Rheumatology appointment after big holiday

[Nquartz]

I have been referred to a rheumatologist following a painful & swollen foot/ankle & blood test which showed some antibodies.

My appointment is a week after we get back from 2 weeks in Florida which will involve a lot of walking (up to 10 miles per day).

Is there anything I can ask the doctor for before we go to help manage the pain? Is there anything I can do to minimise it?

After 5 weeks of almost constant pain it's been fine since Tuesday, is this just how rheumatoid arthritis behaves?! Will it always be unpredictable

I had my first big flare up (before dx) for psoriatic arthritis a couple of weeks prior to going to Orlando. I got a rapid appointment with rheumatology that week. Mainly as my knee was very swollen and I already was struggling to walk. I was given a prescription for steroids and a steroid injection to get me through the holiday and then had my normal rheumatology app when back.

Thank you, I'll push for that nearer the time if I have a flare up (we go in August).

Out of interest, does psoriasis make a difference to the arthritis? I have psoriasis too but only fairly mildly, not sure if it is related.

My form if arthritis is psoriatic arthritis. It is directly linked to psoriasis. I have had scalp psoriasis since I was a teen - though it is fairly mild. I was dx with PA a few years back - was about 37 iirr which is a common age range for PA. Looking back I had symptoms (pains in my hands and fingers) for a couple of years before. It was just at the time of dx there was a big flare up causing my knee to swell quite dramatically.

Psoriatic Arthritis

Thank you, that's really interesting as I turned 37 about 4 months ago!

I'll do some reading

I have psoriatic Arthritis too with positive RF and yes that's exactly how it can behave. You never know when it's going to flare up.

Both my Gp and rheumatologist are happy to give me a steroid jab when I'm in dire straits or a new drug is being an arse. However my rheumy can give much higher dose of intramuscular steroids than my Gp can.

It might be an idea to get some supports for your ankle as well just in case it decides to play up when away. Neo G are good ones.

While you are on holiday, take care to cover up from the sun (long sleeves, trousers, hat) as exposure to sunlight can trigger flares.

Randomly when Im on holiday I feel amazing....my body seems to like sunlight and warmth.

@aragog my diagnosis sounds so similar to yours; mild scalp psoriasis since I was about 14 with joint pain in hands that started post pregnancy in my 30s. Diagnosed with PsA last year at 38!

@Nquartz I hope your joints behave themselves for your hols

Are you on any pain relief at all right now? If you’re doing the parks, they have mobility scooters to rent.

Are you on any pain relief at all right now? If you’re doing the parks, they have mobility scooters to rent.

No pain relief at the moment but it isn't too bad, i can still hobble. I take ibuprofen when it is at its worst. I've noted that Aragog was prescribed steroids prior to getting an official diagnosis so I'll ask the doctor to prescribe something before we go.

DH has been researching OTC meds we can buy there as well, and looked into scooter rental. We are only doing Disney for 1 week, the other week won't be as much walking so hopefully I'll be ok then.

macaronip1e Thank you, me too! I'm worrying about it because it has just come out of nowhere, is really unpredictable and there doesn't appear to be a trigger

Regular paracetamol has a good effect with managing pain. You do have to take the full dose though to get the effect. Also, your GP should be prescribing prescription strength anti-inflammatories. That said, make sure you take something to protect your stomach such as; omeprazole. Your GP can prescribe that also.

I’m wary about steroids unless absolutely totally necessary. The side effects can be hardcore. They turn me into a total insomniac and I get very depressed.

I only did a few days in Disney Florida but you walk miles and miles. A healthy person will get achy feet. Please do get a scooter. It made my experience absolutely fantastic and I loved whizzing around.

SunnySkiesSleepsintheMorning

It hasn't really been painful for a week, just the odd twinge so I've not felt the need to take any pain killers but I'll bear paracetamol in mind, thank you.

I think the most I walked last year was 12 miles, not sure I'd manage that this year without a scooter so I think we will hire one for the Disney days.

Steroid injection can help massively. Only painkillers that work for me are cocodamol and naproxen. Both can be prescribed by GP but not sure if I only get the high dose because of my diagnosis

I have Guttate, or 'raindrop' Psoriasis. Also Psoriatic Arthritis.
Both my conditions were 'acquired' after the age of 40. Initially I had a really severe bacterial sore throat, and apparently that triggered my immune system. I am extremely prone to random swelling up/severe tendonitis in a number of sites/joints. Its particularly painful in your feet, as obviously they bear your weight.
I am currently treated with Methotrexate (5 years now), but have frequently been given subcutaneous steroid injections for serious flare ups by the Rheumatology Dept. at my local hospital.
Unfortunately I cannot take steroid tablets (oral steroids) due to severe side effects. Naproxen can be very effective though.
Hope you get it sorted before your hols.