Rheumy appt update....

[Nancy60]

I saw Dr. P today for my 4 month f/u. I am in a bit of a flare so had several things to talk about. She gave me Volteren Gel to try for my knee as it is giving me quite a time going up/down stairs and getting on/off the floor. She talked about trying Methotrexate again, but was OK with holding off for now. She is checking all the usualy bloods - ANA, lupus panel, RF, Sed rate, CRP, CCP, CBC and Met panel, she is also checking CPK levels to see if muscle inflammation is going on. She said if CCP came back positive she would probably would want me to go on Methotrexate if I am not better by the time they come back. she doesn't think it is RA though because she doesn't see any synovitis with my joints. She told me to call and get in sooner if I am not better.


Overall a decent appointment.

Anyone use the Volteren Gel?

Nancy

[Patze]

Hi Nancy,

Sounds like you have a good rheumy, lucky you!!! 

I've not used Volteren Gel, and know that there are members that have or are using it; hopefully one of them will stop by soon and pass on their thoughts.

Take care and good luck!

Patze

[Carebear]

Nancy,

Do you have swelling or inflammation in your knee?  If you do, and I know it seems counter intuitive,  but icing it is the best thing for the pain.

I recently attended a program on inflammatory arthritis, of which Sjogren's is one.  Anyway, one subject covered by the PT team was ice instead of heat.  I thought they we out to lunch but sat quietly as they explained how ice works.  Then we all had our most painful body part iced for 15 minutes.  And to everyone's amazement it did indeed decreased the pain, muscle spasms and inflammation.  And I've been doing it every day since.

I just thought I'd mention this for others to try too.  Make sure you dampen a towel first, then wrap it around a bag of crushed ice, frozen peas or a reusable gel ice pack.  And only 15 minutes at a time.  Can be repeated every 2 to 3 hours.  And if you have Raynaud's, cover the affected area if it is close to the ice.

[KellyG999]

Hi Nancy,

I have used Voltaren gel as well as the sticky patches. I like the gel better as I can warm it up in my hands. Sticking the pads on your back is a FREEZING experience!

I got modest relief on my knees and fingers. I also have used (and still like) arnica gel found in health food stores, which I think is a safer alternative.

Good luck!'

KellyG

[Joe S.]

Cold will travel faster through your nerves than pain. Boswelia will reduce RA inflammation. UC-II will repair Osteo damage. Dark cherries have bee used for 100's of years to treat gout and RA symptoms.

[eyeamdry]

Joe, we are famous up here in NW Michigan for growing dark, red cherries.  We have a big Cherry Festival every July 4th and it's quite a celebration.  Many people buy cherries for the things we are talking about, plus there are mail order places that sell them over the internet.  Just giving people an interesting thing to look into if they so desire. I have nothing to do with any or the orchards, etc.  I have relatives and can go pick my ownl