Hi everyone, previously posted in autoimmune but the board seems quiet.
I'm in a bit of a pickle and looking for some advice.
Backstory:
Recently saw Rheum due to swelling, stiffness and pain in joints, plus fatigue. Had a big flare, off work and unable to drive or function.
They suspected inflammatory arthritis (psoriatic likely)
I had an IM steroid injection and started sulfasalazine due to not being ideal for Methotrexate as I'd hoped to try to conceive soon.
Steroid was amazing but I reacted to the Sulfasalazine so that was stopped.
Seeing them again in 3 weeks to try the next medication and have another steroid.
The previous steroid has now stopped working and I am in agony. I take naproxen twice a day and codeine too. But with my wrists, knee, fingers etc all being so stiff and swollen and painful I can't manage to do anything. I have a 3 year old who I am the sole parent of and get support from family. I couldn't chop a bloody vegetable if I tried (which to be honest my three year old feels fine about) but more so I can't turn on the tap, pull my jeans up or get a bra on. Thankfully family support us with meals and such.
I'm 31 and part of me is furious that I am in this position when last year I was fine. But the other larger part of me needs to get some stuff in place to manage our lives better and let me be the parent I want to be.
I couldn't lift the kettle for a cup of tea today and let's be honest.. tea is required for functioning!
So, anyone with any inflammatory arthritis or similar conditions..
What help is out there? What can I do for myself to function in less pain (or at all really).
Any services or aids you've found invaluable?
I have heard of wrist splints etc being helpful for driving etc but wouldn't know where to start in getting some.
I put in a referral to the adult services to ask for some support though unsure what if anything they can do.
Thank-you!