......do I take codeine??

[Icantstopeatinglol]

I've got arthritis and my feet are agony! I take a strong anti inflammatory once a day and I've took paracetamol but they're still agony. My big toes feel like they're going to explode!
I actually feel dizzy because its hurting so much :(

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

If you have codeine in then yes. But it sounds like you need to review your medication with your rheumatologist or gp.

[NutsinMay]

Is it on prescription otherwise it would be mixed with paracetomol so be sure not to overdose.

Personally the one time I took Codeine I ended up with bad stomach cramps during the night so I would be careful if you are prone to any stomach problems.

Sorry to hear you are in so much pain though. Does ice, raising your feet help at all?

[Icantstopeatinglol]

I'm seeing a rheumatologist in about 9 days and counting! It's been a long journey to get to this point and I'm worried about joint damage now but they hurt so much! It's never been this bad :(

[stargirl1701]

You can combine codeine with paracetamol. Max 60mg codeine with 1000mg of paracetamol.

What about ibuprofen? Max 400mg.

I have been prescribed all 3 to take - one dose of one painkiller every 3 hours, e.g.

8am - 1000mg paracetamol
11am - 400mg ibuprofen
2pm - 60mg codeine
5pm - 1000mg paracetamol
8pm - 400mg ibuprofen
11pm - 60mg codeine
2am - 1000mg paracetamol
5am - 400mg ibuprofen

But, only for 3 days. Codeine is addictive. Please make an appt to sort out your meds.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Thanks star girl, I'm already taking etodolac once a day so can't take ibuprofen unfortunately. It's just to tide me over until I see the rheumatologist. I'm very wary as I don't want to become reliant on them but this is worse than normal.
My dd stood on my big toe earlier and it's been agony ever since, I have psoriasis in my toenails so it was particularly painful!
I'm desperate for my appointment!
Thank you!

[Icantstopeatinglol]

You're right korma, I was out this morning with my dd and I'm paying for it now!
I def understand the spoons theory now! :(

[denialandpanic]

until your disease is under control and that may be a while the painkillers are your friend.

[BettyandDon]

Codeine can cause serious constipation please be aware. No laughing matter I nearly ended up in hospital after 10 days on it. It is a fine painkiller though.

[lottieandmia]

Yes take it - if you are in agony then you need it. Don't suffer.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Yea I'm wary of the constipation side of things too. I'm hoping its just for tonight as seems like I've overdone it this morning so will have to take note and take it a bit easier for now. Hard to do with 2 little dc! :(

[digerd]

I took 60 mgs of codeine with paracetamol on an empty stomach, and 15 minutes later collapsed unconscious twice.

I had taken 30 mg with no problem before. They were prescribed by the hospital after a Hysteroscopy.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

ahhh, you may have psoriatic arthritis then? Rhuematologist will be able to help you loads. Let them know that you arent coping at present as they will need to do various tests and you need something to keep you going in the mean time.

I take lactulose when I'm on codeine, else I end up in pickles.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Yea I do have psoriatic arthritis badkitten, I've tried sulfasalazine which I had a reaction too and I'm waiting to see rheumatologist who I think is going to try me on methotrexate.
I think it's steadily getting worse so I'm desperate for this appointment. Sick of feeling like a twisty old woman but it really hurts! It's hard to explain to people who have never experienced it what it's like but the only way I can is to say imagine if someone battered the bottom of your feet for ages with a baseball bat them told you to go about your daily work! It's like walking on huge bruises and very tiring.
Think I was getting a bit constipated with the anti inflammatries so hope I haven't made it worse? :/

[denialandpanic]

my gp has put lacido on my repeat script for me.I think it's the genetic version of movical. I have psa too and understand exactly how you feel.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

It's horrible waiting for a rheumy isn't it, with GPS shrugging their shoulders and saying sorry, here, have some more painkillers.

I hope that they can help you nice and quickly.

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

And it is very tiring, one of the worst things about it I think.

[Icantstopeatinglol]

Thank you, im actually looking forward to my appt at the minute! How ridiculous! I'm so desperate for something to help, every step feels like I'm trudging in treacle :( neither the wonder I'm tired all the time. It's just nice to know there's people that understand. My dh tries I think but he just doesn't understand at all.
I'm looking into a dairy free diet too but it's in everything! :/

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

You could try ginger and turmeric. Didn't really help me but at least they are inexpensive. I'd also see about getting your vit d levels checked as I think that low vit d can make it even more unbearable. (Seemed to help me I think)

[Icantstopeatinglol]

I've just bought some soya milk and dairy free butter etc so going to see how they taste and might give the dairy free diet a try! I'm currently having light therapy for my skin so not sure if that will help with the vitamin d?
My poor feet are throbbing! Think I'm going to bypass the paracetamol and codeine tonight if possible and go straight for the

[OhYouBadBadKitten]

Wine is a very god pain killer!

[Icantstopeatinglol]

It's the best badkitten!

[specialsubject]

most UK codeine tablets are mixed with paracetamol as they work well together. Check you will not be overdosing on the paracetamol.

be aware that for some of the population, codeine has no effect at all. for others, it gives a high. for some, it is just a painkiller and not addictive. And for everyone, it gives constipation. :-(

good luck.

[DameFanny]

I take codeine most days at the moment and no constipation...

[SugarMouse1]

How about Naproxen instead?

Its like Nurofen, but stronger, and no dizzying side-effects like codeine

You can buy it OTC as Feminax Ultra, for period pain x