Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 Hey everyone! I've been a lurker for quite a while and just read posts, but now I have a problem and need some advise. My shoulders and elbows have been bothering be Lately. This is " new " pain, previously it was my feet, knees and hands, which are still bothersome but " old " pains. Does anyone have an tricks to make them more comfortable at night. Ive been waking up in the middle of the night with my elbows locking and am wondering if there are any tricks to prevent this. My ruemy is concerned about the swolleness, but basically just told me to take it easy and gave me some Ultram. Any ideas? Thanks, Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted December 11, 2006 Report Share Posted December 11, 2006 ...for shoulder and my arm pain, I find that sleeping with pillows under my arms (if I'm on my back) helps. It keeps them level with the rest of my body and I don't know why but it makes a huge difference for me. I feel like I'm sleeping in a cockpit. lol. Lately I basically have to sleep sitting up. If I sleep in a reclining position, I wake up with chest pain...ribs aching. I weigh 113 so I'm sure it's not a weight issue. When I was in the hospital in Oct, they checked my heart and lungs out so I'm confident it's a PA thing. I bet alot of us on here have some weird sleeping positions or habits due to this crazy disease. Might make an interesting subject for a coffee table book. Great Christmas gift idea for next year. Maybe our writer will write it. Best wishes on finding a solution. Love Betz Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 , Have you asked for pain relievers for the pain? The best thing I did was to go on Ultram. It doesn't take the pain away but it takes the edge off enough for me to function pretty well. I still have some pretty rough days but they are as often as before. Celeste Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 , I'm not familiar with sulfalazine but most of the DMARDS take 8- 12 weeks to kick in for most people. Hang in there for at least 8 and then if you still aren't any better, call your rheumy and let them know this is not acceptable. If you don't complain, they don't realize you need more help. I feel that if we are more vocal/honest with the docs they can move faster in finding the med combo that works for us. Meanwhile, keep trying everything else that is known to help some people. Ice packs - try alternating with heat every 15 minutes, although I found that ice alone worked better for me. Lots of rest, preferably sleep. Some people find aqua-therapy helpful. How much Tramadol are you taking? While I was waiting for the drugs to kick in, I was taking the full prescribed dose, which was 2 tablets every 4-6 hours day and night. At that dose, it really DID help! I had not trouble getting off the Tramadol once the DMARDs began to help me. I hope this drug will work for you and you won't have to start over with another one. Don't give it too long, though, without reporting to the doctor what's going on. If it's not working at all within 8-12 weeks, you don't want to waste any time trying the next choice! best regards, sherry z Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 18, 2008 Report Share Posted May 18, 2008 : I have had undiagnosed shoulder pain for the better part of the last 15 years. Initially, I got some relief from chiropractic treatments but it always came back. Finally went to an ortho who said I had avascular necrosis and sent me to physical therapy and said if it didn't work, I would need a shoulder replacement. He said the pain was from the AV; but, as it turns out, it was from a structural problem cause by poor posture - which caused a lot of rib/tendon/muscle problems. Physical therapy has been a godsend for me so just make sure there's not something going on besides the PA. My shoulder problem started long before my PA. Joanna Hoelscher Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted May 19, 2008 Report Share Posted May 19, 2008 writes: <<Any suggestions of how I can get some relief I am really worried that the lack of movement will result in no movement>> My PSA is also the worst in shoulders and arms. Physical therapy has been helpful-mostly ultrasound and electro-stimulation. I was given a tens unit to use at home-it gives way better pain relief than any pill I have ever taken -and has no side effects. judyze@... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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