Rheumatoid arthritis pain in pregnancy HELP

[Lilbambinoplz]

I was wondering if anyone can help me I'm 13+6 pregnant and have got a bad flare up of rheumatoid arthritis in my feet, I'm unable to take my usual medication and have been told I can only take paracetamol and put ibuprofen gel on the painful area which isn't even touching the pain.

I was wondering if there was anyone that could give me some advice that may of been in the same situation as I am at the moment I just really don't no how to manage the pain it's so painful at times I end up in tears.

xxx

Hi @Lilbambinoplz

I've also got RA and pregnant with my first currently. I've not been in your situation yet as my RA seems to have settled down at the moment.

I was wondering wondering your RA team can help, it might be worth phoning the rheumatologist you are under for advice if you have not already. My hospital has a RA advice line which I've used to get help support or advice recently.

I also suffer with RA in my feet normally. I use cold therapy to help sometimes with the inflammation - cold water foot dip, run a cold tap over them, cooling mats, ice etc its not long term but sometimes gives me a bit of easing granted it was normally with NSAIDs (which I know we now can't take)

Worse case scenario it was steroid injections from the Rheumy. I'd read steroids if really bad were still allowed but am not 100% certain if that is true but the RA team would be able to tell you.

We're you on DMARDS prior to pregnant? Have you still been able to take them? I know some are considered safe in pregnancy - my Rheumy has advised me to continue taking the Sulfasalazine as its safe.

Speak to your rheumatologist or rheumatologist nurse :) I’m pregnant with my first and also have RA and the one thing they said was not to suffer in silence. There’s a few different treatments that are considered safe in pregnancy including sulfasalazine so it may be worth looking into that if paracetamol isn’t working.
I’m lucky that I’ve only had some mild flare ups but they’ve been managed with paracetamol and ice packs. Definitely worth speaking to your rheumatology team if you’re feeling like this though.
Hope you feel better soon!

Speak to your consultant - I’m on sulfasalazine daily which is safe to take during pregnancy ☺️

Thank you all for your advice

I had a telephone appointment with the rhuemy nurse on Friday they told me paracetamol and ibuprofen gel
I was also on sulfasalazine but I had become very bad with taking it before I got pregnant they have said instead of 4 tablets a day I can take 2 but I was also doubtful as on the information leaflet inside it dosent say it's as safe like she said so then I was so worried about taking it again.

I will speak with them again and also try ice pack and soaking feet in cold water to see how that goes.

I'm presuming you ladies are also consultant lead due to the condition too have you had your appointment when them yet?

Congratulations all on your pregnancy too this is also my first pregnancy

Xxx

I'm still very early on with my pregnancy so havnt gotten to the point of seeing the consultant yet :) but midwife explained I will be consultant lead because of the RA and the fact I have a very high BMI.

It's very nice to "meet" other pregnant RA patients. :)

@Lilbambinoplz Congratulations to you too! I’m not going to be consultant led but they are going to arrange for me to talk to an anaesthetist before birth. My consultant purposely switched my meds to sulfasalazine years ago as it was safe to take while TTC, pregnant and breastfeeding. They said I could keep up the 4 tablets a day too, though I’ve reduced them myself to 2. Might be worth getting a second opinion?

Hope you get some answers and start feeling better soon!

Please speak to rheumatology as there are a lot more options than you currently have. There are other painkillers that are suitable, plus some DMARD's that can help. I have also been given steroids to help with a flare plus offered injectable steroids too.

I am consultant led but haven't got an appointment until 16 weeks so have no idea what this will consist of.