Anyone with experience with arthritis prescription meds?

[Simba's Mom]

I've got arthritis in my lower back and now my feet, per my doctor. Thus far, I've managed with Aleve and ibuprofin, non-prescription. However, unfortunately, especially my feet seem to be feeling more painful and I'm wondering about prescription meds (the only name I know is Cymbalta). I definitely don't want narcotic pain meds-besides, the discomfort isn't THAT bad! Anyone with experience taking regular meds for arthritis, and if so, what did you think?

 

[ohiomom28]

I've got arthritis in my lower back and now my feet, per my doctor. Thus far, I've managed with Aleve and ibuprofin, non-prescription. However, unfortunately, especially my feet seem to be feeling more painful and I'm wondering about prescription meds (the only name I know is Cymbalta). I definitely don't want narcotic pain meds-besides, the discomfort isn't THAT bad! Anyone with experience taking regular meds for arthritis, and if so, what did you think?

I am on Naproxen as needed. Its just prescription-strength Aleve. Cymbalta is an anti-depressant/anxiety med. It is also used for osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia.

Sent from my Galaxy S3 using DISBoards

 

[ILUVALASKA]

Are you sure it's arthritis in your feet and not a foot problem-plantar fasciitis? I have osteo-arthristis in my thumbs and lower back. The ONLY thing that relieves my pain is taking fish oil and eliminating sugar from my diet. Advil actually causes swelling which then presses on my lower back. SUgar causes swelling. Ever since I cut sugar, no more back pain!

 

[minkydog]

I have severe psoriatic arthritis in my feet and hands. I take a prescription NSAID, plus Plaquenil and Enbrel, a weekly injection. I was nearly crippled with the arthritis before we found the right med cocktail. Have you seek a rheumatologist yet? Perhaps you should. My general doctor wasn't as knowledgeable as the rheumatologist.

Even with all the meds, I have to take 1or2hot soaking baths every day, just to loosen up the joints in my feet and hands.

 

[powellrj]

I have been on Celebrex, Daypro and am now on Mobic. I would try the Mobic before I would try Cymbalta. I am pretty sure its covered by most insurance and even if its not, its pretty inexpensive.

 

[erincon23]

Mobic is naproxen with a stomach buffer (so it doesn't bother the stomach as much as over the counter stuff). I'm thinking you probably didn't mean Cymbalta. Celebrex is a sulfa-based drug, so if you have sulfa allergies (like I do), don't even try it. I still mourn the loss of Vioxx. I too have arthritis in my foot (and yes, it's different than plantar fasciitis, which I have also had).

One thing that helps -- non-med thing -- is the right shoes -- the orthopedic surgeon suggested New Balance Rollbar shoes. My problem is the plates behind the toes growing together -- the Rollbar shoes have a steel bar running through them so the shoes don't bend on the ball of the foot - the toe is raised slightly so you roll off the toes rather than bend your foot. They're expensive ($130) and fairly ugly, but they've been a lifesaver for me. You can only get them at New Balance stores or online (not at Kohl's or other discounters).

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I've got arthritis in my lower back and now my feet, per my doctor. Thus far, I've managed with Aleve and ibuprofin, non-prescription. However, unfortunately, especially my feet seem to be feeling more painful and I'm wondering about prescription meds (the only name I know is Cymbalta). I definitely don't want narcotic pain meds-besides, the discomfort isn't THAT bad! Anyone with experience taking regular meds for arthritis, and if so, what did you think?

I've taken about every NSAID available for my arthritis for years. I do also take narcotic pain relievers, sometimes the NSAIDs upset my stomach so bad, I have to take a break from them for some relief. I know Cymbalta is being used for pain relief (but was initially marketed for as an anti-depressant), but I don't believe it is an anti-inflammatory. So far, Celebrex has been the most effective for myself.

