Penny, I’m sorry that you’re experiencing so much pain and missing out on the holiday’s.

IMO, having to wait until March for an appointment with something as painful as RA is just not acceptable and makes ME mad so I can only imagine how you must feel! Isn’t there another RA specialist you can go to sooner? You can alway make the appointment and have the new office request your records before you go.

Since the front desk staff aren’t medically trained, you sometimes have to assume that they don’t fully understand your situation and you need to be more assertive to get what you need. I don’t think at this point, it would be unreasonable if your were to make a little noise. If it were me, I’d call back and nicely ask to speak to the manager of the clinic because they will better understand and can usually figure out a way to get you in sooner. If not, then they can certainly have the PA (if there is one) or the doctor call you for a short consult over the phone.

Last Christmas, we were given the wrong prescription for my husband’s pain medication and when the response from the staff was “Well, it’s too late, it’s Christmas Eve and we’re closing early”, I was beside myself. There was physically no way my DH could go through the entire holiday without his pain medication (nor should he have to) so I waited until after hours and called the Oncologist who was on call for help. The doctor wasn’t too happy with the response by his staff, completely understood why I had to call and he very kindly arranged to meet my husband at the hospital. RA Doctors understand that things like this happen as well and if you need to be seen, then you need to be seen, maybe you just have to make that clear to the right person.

Also, do you have your RA doctor send a copy of all his visit notes to your primary care doctor? It’s always a good idea have your primary care doctor cc’d on everything your specialists do, lab work and radiology included, so he can step in if he needs to. If he’s not receiving the specialists’ notes this could be why he’s not as eager to help with something for the pain. If he is receiving the notes and is still hesitant to help you, maybe it’s time to find a doctor who is more able to meet your needs.

I wish we could all be pain free for always. (((Hugs)))

Not a stupid post at all. Call your doctor back and repeat and repeat again if necessary. Tell them how much pain you are in and you need to see someone now. Request to be put on a cancellation list (probably won't do much good though.) Is it your primary care physician you're waiting that long to see? If so, that's ridiculous.

Most physicians have nurse practitioners now, that would at least get you in the door. I have osteoarthritis and this weather has me taking arthritis strength tylenol (over the counter) to take the edge off. I'm afraid of the strong prescription pain meds.

My doctor actually told me once to go straight to the er as that was the fastest way to get tended to. However, it was not for pain pills. I doubt the er would be willing to give you much in the way of pain meds. However, most er docs want you to follow up with your primary care doctor within a week. That would be another way to get in the door.

I made some cookies the first week of December and am so glad I did because I've been dealing with a cold for almost two weeks now. Finally went to Doc. today but missed all the fun stuff I had scheduled, haven't bought any gifts, did get the house decorated. Will have to give my son and G.F. and kids money and some cookies. I plan on lighting some candles, put on some Christmas music and have a glass of wine. That will have to suffice. I know how you feel. I hope you can get some help with the meds. I would also try a massage if you have a good massage therapist in the area (not deep tissue) As I tell my gal, I don't just want a feel good massage, I want a therapeutic massage, but not deep tissue. (((penny)))

Y'all are making me tear up with your kindness...

My husband is making as much noise as he can (he's mad, and I am too, but I'm unable to do more than squeek at the moment.

The specialist is the one I'm trying to get to see...my pcp referred me to them, so both have the test results.

I am very sorry for those of you who are struggling more than I am. Perspective gets lost in pain and I really should remember that things could be worse.

aww Penny, I'm sorry you're hurting.

Sadly, 3 months is a typical wait time to see a specialist. If you get worse go to the er for a referral to get you in to see the specialist sooner. Maybe it would work. If possible go to the er where the specialist practices.

Penny, I would go to the ED if you need pain relief. They won't give you much, but they will give you something hopefully to get you through this time. Don't feel like your pain is not an emergency, you wouldn't believe the things some people come to the ED for. Hope you feel better.

You could always try walking in the door of the specialist in tears from the pain, even without an appointment. Last year when I was waiting for my appointment at my reumetologist's office, there was a poor woman that was in tears walking out, holding her arms up bent from the elbow, telling the office staff, "I'm sorry, I'm sorry". Their response was that there was nothing for her to be sorry about, as they helped her with her coat and the door. I felt so bad for her. I hope you can get some pain relief soon.

Not a stupid post at all! I've been suffering from a lot of back, neck, and leg pain (even though I'm still young!) and a lot of nausea. Keep your head up high and I'm praying for you!

