OMG The Pain ...

thesedays · 05-17-2006, 12:46 PM

For the past two nights I have been woke up between 3:00 - 4:00 am with severe pain shooting through my hands into my wrists and down to me elbows, it's horrible !!!

This morning, the pain lasted until about 8:00 am and my the area where my wrists are swollen has grown. I usually have a swollen "lump" on the thumb side of my wrist, but this morning the "lump" has grown to about 4 inches in length, down the side of my forearm bone making my arms / wrists look twisted and contorted.

Anyone else have this happen?

ToBeFreeToRoam · 05-17-2006, 04:06 PM

Hi These,

If I were you, I would run to my rheumatologist, really fast. Pain meds and anti-inflammatories and more!!!

It really sounds like you have RA, and if you do not start (if you are not already) taking the correct meds., you will stay like that!!!??

Sorry, that I could not be of more help.

Wannabe

thesedays · 05-17-2006, 05:48 PM

Thanks for your response. I saw the rheum about 2 weeks ago (for the 2nd time) and am not scheduled to see her again for 3 more weeks !

I'm currently taking prednisone and plaquenil and have been on both for about 3 months ......I have however, lowered my dose of prednisone from 5mg to 2.5 mg trying to wean off. I've been on the 2.5 mg for about 1 1/2 weeks, maybe this has something to do with it?

I really want off the prednisone. During my last visit, she told me to go ahead and drop to 1/2 pill (the 2.5 mg) until I see her again, but if the pain gets to bad, go ahead and keep taking the 5mg .....I don't want to !! I want off the prednisone.

I haven't had the weight gain side effect, but I'm having the "hair" effect, meaning I'm getting REALLY hairy. My skin looks horrible and my hands are getting hairy like a mans !!!

ToBeFreeToRoam · 05-18-2006, 01:29 AM

Hi These,

I know what you mean about Prednisone. I am currently being weaned off of it too. I gained 20 lbs. in about 2 weeks time! No hair, tho. How long were you on it??? I have just been on Pred. for about 6 mo. But, I can definitely tell, that I am getting less. I hurt much more, but nothing like what you said.

Cant your dr. give you some other med to go with the Plaquenel??? I have a muscle relaxer and a mild pain pill, and have been on Methotrexate and Relafen, but I really need my heating pad right now!

Take care. I guess, I agree about not calling the Rheumy. She might just tell you to go back up on you Pred. Maybe you could get something like valium, or an antidepressant??? It might make you think it does not hurt that much??? Or a sleeping pill, so, you can at least have some relief at night?

Wannabe

Dawnrise · 05-18-2006, 04:35 PM

I certainly understand pain. My rheumy has tried to wean me off the prednisone (I've been on it for years and years) and everytime I've stopped taking it my feet swell up and are very painful so I end up going back on it. I'm only taking 1 mg. a day. And even that 1mg. makes a difference. Talk to your rheumy....surely there's something out there that will help.