Arthritis usually responds better to ice, vs heat, though heat does feel more comforting, ice relieves swelling induced by inflammation. Meds like Enbrel and Humira are TNF blockers which help specifically with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I'd see a Rheumatologist and find out what type of Arthritis you have (there are many, many types) and together figure out what type of meds are best for you. My Rheumatologist wanted me to take Humira, but I don't have Rheumatoid arthritis, but I do have "flare ups" a couple times a year, where multiple joints act up at the same time. I chose, myself, to take Prednisone during these episodes, since they don't occur often, vs Humira which has some multiple horrible possible side-effects. Though Humira can be a life-saver for some types of Arthritis

 

[anniemae]

Have you been to a rheumatologist? If not, you should go to one. What kind of arthritis do you have, Osteo or Rheumatoid?

 

[Boston Tea Party]

I have RA and it took a while to get the medicine combination right. I've tried Methotrexate, Lefluenomide, and Humira (injections). Right now the combination of Sulfasalazine and Enbrel (injection) is working.

I am on my third Rheumatologist. The first two stunk. This one is awesome.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

I have RA and it took a while to get the medicine combination right. I've tried Methotrexate, Lefluenomide, and Humira (injections). Right now the combination of Sulfasalazine and Enbrel (injection) is working.

I am on my third Rheumatologist. The first two stunk. This one is awesome.

It's hard to find a good Rheumatologist!! I had the same Rheumatologist for 8 years in Missouri and absolutely loved him, when I came to CO, it was hard to find a good "fit". The first one wouldn't even look me in the eye (he always looked at the wall when talking to me) and poo-poo'd any suggestions I had regarding my care. I was finally able to find a Rheumatologist that actually listened to me. I've been bone on bone on my knees for years and was told four years ago that I was a candidate for knee replacement any time I decided I was having more bad days than good. I decided that it "was time", and the Rheumatologist told me I was "too young". What, too young to enjoy my life and walk like normal? My quality of life totally stunk, I couldn't go for long walks, had to do ECV at Disney, couldn't dance, and barely could make it up the stairs.

My new Rheumatologist sent me to an Orthopedic Surgeon as soon as he saw my X-rays. I'm happy to say I now have two brand new knees and a new lease on life!! I'm 53, but who knows how long i'll be on this earth. I didn't want to waste my life sitting on the side-lines waiting till I'm 62 to get new knees! I'm so glad I found a Rheumatologist that knew quality of life is important

 

[wowsmom]

I have OA in my lower back, knees, hands and hip. My doctor prescribed Mobic (meloxicam), but doesn't want me taking it daily. He says it's too hard on the stomach.

I find it helps with my back pain, but doesn't touch the knee or hand pain. Can't say if it helps the hip pain, as my hip usually starts hurting late at night and when you take Mobic, you have to take it with food and stay upright for 30 minutes.

I'd love to hear of other things that have helped other people. I've been trying to exercise (walk on treadmill) daily but some days, it is very hard to get on there! My rheumy just tells me "lose weight and exercise!"

Mobic is naproxen with a stomach buffer (so it doesn't bother the stomach as much as over the counter stuff).

Mobic is actually meloxicam, not a form of naproxen. Similar in that they are both NSAIDS.

 

[Simba's Mom]

Are you sure it's arthritis in your feet and not a foot problem-plantar fasciitis? I have osteo-arthristis in my thumbs and lower back. The ONLY thing that relieves my pain is taking fish oil and eliminating sugar from my diet. Advil actually causes swelling which then presses on my lower back. SUgar causes swelling. Ever since I cut sugar, no more back pain!

Yes, I'm sure it's arthritis-after a recent foot problem, my doctor sent me for an Xray. Apparently, it showed some arthritis. It's interesting you mentioned sugar. I have such a sweet tooth, and I admit that I probably eat too many sweets. Maybe I should at least cut down-then if the pain decreases, that might give me the motivation to give it up entirely.

Oh, and the arthritis is osteoarthritis. I'm interested in hearing about the Mobic. Thanks! I'd never heard of that before. Any more recommendations?

