@A myRAteam Member I am sorry you aren't treated with respect at the pain management office. I went thru a similar experience where the staff were downright rude and treated me as if I was a criminal in search of illicit drugs. They were like sign this, sign that, we will call you at random times for a pill count, drug tests at random times, I thought I was working once again as we were drug tested all the time. Questions on why I felt I needed pain meds even after I explained my complaint and the reason my doctor sent me to them, more questions on where I would store them, how I would take them, how to get off them when, not if, I become addicted. I went one time to them and then found a new pain management team and I can't say enough good things about my new doctor there. She sets down, explains everything, talked me thru my doubts and insecurity about taking any opioid and when my liver enzymes went crazy last month she took the additional time to go thru all my meds and discuss with me which of my meds could cause this problem and sent me home with her handwritten notes on them and things to try to ease my liver. She has a genuine concern for me and others and I really appreciate her. I hope you can find the same experience I receive from mine. I refuse to be treated like some type of drug addicted suspicious criminal and simply won't tolerate it. I think we go thru enough to have to tolerate that. I am waiting for marijuana to be legalized and will switch to that to try for a while and see which is better. We try to eat all organic, natural foods and would like to try a more natural approach to coping with RA.

Mentioned Users

A myRAtea...

I start every day with a hot, and I mean HOT, shower. (He can't take the heat.) If you are doing simple (non-sweat producing) stretches and exercises, it gets you going and is a great way to loosen up the joints.

I was on Plaquenil for a long time. I had to have vision tests every 6 months, and we did eventually find it was impairing my vision. My rheumy immediately stopped it, and we started to try other meds. I was prone to site injections from the biologics, but now am on xel-janz. I do prefer it as I can take it daily and orally. My orthopedist didn't like it much, as it supposedly hindered bone growth. So as a compromise, I take one per day instead of two. It's working for the most part. Nothing is perfect and side effects vary from drug to drug and person to person. I accept that I will never be completely pain free and that the fatigue will always be there. Insomnia has been new.... only in the last 4-5 yrs out of the 45 yrs I've had RA. Even though I am recently retired, I don't like napping so I just try to get through each day.

@A myRAteam Member thank you so much! I really appreciate your sharing your experience! I am having the same thing going on at my clinic! I hate going there each month! I feel as if I ask a question or say the wrong (truthful) thing and it’s assumed I’m an abusing criminal too! The last time she tsars to me “you know Vicodin wasn’t even considered for RA until recently. Now what was that supposed to mean? Idk...

Mentioned Users

A myRAtea...

I take plaquinil and I’m also diabetic. I haven’t had any side effects that I’ve noticed but I also don’t experience relief from pain either. I’m just hoping it is stopping the progression of RA. I have to go to a pain clinic once/month for my Norco and it’s not a respectful experience to say the least. I want to try CBD oil or medical marijuana but I’m not sure how to go about initiating the process.
I hope this info helps and I wish a pain free day for you!