If you can't get into the specialist, could you ask for a referral to a pain clinic? Maybe you could get in sooner and they will be more sympathetic to your situation?

Penny. I'm sorry. I do understand as I also have RA and Lupus. I've been in a flair up for awhile. My hips feel like someone's drilling holes with a screw gun and of course the pain shoots into the gut and down the legs..but I'm not telling you anything you arnt experiencing right now. Do you take narcotics regularly?In other words do you not only have to go thru this horriable agony but are you also suffer ing withdrawl? You don't have to answer that. But know dear there's no shame in needing meds for this kind of pain. I can't take narcoitics or trust me I WOULD. Go to the ER tell them the agony your in. I will be thinking about you and you will be in my Prayers.

https://www.rheumatology.org/Directories/Find-a-Rheumatologist

Agree with above comment, ask if they have a NP or PA you can see.

Call twice a day (915a & 115p), EVERYDAY, asking if they have any open appointments due to a canellation. The staff with get to know you and may work to get you in because either they want to help, or as a way to stop getting your calls.

If they cannot get you in, ask to "leave a message for the doctor requesting a referral to someone else who can see you sooner."

Good luck.

So sorry you are having the deal with so much pain at this time. I have constant pain in my back and joints. I do what I can, but hate to miss out on Christmas festivities.

Do you have any pain meds? Although I try not to take very often, I do have a script that takes the edge off. I hope you have something you can get refilled by your PCP to get you through. Good luck! March is so far off!

Hi everyone. I don't know any of you, but I wanted to let you know that somebody understands how difficult this is. My boyfriend is a pain clinic patient for neuropathy and I work in a primary care doctor's office as a medical assistant. There's a "war on opioids" right now and a big push away from prescribing pain meds. Even when a doctor writes the prescription, insurance companies make getting the actual medication to the patient a battle. There are some medications the insurance will refuse to cover unless the prescription comes from a specialist. (Edited to add: This applies to many medications other than pain meds as well. I'm the person at my office who contacts the insurance companies and fights to get patients the meds they need.)

My office doesn't prescribe for long-term chronic pain; we refer to a pain clinic. It's difficult for us to get our patients in there. Our local pain clinics won't schedule a patient unless their criteria are met. We typically have to send them MRI results first. The insurance often won't approve MRI imaging until x-rays are done and physical therapy has been trialed for several weeks and physical therapy failed to help. So we have to order all of that and the patient has to schedule and do that before the pain clinic will consider them. Not everyone meets their requirements so not everyone gets scheduled. Then there's the wait for the next available appointment. Patients they do schedule are evaluated and some are turned away. Patients they accept have to sign a contract agreeing to not get pain meds anywhere else, and they agree to regular urine tests. If a patient gets dismissed for any reason (such as missing multiple appointments) the clinic won't take them back, we have to refer them somewhere else, and the jumping through hoops starts all over again. It took months to get my boyfriend into the pain clinic even with me at his primary care office working to make it happen.

Penny, you're not being treated like a criminal. You're being treated the way we're instructed to treat anyone who needs something stronger than ibuprofen. Don't give up. I hope somebody can prescribe to you short-term to keep you going until you get in to the specialist. We do that in special circumstances.

You don't want more pain pills - they will do you very serious harm pretty quickly. You need to be put on meds that will keep your RA from flaring up, and some of them can take up to 6 months to truly kick-in. You can try the ER, but don't go asking for pain meds - you will be treated like an addict. Of your PCF can call the rheumatologist and tell him you need to see him much sooner - emergency flare-up.

I too resent this "war on opioids". I don't have an addictive personality and don't want to suffer because others do. There are certain types of pain where the only thing that helps is prescription pain meds.

pennydesign, I am sorry that you are in pain. You did not say what pain medication you are taking. I recently learned that Tylenol can be taken together with an NSAID such as Aleve and Advil, and that Tylenol can be taken with some prescription medications such as Tramadol, to increase their effectiveness.

Here is an article about it:

Drugstore pain pills as effective as opioids in ER patients

Ibuprofen and acetaminophen affect different pain receptors in the body so using the two drugs together may be especially potent, said Dr. Andrew Chang, an emergency medicine professor at Albany Medical College in upstate New York, who led the study.

