How does this work I've RA and I'm 26

[tinkerbelaura]

My arthritis is a pain in the *** actually everywhere but my *** so what is the best method of pain management for me at 26 anyone have any ideas? Upto now I've just been putting up with it and getting very down

[OtisDaMan]

Minor correction to my previous post: RA has morning stiffness (often lasting an hour or more) as a very common symptom.

Regards,

OtisDaMan

[OtisDaMan]

Arthritis deters movement, especially in the early mornings for many types of arthritis. I suspect RA may behave a bit differently in that regard. Anyway, maintaining full motion of every joint should be the goal, for as long as possible. That means doing a few repetitions each day of specific exercises for the joints, plus some walking if you can handle it, and particularly good for it is using a heated pool for water exercises - wading, lifting one leg at a time, stretching, paddling, etc. The warm water helps relieve some of the pain and discomfort, as well as assisting in freeing up the joints, and taking the weight off of the body while still offering resistance to movement.


As for meds, definitely the doctor is the first place to ask questions about alternatives. NSAIDs are a good starting point and if they work you will feel your general demeanour pick up pretty quickly, I would imagine. Narcotics involving the opiate family are generally a bit of bother, not because they are harmful or really addictive - they have risks but no more so than other classes of drugs - but because of the tight restrictions placed upon prescriptions and so forth. Much easier to be on non-narcotic meds for as long as is reasonable based on your pain levels etc. Don't rule narcotics/opiates out completely though, just don't go to them initially. It should be possible to get a list from your doctor as to what meds are most suitable through to least likely to work for RA in particular.

All the best,

Regards, OtisDaMan

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so sorry that you are experiencing chronic pain.

I too encourage you to have a heart to heart with your physician. There are non-narcotic as well as narcotic medications to select from that should help ease your pain. You are so young but life is simply too short to struggle day to day with untreated pain.

Arthritis can be horribly painful. It is important to remain active. Keep those joints moving. Are you taking a NSAID? If not you could begin there. If you are on one it may be time to change or increase the dose. Do not suffer silently.

I wish you the best of luck and hope you will keep in touch. Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates.

Take Care,
Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hello Tinkerbelaura:

I'm very sorry to hear that you've been hit by RA. You are so young too. I often recommend that you chat with your Doctor about a pain meds regiment (opiates) but your so youong that I would hate to see you on all of that so soon.

What has your Doctor recommended? I would be corious as to hear what he/she thinks.

I have a form of Arthritis and what has helped me was a combination of warm water therapy and baths. The warm water truly makes your joint feel better. Check it out if you can.

I wish I had better advise for you. Please take care and good luck down the road.....
Warmest regards,
Mollyrae

[NoMoMeth4me]

I am so sorry you are having to deal with this debilitating disease at such a young age. I see you are in Ireland? I am from Scotland born in Edinburgh but now live in Seattle USA.

I'm not sure how Pain management is in Ireland but I'm sure they have good meds available to help you live daily with the RA.

I would suggest posting on the RA board although there will probably be many RA and arthrititis sufferers on this board that can give you some good avice. I have arthritis in several areas of my body but don't take a specific med for it.

I know people who have been treated with Celebrex and swear by it for arthritis. Is that available in Ireland?

Warmest regards.

-Brian.