I started xeljanz on July 8. I also take 10 mg prednisone, plaquinil and otrexup (methotrexate auto inject pen) once a week, on Friday. Yesterday was the first time I had the mtx and xeljanz and the level of fatigue is pretty overwhelming even today. I have been feeling good for most of this week, but since Thursday my right shoulder, wrist, and fingers have been painful, as well as my left ankle. I huess it is some version of a flare. I am not sure how well the xeljanz works as I have been using it for only a week. Will post an update.

Take care of yourselves

Yes I take hydrocodone when the pain is really bad. Sometimes I take a half of a pill and it is just enough to take the edge off. The past few days have been pretty bad as far as joint pain and lower back pain so I have taken more than I normally would. I also take celebrex daily and humira injections every two weeks. I also use pain patches with lidocaine and today I have my thumb brace back on, just have to go day by day! J

@A myRAteam Member , weird. I am on pain meds and I have Ativan, Valium and xanaflex. All benzodiazepines. Could be a dr or a state thing. I was given Ativan for my infusions but I take it when I'm having a really hard day. Xanaflex I use at night to sleep even though it's a muscle relaxer it helps me sleep and my back. Valium I don't use much. It's very deadly to take together. You should never take together. Usually a few hours apart is good.

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A myRAtea...

I did, until recently pain doc said that he will not be giving any opiods if you're on a benzodiazipine. Well, I've had xanax for yrs. Never abused them except back in my late teen party days. Supposed to take 3 a day. Sometimes I go 2 days without taking one. But they are there. If I find myself in a stressful situation or just having a crappy day. It will make it tolerable. Therefore, I gave up pain meds which is bs because pain and anxiety almost goes hand in hand. But I know hydrocodone well. Feel free to ask anything!!

I refuse to take pain meds. My mother was diagnosed and over the years I watched her become addicted and I just won't put my family through what I went through. It was horrible and the sad part is that they stop working and you have to have stronger doses and more. It's just too easy to become addicted when we experience the pain that we do but I tolerate with the help of Motrin.