He noted that a pill combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen is available in other countries; his findings echo research from Canada and Australia testing that pill against opioids for pain relief.

https://apnews.com/c8a5e43be775463eaad55b4d2ae35cdb/Pain-relievers-worked-as-well-as-opioids-in-ER-patients

Note: I do not believe that drugstore pain pills are as effective as opioids, but I do agree with the effectiveness of combining ibuprofen and acetaminophen because they affect different pain centers in the brain. And I took Tramadol and Tylenol together for hip pain.

Edie, I work in a wide variety of clinics and I also have a husband with cancer. True, due to the epidemic of abuse, the control of opioid pain medications is tightening. Primary care physicians are shying away from prescribing them (and IMO that’s how it should be) however, the guidelines are different with Specialists if and when a patient’s diagnosis justifies the need. Sure because of the class of drug they are, there are strict guidelines but the prescribing of opioids under the right circumstances is still an accepted practice. Even so my DH’s primary doctor has a complete copy of all of his records, works in tandum with the Oncologist and is fully aware of my husband’s progress. There have been a couple of times when he’s written a prescription because the Oncologist’s appointment wasn’t until after his medication needed to be filled.

I’m not a doctor but I was under the impression that NSAID’s and anti-inflammatory type drugs are what’s used for RA and athritus related pain not opioids.

I know how you are feeling Penny...I too,am missing a lot this year due to the PMR pain,and this hip that is needing replacing.(PMR=Polmyalgic Rheumatica)

So,if pain meds are on hold until who knows when,what about what you are eating?

Red meat,esp. beef, kills me...no more than 4 hours after I have beef done any way,my hands seize & swell up...and in the a.m. the legs,particularly the knees have stiffened.

I can only take Tylenol ex-strngth,and am on Methotrexate every Wed. and a Remicade infusion every 6 wks.

That doesn''t seem to matter tho,as the certain foods cause me to suffer.

Beef,cucumbers,fresh tomatoes,watermelon,pork-but only sometimes, and a few others....and for the most part,all of the foods affecting me are considered "healthy".

Try to remember what you have eaten the past 24 hours or so,and try not to have anything that you "think" might be a trigger.

The only other advice that I can give is to rest,in bed,and "if" you go out,try to get your hands on a scooter,walker,wheelchair,anything that will help you to have a little enjoyment this holiday season.

Best of luck to you.

edited to add.... http://www.herbs-info.com/…/this-amazing-juice-blend-provi…/

This Amazing Juice Blend Provides Support For Arthritis Pain

If you're not already, I suggest you get on the waiting list for your specialist. You have to be ready to go any day though. In theory, if you really need to be seen, then you'll do whatever it takes. If not, then March should be ok. However it works out for you, I hope you find relief and you consider that sitting out this year a time of rest, getting ready for next year

Reading Ont_gal's post reminded me. If you are eating foods considered to be in the nightshade family, those will increase the inflamation. Such as tomatoes, potatoes, ochra. There are more, but I can't think of them at the moment. Also, tart cherry juice will help. It is expensive, but worth every penny for me. I get the concentrate. Last time I got it was several years ago, and I bought multiple bottles. It was about $20 US for a quart. Two ounces mixed with water, or lemonade, or what ever you might like it mixed with is all you need each day. It does take time to get into your system enough to notice a difference. I was told about 3 months, however, I noticed much sooner than that. Hope you get some help soon.

Penny, do you have knee pain? An injection for arthritis in your knees

will relieve a lot of your pain.

your PCP should give you the injection.

had the same problem last Jan. Got the injection and made it until the

appointment 3 months later.

let us know how you are.

ask to try tramadol they will prescribe it more freely. I have severe RA and am also in a big flare now. Crazy changes in weather contribute. I prefer to not take any heavy pain medication. The standard treatments for RA are preferred. Methotrexate is a wonder drug but of course has it's own bad side effects. Increasing my prednisone intake during these times really helps. I have to get up every morning and soak my hands in the hottest water I can stand, then wrap my hands and arms in hot wet towels just to get my hand to unlock from the claw formation and be able to use them. Absolutely look up the list of foods that you should avoid including all the nightshades. It does make a difference. You may need to have them try a different NSAID. I have been through most of the ones on the market and find I like Relafen (Nabumetone) best and it works best for me. Everyone reacts differently to different drugs. I find taking Soma muscle relaxer at night also helps me. Relaxing the muscles that are constantly being pulled by the RA is helpful. There are so many things to try to get some relief other than pain meds. I do not take any pain meds on a daily basis. I absolutely am in pain daily, but I don't want to risk using them too often. I am able to do pretty well following the routine I have created for myself over the many years I have lived with RA. One of the best things I have done for my hands is go have a hand massage with hot oils and hot wax treatments. It is like I have no RA for a few days. Better than the best pain pills. Go to your local nail salon and ask if they will do it for you. Now it does nothing for the pain in my hips and knees, and back lol.

