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A myRAteam Member asked a question 💭
British Columbia maple Ridge
October 29, 2025
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Answer Summary

Members shared their varied experiences with being hospitalized for pain control, with many describing successful ER visits where they... Read more

Members shared their varied experiences with being hospitalized for pain control, with many describing successful ER visits where they received IV medications, muscle relaxers, or morphine to manage severe flares, nerve pain, or extreme muscle contractions that made movement impossible. Several members offered practical guidance including seeking out pain specialists or physical medicine doctors who can provide steroid injections, prescribe appropriate medications like tramadol or robaxin, and help avoid unnecessary hospitalizations through proactive management. A recurring theme was the challenge of being taken seriously in the ER when chronic pain is part of your medical history, with some members sharing experiences of being dismissed or accused of drug-seeking, though many noted this seems to be improving as understanding of chronic conditions has grown.

myRAteam

Have you or others been hospitalized for pain control with rheumatoid arthritis?

While hospitalization for pain control isn't commonly discussed in typical RA management, severe pain that isn't responding to standard treatments can sometimes require more intensive medical intervention. Pain management for RA typically Show Full Answer

Have you or others been hospitalized for pain control with rheumatoid arthritis?

While hospitalization for pain control isn't commonly discussed in typical RA management, severe pain that isn't responding to standard treatments can sometimes require more intensive medical intervention. Pain management for RA typically involves a progression of approaches before considering hospitalization.

Most pain control happens through outpatient management with medications like NSAIDs, corticosteroid injections, or disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Some myRAteam members have found relief through corticosteroid injections, with one member sharing their experience getting a cortisone shot for hip pain, noting "It took the severity of the pain away and helped me be able to get around a little more without hurting so much."

If you're experiencing severe, uncontrolled pain, it's crucial to communicate this with your rheumatologist or primary care physician. They can assess whether your current treatment plan needs adjustment or if more intensive pain management approaches are necessary.

Many members have found it challenging to advocate for adequate pain relief, but ultimately found healthcare providers who understood their needs. Open communication with your medical team about pain severity is essential for getting appropriate care.

October 29, 2025
A myRAteam Member

A physical medicine doctor is the one who solved the mystery of that incredible hip, butt, groin, knee pain I had for 4 months from January to April this year. I wanted to hug that guy.
Waited until end of July for appointment to finally see . Of course, pain was gone. But I now have someone to go to next time, if there is a next time.
They do prescribe pain meds and steroid injections if necessary along with physio.

November 11, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I haven’t been hospitalized but I’ve had good luck with corticosteroid injections. It’ really did help in my shoulders.

October 30, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I see a pain doctor. He's a physical medicine doctor. He has kept me out of the hospital for pain and surgeries on my joints. I only take tramadol when needed and robaxin muscle relaxer daily. He gives me my sleep meds and my neuropathy and nerve pain meds.

November 11, 2025
A myRAteam Member

I recently had a flare, pain level 8 from head to toe. While I was waiting on prescription, took 3 days...ugh!, my daughter went and got Moringa, over the counter. Took 4 and within 4 hours pain was gone. You may want to check it out.

November 10, 2025

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