Please or to access all these features

Autoimmune disease

Mumsnet doesn't verify the qualifications of users. If you have medical concerns, please consult a healthcare professional.

Any advice on Rheumatoid arthritis welcome

3 replies

Wendysfriend · 18/05/2023 14:35

I hope it's OK to ask a couple of things to those who have RA. I've been reading through all the threads on RA.

My dh has RA years, he injects methotrexate and Imraldi, he's prescribed solpadeine and vimovo which doesn't touch the pain or swelling. He also does a couple of weeks every now and then on steroids.

He's having more regular flare ups and each time lasting longer. He literally can't move and gets so bad that he thinks he's broken bones, has even ended up in a&e thinking this.

He gets his good days but there are more bad days. He was so bad this month that he requested an appointment with his Consultant as it's affecting his job. He was told he's on the strongest meds and there is no stronger ones? , that painkillers are the strongest too? .
I keep wondering if this is true?

Hes recently developed these hard blisters on his knuckles, they are so painful, again he was told there's nothing that can be done for them. He's barely able to use his hands.

The fatigue he experiences is getting much worse, he was able to wake up with one alarm, but now falls back asleep immediately and unless I wake him, he stays asleep. I can be calling him many times. The tiredness is all the time, just sitting in a chair he'll nod off, he literally works, comes in eats dinner and goes to bed, some days too tired to eat dinner. He asked his Consultant if there was anything he could take but they said no and to basically deal with.

I only know what I see and what he tells me, I thought I would ask here and see if there is something someone else takes that they find good or any tips, it's always handy to have names of things when speaking with the nurse or Consultant.

Thank you in advance

OP posts:
whattodoabc · 19/05/2023 22:51

Came on looking for info too although not as severe as your dh .
I hope you get some answers

Gillybob · 29/05/2023 00:27

If he's still getting bad flares as you have described he needs his medication reviewing and hopefully changing. There are a lot of different options these days with dmards, biologics and jak inhibitors and he shouldn't be struggling so badly. Thrre are also lots of options pain relief wise. Have a look at NRAS website. I've had RA for 4 years and I'm about to start my 6th drug. Methotrexate only works partially so I need another drug alongside. I find it helps to document daily issues and take photos of red swollen joints when flaring. That way the consultant can see the regularity and length of flare etc. Communication is key, the more your DH can tell them about how this is adversely affecting his daily life the better. If he struggles to remember at appointments get an email address for the dept/Consultant/Rheumy nurses and send the info there. If there is a Rheumy nurse helpline he should be calling each time he has a flare and telling them how bad it is. I hope your DH gets more help than he seems to have now. Good luck.

Santasjingleballs · 30/05/2023 23:26

I would suggest taking the medications as well as changing the diet. This is lowered my inflammation and given me much more energy. I notice if I have foods with a lot of sugar or high diary intake I’m sluggish and get inflammation in my joints and muscles. He should eat whole foods no sugar and reduce diary or go diary free completely and continue with his medication. He will slowly feel much better. It’s hard initially but having pain free joints and able to move beats eating tasty sugary foods.

New posts on this thread. Refresh page