Raven, I'm hoping penny reads this. The injections do help a lot. My PCP's said it travels to other joints. I've said the only place I don't hurt is my head.

my RA started me on hydroxychloroquine this week said it may take weeks

to take affect.

I sleep with a heating pad too.

I ask for advice on the health forum a few wks ago and got some good advice.

will try the hot wax treatment. Pain pills? I only take when needed. RA said otc

is about the best.

ra is a bummer when you do needlework.

Blu emu helps too.

Tramadol is an opiod derivative and is highly addictive. Ask me how I know! I was put on it many years ago for back pain, then suggested I take just one before rehab 3 times weekly. That's a VERY low dose but I realized that I was addicted to it, and on the afternoon after having taken it that morning, I crashed - totally crashed.

DO NOT get started on that stuff! When it was first prescribed, everyone thought it was harmless. It is NOT!

Have you tried to find a doctor for alternative medicine? I listen sometimes to one on the radio. He says every patient is different. I've been tempted to go, but I don't think my insurance will cover it.

I have to agree that the office staff must not understand that you are not asking to establish yourself as a pt. or to schedule a routine follow-up. If you are being treated for a chronic condition and the treatment plan isn't working, to the point that you are basically disabled, you should be able to get in for re-evaluation. I can't imagine that any MD doesn't have some appointments available for urgent visits.

And I also agree with tami_ohio: I have found that tomato in particular causes my arthritis to flare, and tart cherry juice has helped to visibly reduce swelling and inflammation in the joints. I was quite astonished the first time I tried it and saw the effects within a few days.

Thank you again everyone.

The problem with pain is that you need to get to a place where you can think. When you're in lots of pain, then that's all there is. I struggle with depression also, and it's kind of similar. You need to get to the place where you're able to help yourself. Where you are is dark and you panic and you think that maybe all there is is pain and/or depression. It IS your world and there is no window to see anywhere else.

So, while I appreciate everyone's comments...I am simply trying very hard to get to a place where I CAN take care of my needs. If you think you're helping me (or anyone else) by warning me off pain meds...well, you're not. You're not saving a life. You're not doing me any good. While I'm sorry for your problems, Anglo, I am not you. I know myself. I know what kind of pain I am capable of handling and what kind of pain I am not able to handle (fwiw, my pain tolerance is high....my reaction to medications is unlike the "norm")

If Tylenol helped, I would take it. If Ibuprofen was enough, I would take it. If combinations of whatever I have in my house helped, I would take it. If non-prescription pain patches helped, I would use them. If the prescription meloxicam did anything, I would be using it. (As I'm sure you can tell, these are things I have tried and will continue to try because I'm desperate).

I was up in the night and tried to get back into bed. I couldn't do it without crying in pain. My husband got one of my last 2 remaining Vicodin and made me take it. This morning, I feel a little better and I have hope. I will beg the doctor today for something for pain....I may not need it. But I DO need the comfort of knowing that if I am in agony over the holiday, something is there for me. Most likely I won't use it, but this is an unpredictable kind of illness, I've discovered.

I do appreciate very much you who shared your stories, and especially your encouragement. I needed it MORE than I thought I did.

Coming here and knowing that there is a sympathetic ear that understands and is not judgmental makes me feel not so alone. I thank all of you who were able to spare a kind word. Sincerely.

Go to urgent care, also ask for the a higher dose tablet and break in half, that way if they only give you 7 tablets, you'll have 14 doses...

Josephene, I have been on hydroxychloroquine for several years now. It does help to some degree. Just be absolutely sure to go to a very good ophthalmologist at least every 6 months or so to have your eyes checked. Your doctor probably told you about the risk and told you to schedule those exams. My rheumatologist will not issue a refill unless she has a report from my eye doctor.

Methotrexate, hydroxychloroquine, prednisone, a good NSAID, proper diet removing all items that can increase RA symptoms, and reducing stress are probably the best treatments. Now believe me the reducing the stress is sometimes impossible. Ask me how I know lol.

Anglo I never said Tramadol was not addictive. I said it's usually easier to get it prescribed. I personally prefer not to take that category of drug but I certainly can't tell anyone else what to do. That's a decision for their medical team and I do think it should be a team. I am very fortunate to have a wonderful team of doctors. I am good friends with them as well. So they know if I were to ask for a pain medication it's serious and they would certainly understand because I don't take them under normal circumstances. It's essential for your medical team to be on the same page.

