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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Melrose Park, IL

Rheumy switched my meds a couple times. Was on plaquenil/meloxicam. That didn't really work (maybe because I missed doses lol). Just switched me to Prednisone/Sulfasalazine. It definitely makes me feel soooo much better. No flares or waking up feeling like I got hit by a Mack truck!! But I still have a little stiffness & inflammation and my hands/wrists are still super weak (poop). My question is... How do you feel when your on something that works? Do you feel 100%, no pain? Or is it how I… read more

September 4, 2015
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Answer Summary

Members honestly shared that even with medication, most still experience daily pain and stiffness, though the intensity is reduced enough to... Read more

Members honestly shared that even with medication, most still experience daily pain and stiffness, though the intensity is reduced enough to remain functional, with many noting they know their meds are working when severe symptoms like nighttime waking or debilitating fatigue improve. Several members described practical realities of managing RA, including the loss of hand strength, the need to pace activities carefully to avoid flares, increased vulnerability to illness, and the challenge of finding the right medication combination, with some trying seven or more treatments before seeing improvement. A recurring theme was the emotional toll of living with constant pain and the deep longing for even one pain-free day, balanced by gratitude for medications that make work and daily life possible.

A myRAteam Member

Wow yeah!
I've often wondered that myself!
I can hardly remember what it's like not being in pain.
I feel like I'm running out of options for meds, I've been on 7 or so dmards and biologics and while there were slight degrees of change in disease, none have really helped.
The most helpful drugs are pain meds but even with narcotics both pills and patches and muscle relaxers and gabapentin I'm still in pain.
It's hard to live this way.
I just want some peace from the pain!
Just started on actemera .. Here's hoping!

September 9, 2015
A myRAteam Member

Ohh ok so it's like how I feel. When the meds are working, the pain isn't as great although it doesn't go away completely. Yea, the 1st month I was on the Pred/sulfa I wasn't sure if it ry was helping and or if I was just imagining it in my head lol This is, until I ran out. I was out for a week and man that was the longest week ever! I started feeling how i felt when I first was diagnosed and wasn't on any meds. Man that was horrible! So it seems the only way to not feel any pain anymore is to be in remission (which doesn't seem like that happens to a lot of people)

12 hour shifts six nights a week?! I wouldn't have had the energy to do that when i was healthy! Lol I complain about sitting at my desk for 9 hours for 5 days! Haha I hope they find a cure one day soon. This disease takes a toll on you!

September 5, 2015
A myRAteam Member

I was diagnosed last year in March but now I know I had it the year before. I've never had a pain free day even being on meds, having them added, or having them increased. I know when the meds are due because my pain increases. Before I was diagnosed and on meds, I had pain in my right wrist that would wake me up at night...That hasn't happened since I've been on meds! I've had a few flares that really bothered my carpal tunnel, but simple carpal tunnel release surgery fixed it. I'm still new at this too and continue to learn more all the time. My ankles, wrists, elbows, and especially my hips never feel great, but I don't have the awful fatigue a lot of others have. I'm still able to work full time but 12 hour shifts six nights in a row is definitely harder to do! I'm nervous it will get worse if the meds stop working...But I try to stay busy doing things I may not be able to do some day....to cherish the time if you know what I mean.

September 4, 2015
A myRAteam Member

I agree! I seriously don't remember how it feels not to be in pain anymore! Sighs... If I could just have ONE day without any sort of pain, aches or tenderness... That would be so heavenly

December 3, 2015
A myRAteam Member

Yes I do! You are on the same regiment I'm on at the moment. Doc did a trail run with Medrol (steroid) and I felt so much better. It was a high to low dose up to the third day was pain free! Man, I haven't felt pain free in a long time. Waiting for the next step with the doc

September 9, 2015 (edited)

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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
Durango, CO

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