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RetiredRN's Post

RetiredRN

Updated 1y ago

30 Years of Living with RA: My Strategies for Pain Management

newbie here. I have had RA for over 30 years, diagnosed about 20. allergic to humira, enbrel, and side effects with methotrexate. I use topical, herbal, imagery, positioning, and splints to help with pain. as a last resort I get epidural and take steroids. try to stay away from narcotics as long as I can.

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JustcallmeOmi

Have they tried hydroxychloroquine? Plaquenil is the name brand.

RetiredRN

yes. It affected my vision so I had to come off it after 6 months

RetiredRN

I deal with Sjogrens as well. My eyes and mouth get so dry...painful in addition to joint pain. I have had cervical fusion, spur removal from shoulder and rotator cuff repair, as well as thumb joint reconstruction thanks to RA. I will be getting the other thumb fixed in the near future. Trying to put off knee surgery.

JustcallmeOmi

Have you tried pilocarpine for dry mouth? It really works well for me except if I’m in a flare. It seems to help my eyes, as well. Not sure if it’s supposed to, but I’ve noticed a significant difference with my dry eyes.

The content in this post is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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30 Years of Living with RA: My Strategies for Pain Management