Penny I wish you the best. Please do try some of these suggestions. I have been through it for years and we each have to find ways to make life easier.

I recommend Arnica gel and rub.

Penny, the injection is a steroid of some kind. Your primary should give

it to you, mine in my knee. Last Xmas I was in so much pain I could not

walk. The injection really, really helped. In days I was back to walking my dogs.

the RA told me last week to take otc for the pains I'm having now which is

minor compared to what I had a year ago.

I do know what you are going through and I feel for you.

sleep with a heating pad.

jo

pennydesign, I so agree with your comments. Just because some people are prone to having an addiction with pain meds, does not mean that we all do. Anglophilia had a problem with Tramadol and I did not. I took Tramadol for hip pain this past Spring and summer. I did not become addicted to it. I still have some pills. Also, have some left over Vicodin and Percocet from having kidney stones. I am not "tempted" to take them. I don't even think about them. But I am glad I have them on hand in case I need them.

People who are in pain have no quality of life and it takes longer to heal. As another poster said, the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction.

I know you probably don't want to hear this, but a change in eating habits can make a lot of the pain go away. Maybe not all, but a lot. Sugar causes inflammation. That causes pain. Removing sugar (in ALL forms, including most fruit) and grains (well....... lets just say processed food) can make a huge difference.

I wish it would help my husband though. He has massive headaches since his accident and nothing seems to help. He smokes marijuana and also does the oil and it subsides the pain for a little while but doesn't get rid of it. It actually works better than any prescription medication he's been on. Have you ever considered that?

Another vote for trying cannabis.

Penny, I hope you got some action from your doctor.

Thanks again all. I plan on seeing my pcp tomorrow and will go armed with all of your suggestions, and I'll go through them one by one and see if he can help me deal (pain wise) through the holidays. I will push.

I MAY (waiting for call back that pcp referral went through) have an appointment on Friday with the rheumatologist, although this one doesn't have very good reviews and is my third choice (first doctor choice appt is March, second choice is January.)

Not opposed to changes in diet and, for this past week anyway, I haven't had (from my little knowledge) anything in the nightshade family. No red meat. And very little sugar. New to the diet side of it, so I'm still reading about it.

Ordered cbd oil from highly rated place....been using it for about 4(?) days now...the jury's out on whether it's doing much. What little weed I have right now (left over from uncontrollable panic attacks--not needed often and worked wonderfully) I plan on keeping in my arsenal....thanks for the reminder that I have *something* I can use should I not be able to get anything legally (how sad of a commentary on the state of things is that?)

Clearly, I'm in a place where I am able to be a little more proactive this evening....what a difference that makes. Still limping, (insane how exhausting it is to simply go from one room to another) and cannot move one leg without using my hands to move it for me....but at least I am in control. You are all a blessing to me and I am grateful for you all for giving me a place at the Kitchen Table.

Now...one more question to those with this. My knees are black, blue and purple. Obviously it's happening from the inside out as it's not from a fall or anything...is this familiar to anyone?

pennydesign, do you typically have easy bruising with your RA? Sometimes the NSAIDS can affect platelet function or even make the count low. Good thing you're seeing your PCP tomorrow -- be sure to show him.

I am so glad you have an appointment tomorrow! I hope they are willing to help until you can get in to see the ra. As far as I know the bruising is NOT normal. Please show the dr tomorrow. Try the arnica. It will help the bruising fade faster, and help the pain a little. The pain and depression are a viscous cycle. The diet will help but will take some time. Glad you are in a better place today. Prayers continue.

I work in recovery and am well aware of the dangers of addictive pain medications. Yesterday I went to the ED and was shocked when the doctor insisted on giving me narcotic pain meds. Even though I refused, he sent me home with a prescription. You just never know.

Penny, I hope that your PCP is knowledgable and more importantly, compassionate regarding your situation. Best wishes.

We all hope you got some relief from your pain.

(((((. )))))) lots of hugs.

In all the years I have had RA, plus my mother's life time with hers, I have not seen the type and extent of bruising you are describing. I think you may be dealing with something in addition to your RA. Very good that you have an appointment. Get a full blood work up! I would ask if it could be ITP. Please keep us posted!

Anything that can help, sounds great. Crossing my everything that you have a battle plan TODAY.

Just a follow up and to thank you all once again, my dear friends.

