I have had this more than 55 yrs. I use Norco 4 times a day. I am also on biologics. Honestly warm water helps the best. Prednisone helps. Because of the people who abuse pain meds doctors are scared to death of
prescribing pain meds. My rheumy told me in a joyous voice: we must have pain, it is the bodys way of telling us something is wrong.
MY ANSWER:
After all this time I am smart enough to tell you something is wrong. I am quite positive my test results and your visual observation has told you this also. Please help me survive this.

Have been dealing with r/a for 7 years. Ive tried multiple protocols including methotrexate and humira with bad results. Currently have been introduced to Dr. McDougall program and am having amazing results. Am pretty deformed but my pain level has dropped immensely. Been on it for 2 months now and am so excited for advancements. Its not easy but so worth the effort!

I am going to pain management. I am on the Fentanyl patch and am using a little Narco. I am on a Biologic and DMAR and still pain may persist. Taking care of my stomach while doing pain management is very important. After two infusions I had a abscessed col;on and bleeding ulcers. TAKE CARE of YOUR STOMACH.

I am on emberal Just a for warning a biologic does not take all the pain awayaway it is supose to also help stop the damage to your body. it for me takes some of the systems away but pian still there but i have triple wammy fibromayalgia osteoarthritis and ra . i have tryed lots of pain meds norco did not do much there are many kinds i think it is just finding the one for u . talk to your doc. Mine has stood beside me and we keep trying new ones . u need to be on them for several months before i feel you can tell what works. I am on percocet right now and it is ok i have tryed many others and i am a person that was on a muti vit. . And have had no drug use in my life so these are all so new to me. I here people talk about oh this drug and that drug will make u feel this way that way well there has been no drug to take my pain away. Hmmmm good luck

Seriously Lisa most Mds think its 'just arthritis'. I recommend seeing a Rheumatologist. A general practitioner cost me 3 fingers on my right hand. Had to have reconstructive surgery to regain minimal use. Even some RA doctors will fight you on pain medicine. Both pain medicine and prednisone are dangerous and have their limitations. All medicines are actually. The thing is if your doctor isnt helping you manage this pain; go to a different doctor okay. If you can, take hot baths several times a day. I am very serious about warm water. I use heating pads for specific joints like shoulders and knees. Keep your legs wrapped up and warm. Rest and manage minimal activity during a flare. Also there is a condition called Fibromyalgia that goes along with RA. It is characterized with over all body pain and extreme fatigue. You can google it for more info. Anemia is part of that too. RA is complex but you deal with it one day at a time. It will come and go on its own. There is no magic bullet. No special diet. Managing pain swelling and other symptoms is one day at a time. Please dont hesitate to ask for information. Remember warm water! Welcome to our group. I have added you as a friend on my team. Best wishes and warm gentle hugs!