Answer Summary

Members shared their approaches to managing severe rheumatoid arthritis pain, with many emphasizing the importance of taking medications as... Read more

Members shared their approaches to managing severe rheumatoid arthritis pain, with many emphasizing the importance of taking medications as prescribed, using diclofenac gel for breakthrough pain, and exploring safe complementary therapies like massage, acupuncture, pool therapy, and heat or cold treatments. Several members described their current medication regimens, including biologics, gabapentin, duloxetine, opioids like oxycodone or tramadol, and trigger point injections with lidocaine, while some noted frustrations with pain clinics that only offer cognitive behavioral therapy or with insurance restrictions on opioid prescriptions despite legitimate severe pain. A recurring theme was the exhausting reality of living with constant moderate to severe pain even while on multiple medications, the importance of finding a compassionate rheumatologist willing to prescribe appropriate pain relief, and the value of water therapy as one of the few places members can experience temporary pain freedom.