Re: Questioning Whether Meds Are Working

February 28, 2005

, About the only time I can get through my day with the least

amount of pain is when I breakdown, give in, and take the

prednisone. Even then the relief is not complete. But, my

rheumatologist said he would rather I take narcotics through out the

day, everyday, than to be on steroids. But, the steroids help the

pain where as the narcotics just mask it, and not very well!! Even

with the prednisone, I still have flares that can last from a few

hours to several weeks. Working is difficult, especially since I

can't take the narcotics while I work, but it helps to give me

something to focus on. I can't say that I have ever had a day

without pain since I was diagnosed. Just some days are better than

others. Hang in there. It may require adjusting of the meds or

even a change in them. Trial and error approach. What works for

some may not work for others. Hope things start getting better for

you...Marina in Ohio

>

> Hi everyone.

>

> I have been on a combination of meds to control my RA now for 6

> weeks, and am still having quite a bit of swelling and pain. I am

> taking pain meds daily in order to do basic tasks. I am still off

> work, and don't know when or if I can return to my job. I know

that

> many of the meds (methotrexate), can take weeks to kick in.....but

> shouldn't I be doing a lot better by now? Don't get me wrong, I

am

> much better than when I first was diagnosed by a Rheumatologist.

I

> just don't know if it's considered " normal " to have to take pain

meds

> in order to get through the day.

>

> Do many of you have periods where you are in remission or is the

RA

> active all the time?

>

> Any advice would be appreciated...

>

February 28, 2005