I went to my pcp armed with my information. I showed her the bruises (glad I asked because I would normally have disregarded it as a minor strange result of the RA). She didn't like the way it looked and told me the same thing you did, Raven. Ordered a blood test and wants me to see a hemotologist (scarily it's in an oncology practice, but chin up and all...pointless worrying about nothing). So, I'm waiting for that.

Finally got approval (darn insurance) and an appointment with an RA after my dear husband was the squeaky wheel.

Also was given something for pain that I'm hoping not to need. Keeping up on the cbd oil and will keep taking Mobic (nsaid) until my appointment.

So, thanks to you all, I feel much better and much more in control and much less scared now I know what it's like and what to expect from a serious flare.

Thank you thank you thank you for your wisdom and kindness.

Hugs to all of you and Happy, pain free, Holidays.

Awe Penny! How great that you had a successful appt!! I’m so glad you can finally say you’re feeling better! I’m really happy for you!!!

I guess today must be the magic day because I too finally found relief, only from an eye crossing headache I’ve had for over a week, (sigh)

I'm so happy for you, Penny. Just the fact that someone is listening to you and finally taking you seriously is a relief. I think that in itself eases the pain somewhat. You're very brave and smart to put all bad thoughts on the back burner. One day at a time. Prayers for a good outcome. (((((Penny)))))

My dh also suffers from severe pain in his back,several days this week he couldn't even straighten up,and if he managed to get almost all the way up,the pain then brought him to his knees.He does see a pain mgmt dr,but like most others they limit the amount they give him,and he has to do a pee test every so often to prove he's not abusing them.

He had a stimulator in his back for a few years,but like everything else that stopped working as well.Of course they suggest surgery ,but he's almost 81 and he's afraid of going that route,at his age.Other than his back he's in good health.

Penny,glad that you finally got some relief,and hope it continues for you.

I do understand Kathi about age and concerns. Not to compare, but my 84 year old mom has had a couple of surgeries. All was well and she wishes she wouldn't have put them off as long as she did. She's a lot like me and thinks stuff will improve with time....(yeah...no it's won't).

But...I said to her, what if you have one more year to live and are able to do it pain free? What if it's 5 years? Ten?

Kathi, wouldn't you and your husband be so happy to know that the next 10 years of his life would be spent pain free? Sorry to be all opinionated when you didn't ask, but this episode (and the positive prodding of folks on this great forum) has REALLY gotten me thinking about quality of life.... It matters, you know? I was pretty much in a state of "well, there's another day out of the way"...and that's no way to live. I was wishing my life away...not good.

ANYHOO enough of me and my doings. I really hope your hubs gets to do whatever is best for him...and that does OF COURSE include getting to be as pain-free as he possibly can.

I am so glad you did tell your doctor about the bruises. That's exactly why I mentioned that. Very good that you will be having that work up! Hoping for good news. I never had luck with Mobic. As I said I went through many nsaids before I settled on Relafen. I have been taking it for years but I am extremely careful how I take my nsaids. If I don't have food to take with them I just don't take them. I eat a bit, take the pill, eat more. Always sandwich the pill in the middle of my meal. It has worked perfectly for me, I have never had a problem with them. I will not just have a cracker, I only take them with my meals. I have known people with serious problems because they don't follow the directions for taking with meals.

I sure hope that you can get some relief and rest and enjoy your Christmas.

Penny, I'm so glad you got to see someone, and are finally on the track to get more care to be in less pain. I'm happy you are feeling in better spirits, also.

Raven, that is the only way I took my nsaids, but can no longer take them, due to what they've done to my stomach. I am lucky enough that, so far, I only have osteoarthritis. And I had the sinvisc injections in both knees, which helped me get off the nsaids. I have been very lucky. They told me I would be lucky if the injections lasted 6 months. It's been almost 4 years! I now only use Volteren gel topically when I need pain relief for my joints. The Volteren still is absorbed into your system, but does not go through your stomach.

May everyone in pain, be pain free in the New Year. Merry Christmas.

Reading this I am glad someone finally listened. Although I do not have treatable chronic pains one thing that my doctor suggested I might do when I am in pain is to combine the nsaids. One Tylenol and one ibuprofen at the same time. Each by itself does nothing but the combination when I am in pain allows me to function. Will probably not help you since your pain is beyond that but perhaps others could try it to see if they have some relief. His other suggestion was to take them a half hour apart in any order but that did not seem to do anything.

Thinking about you over the Christmas weekend and hoping you had some relief.