from methotrexate, rashes from biologics and other problems. I know I am really lucky to have responded well to the medications. I know that a lot of research is being done to be able to come up with new medications for people who medication isn’t working for. I talked to one doctor who said they are working to be able to alter medications to cater for each individual. Hopefully they get there soon. Are you able to take anything? The women I know is taking prednisone and said she responded really well to steroid shots (like amazingly well). Good luck with your treatment. I know it must be really hard.
January 27th, 2008 at 6:24 pm
I have Polyarticular Rheumatoid Arthritis, Pleurisy, Raynaud’s Phenomenon,Infertility,Keratosis Pilaris and also suffer from a few other problems. Was diagnosed with some of that when I was 16. Am now 22. If anyone wants to talk feel free to email me at allens_wife02@hotmail.com but please put RA in the subject line.
April 9th, 2008 at 9:45 pm
I am 49 years old and have RA. I am taking Embrel methotrxate, and a few others. It has helped with the energy level and fewer flares. I think I will always have flares. At these times it is difficult to do anything. I have had no side effect from the medications. But does anyone know what the long term use side effects are?
April 22nd, 2008 at 10:57 am
If you are still having flare ups, you may want to play with adding another drug (such as Arava or Imuran) to the mix. or switch up your biologic (try Remicade or Humira). I had flare ups on Enbrel (and I was taking 1.5 doses a week!), but switched to Humira and have just about no flare ups. Don’t ever except that this is the best it gets. Talk to your rheumatologist!
As for long term effects, they really don’t know since most of the biologics haven’t been around long enough to show long term effects.
Methotrexate can hurt your kidneys and liver and you should be taking plenty of water, little to no alcohol at all, and folic acid (on pill a day). This helps to reduce the chances of having kidney or liver problems, but you should get your liver functions tested every few months to make sure you are doing ok.
Can’t give you much more info than that. I think there aren’t any horrible long term effects other than those from the disease itself. But I’ll let you know if i hear anything more!
April 22nd, 2008 at 12:02 pm
Good advice. I also take a 5 mg prednisone on any morning when I feel a flare up coming on (about every other week) and it usually does the trick.
July 17th, 2008 at 6:55 am
Thanks for the suggestions! I’ve been having icky reactions to all NSAIDS lately so it’s good to see some new ideas.
October 1st, 2008 at 7:16 pm
Thanks! i hope some of them work for you.
October 14th, 2008 at 6:48 pm
Leave a Comment