Hello all,
I'm looking for some advice. I'm 25 years old and have had Sjogrens for the past 2 years. My symptoms come and go, but I don't normally suffer from too much joint pain, so I'm not on medication. I had quite a bad cold last week, and last night, whilst sitting on the sofa watching TV, I was perfectly fine until i realised i couldn't get up - my knees, ankles, arms and wrist were so sore and I had sharp pain when I moved them. I thought I must have been sitting awkwardly, so went to sleep, hoping to sleep it off. This morning, upon waking up, I couldn't pull the duvet off me. It hurts so much to move and all my joints pain. I can't open the fridge, grip my clothes, etc. WHAT DO I DO?! This has never happened to be before and my final exams are coming up - I need to get work done and study. I tried to call the rheumatology, nurses, doctors etc and no one has any appointment for months. Please help - is there anything I can do at home/take? Any help/advice would be so greatly appreciated,
Many thanks,
Nadia
Hi Nadia :)
Can you tolerate NSAIDs? (Medications like Ibuprofen) I hasten to add I am NOT a doctor but if my joints felt like that (and they have done) I would take a course of Ibuprofen or similar because its an anti-inflammatory.
If you have finals coming up that may also be why you are 'flaring'. Flares are often brought on by stress. Try to take things as easy as you can under the circumstances.
Take care - Scottie :)
Hi Nadia,
NSAIDS would be the first choice, i think.
You should ask the doctor who is handling your Sjogren's for advice, as well.
Hugs, Elaine
Hello Nadia.
Another over the counter option to help joints a bit is " bio freeze" . It's a spray located in same place as mentholatum and other more fragrant(not) balms and rubs. The spray has different names but it has no smell and it does help some. A soak in a nice hot bath might feel good also.
If you are in so much pain and cannot wait - explain it to nurse at doctors office. They might be able to sneak you in for a sooner visit.
You definitely sound like you are in a flare. Sometimes they can come on that quickly. But sometimes they can go away that quickly too. In the meantime, NSAIDS are the key if you can tolerate them until you see doc.
Liz D.
Another suggestion- maybe call your regular doctor and see if he/she can consult with the rheumy to get you treated (bloodwork, script)
Good luck!
Rachel F
So sorry to hear about your joint pain. As someone who can be pain-free one minute then have every joint ache unbearably, totally out of nowhere, the next minute, an NSAID or specifically, Advil, can really help. Talk to your Rhuematologist about this so that you can take what's best for you to find quick relief. Good luck on your finals!
Definitely call your primary care Dr to see if they can help you. They might be able to give you a script for some pain meds or prescription strength NSAIDS.
Sorry about your joint pain and the bad timing. Get plenty of rest and self care. It goes a long way!
Thank you so much for all your help and advice - my GP sent me for a blood test which has resulted in me being squeezed in next week at rheumatology.
I've been reading a lot about anti-inflammatory diets, has anyone changed the food they consume and noticed a difference? I've heard gluten free is good for Sjogrens, but with my lifestyle its almost impossible to do!
Many thanks once again :)
hello Nadia.
I would try the NSAIDS if you can tolerate them and you are not on any other meds
that interact with NSAIDS. Also a heating pad was my best friend and still is.
Hope your GP can help you in the mean time while waiting for rheummy appt.
shelly
The most important thing to do is talk about it with your rheumatologist. Ideally, your rheumy will find you a good course of medication that will slow the progression of your symptoms. Plaquenil is often the first medication prescribed. Most, but not all, people tolerate it well and find good relief.
Then, above the basic medication, there are things you can take for occasional flare ups like NSAIDs. I can't tolerate ibuprofen or acetaminophen so I have a Rx for meloxicam (Mobic) which works well. There is also a prescription NSAID cream to rub on your sore joints to lessen pain - Voltarren cream.
I found that going on a gluten and dairy free diet took away my joint pain for about 5-8 years all by itself. Gradually, I made my diet more stringent and added medications to it. Gluten free doesn't have to be exotic. If you substitute rice, potato, or corn for gluteny starches, you're halfway there. A loaf of gluten free bread in the freezer can give you a sandwich once in awhile. Salads and soups when eating out. Many restaurants have GF options too. It's probably worth a try. If you're one of the lucky ones, it will help you a lot :)