Is my only hope left is to begin taking injections? If my insurance will pay??

Question

I have Rheumatoid Arthritis. Was on prednisone in the beginning,methotrexate for five years.six months ago Dr. prescibed plaquenil along with IB 800s and norco for pain. I just seem to get no relief -cannot remember being pain free and co-workers do not get it, that I am suffering. In the morning I hobble along but by the afternoon my stride is even; however by then I may not be able to raise my arm or shoulder

Answer 1

I am so sorry about your pain. I have pain like that myself. No one really understands the lengths a person has to go through just to get around and have a semblance of a life. I have heard that the injections of remicade or any of those are really helpful. If you have documented all the conservative treatments you have had, the insurance should pay for the injections. However, there are side effects to those shots as well. Infections are the biggest problem. However if you have been on Methotrexate, you know this first hand. I have found a simple stretching video (Karen Voight Simple stretch) that has helped me relieve some pain and give me better range of motion. It has no harsh moves and is very slow. (still tires me out though) Not yoga but simple stretch. Hope this helps my prayers are with you.

Answer 2

There are several DMARDs/biologics for you to try. Methotrexate and Plaquenil (which takes many months to even build up to therapeutic levels) are just the beginning.
I have lupus and have found rheumatologist only treat the pain with steroids which I refuse because of the side effects. I'm in pain managment and that doctor treats my pain.
I was taking 12 Norco a day and still in pain... and the fatigue, well, that's still there despite Provigil 200mg bid. Hopefully my new sleep med will work.

If you can, find another doctor. You need a rheumatologist who's more understanding and another doctor who will help manage your pain.

www.arthritis.org list the DMARDS and biologics available. Even if you don't have insurance, you can get the meds for free thru a program the manufacturer offers.

Answer 3

YES YES YES! Have your doctor help you fight the insurance to pay for the injections. My mom also has Rheumatoid Arthritis (she's 50) and had tried absolutely everything...INJECTIONS helped for a while a long while actually...Unfortunately now she has to get the infusions. But is till doing pretty good. She was literally crippled before the injections. Good Luck-FIGHT THE INSURANCE, I know they are expensive- the injections were about 1200.00 and now her infusions are 6000.00 each visit.

Answer 4

I'm sure your DR will be able to give you a variety of options. It is a good idea to write down all your questions,so you can take them to your next DR visit. That way you can get all of them answered.
http://www.fda.gov/fdac/features/2005/205_pain.html
http://www.arthritis.org/conditions/self_care.asp