RA flare

[holdthewine]

I'm in real trouble tonight. I've been building up to a flare for weeks, I think. Am very busy and have a lot to do which I can't avoid.

We have a family event at home this weekend so I've been ploughing on but tonight I'm in utter agony, particularly in my feet and ankles. Bugger, bugger bugger. I'm lying here tearful from the pain and frustration with one foot raised in bed but can hardly weight bear. I've taken all my meds and maxed the Voltarol gel and the pain-killers. Have taken a steroid tablet too.
I can't take NSAIDs orally but will try to get a prescription for the pessaries tomorrow. Maybe I need a steroid injection but only certain GPs can do them so may not get seen tomorrow.

Does anyone have any magic words of advice? This is the worst I've been for years and such bad timing. Will be making an appt with the rheumatologist to review my medication as I've been stable for years. I'm on Plaquenil, Sulfasalazine, Methotrexate.

Sorry to whinge! Any ideas?

The Humira stabilised me enough to decide that having a second baby was a good idea! I have 8 years between my boys, so it took a while including going on Humira.

Obviously I had to stop some meds (mtx) whilst pregnant but it was easier this time than my first one when I wasn't on the Humira.

I definitely need it in combination with the mtx as I've been suffering a bit without it but i restarted it this week so I'm hoping it will go back to how I was before pregnancy, although I know it takes a while to get the right levels in your system.

I take 20mg of mtx because any higher than that makes me quite sick, the Humira works with the mtx. I haven't had any side effects except a slight susceptibility to sinus infections. It takes a while to get used to injecting but it's easy enough and you only have to do it every fortnight.

Thank you wonky. Two people have now recommended Humira to me so I’ll mention that at the rheumatologist next week. I’m not worried about self injecting as have done before after surgeries.

Poor you having this so young. I was diagnosed at 49 so was maybe menopause triggered. My DD has complicated immunological problems and is stuck on steroids which she had to start at 18 weeks pregnant. Baby is now over 1 year but she flares as soon as she stops them. So sorry for you all having these issues in child-bearing/rearing years! It’s hard enough for an active Granny!

Saw rheumatologist and having new scans and X-rays. Unless there is new damage favours an increase in Mx which I tolerate well. He thinks neither NHS of insurance would cover Humira for me at this stage. I don’t mind as long as we get it under control again. He agrees stress is a MAJOR trigger.