Hi there
I'm in so much pain and feeling down about it. Has been so long since I've felt this bad, just want to have a moan.
Diagnosed 15 years with RA in knees and ankles. Effectively managed over the years with various medications, most recently Enbrel, with great results. Relatively pain free over last 3 years.
Diagnosed last summer with Crohn's disease, now come to terms with it, on Infliximab which has worked so far, three induction infusions helped both Crohns' symptoms and RA symptoms.
Very heavy cold for last two weeks, feeling exhausted with that and now my joints start to play up. Gnawing pain in knee caps, taking co-codamol and ibuprofen turn about throughout the course of the day, doesn't feel like it is helping much. Knees swollen like balloons, ankles much the same.
Rheumatology nurse booked me in for appointment early next week to get steroid shots, cannot go ahead if my cold persists.
I am trying to take things easy, luckily kids still at school but off from 3 today for two weeks. Husband hands-on thank goodness and around a bit to help. Sitting with legs elevated, warm baths, wheat bag, trying to shuffle round a bit so I do not seize up totally. Pillow at night time helps a bit.
What I think has shocked me the most is how draining and ever present the pain is. I've been so lucky over recent years to not feel like this, I cannot imagine how hellish it must be to wake up every day and feel as low as this. I am trying to distract myself with reading, telly and texting friends, I know it will pass and things will improve, I just have to be patient.
It's a wake-up call. I need to look after myself better so I don't get into this state again.
Does anyone else go through this? Chronic health conditions or injuries cause pain? Please tell your experiences, it'd help me a lot. Thanks.