 

[wowsmom]

I have such a sweet tooth, and I admit that I probably eat too many sweets. Maybe I should at least cut down-then if the pain decreases, that might give me the motivation to give it up entirely.

It's just SOOOO hard to give up sugar! I have a major sweet tooth. Have had my whole life.

 

[LisaR]

I know it doesn't address the medicine question, but have you tried physical therapy? I have severe arthritis in my shoulder and elbow (plus other issues with my shoulder). I have minor arthritis in my back. I did the physical therapy for my shoulder/elbow and the improvement is beyond amazing. On top of that, the therapy greatly reduced my back pain and that wasn't even what we were focusing on. Of course, I have to be religious in keeping up the exercises at home now to keep the pain at bay and to remain limber. Hope you are able to find some relief.

 

[RNMOM]

I have OA in both knees for a long time and now also have psoriatic in my hands and feet and sacroiliac joints. I also have taken methotrexate for the past 6 years with good results. I take Plaquenil and effexor which is an antidepressant and in the same catagory as Cymbalta. I am highly allergic to sulfa so that limits a couple drugs. I also have borderline high liver enzymes so my doctor won't try any of the biologicals like Humira or Enbrel. I was comfortable on Aleve or motrin but my stomach began hurting. I got good relief from Darvocet but that was taken off the market so now I take one Vicodin a day, usually at bedtime since getting comfortable for sleep is my biggest issue. I also have Fibromyalgia and take flexaril for that. It works well.

I recently had very low white cell counts on my monthly blood work so we had to reduce my methotrexate dose by 1/3. I am having a bit more pain in my hands especially but that's the way it goes.

I have a woman rheumatologist. Frankly, I usually don't seek out women doctors in particular but women get much more immune diseases and I think she really gets "it". I really love her and the office. Good luck and let us know what you come up with.

 

[Simba's Mom]

I have OA in both knees for a long time and now also have psoriatic in my hands and feet and sacroiliac joints. I also have taken methotrexate for the past 6 years with good results. I take Plaquenil and effexor which is an antidepressant and in the same catagory as Cymbalta. I am highly allergic to sulfa so that limits a couple drugs. I also have borderline high liver enzymes so my doctor won't try any of the biologicals like Humira or Enbrel. I was comfortable on Aleve or motrin but my stomach began hurting. I got good relief from Darvocet but that was taken off the market so now I take one Vicodin a day, usually at bedtime since getting comfortable for sleep is my biggest issue. I also have Fibromyalgia and take flexaril for that. It works well.

I recently had very low white cell counts on my monthly blood work so we had to reduce my methotrexate dose by 1/3. I am having a bit more pain in my hands especially but that's the way it goes.

I have a woman rheumatologist. Frankly, I usually don't seek out women doctors in particular but women get much more immune diseases and I think she really gets "it". I really love her and the office. Good luck and let us know what you come up with.

It's interesting that you take Effexor. I've taken that for 12 years for depression-no, I'm not depressed now but I did have major depression 12 years ago, and since depression runs in our family, the psychiatrist wanted to keep me on a minimum dose for life. My doctor now is fine with it, but didn't mention it for helping my arthritis. And how is flexeril for you? I've taken it a few times, for about a week each, but I'm like limp spaghetti while I'm on it. It does help me, but I need to set aside a week when I can afford to be out of touch with the world!

 

[HerRoyalHighness]

I don't have medicine recommendations, but about a year ago I started following the Paleo diet.

What got me onto this was I was reading one book....then started looking up some more things regarding it...and came across another book called The Paleo Diet, by Dr. Loren Cordain. It discusses the effects of wheat and other grains on our bodies....inflammation is just one of them.

I'm in my early 40s, was a little overweight, and started to have a few achy joints. I've lost around 40 pounds with mild exercise (I don't do it nearly enough...occasional walk or bike ride).

Anywho...I feel so much better. Tons more energy. I sleep better, have little joint pain, my IBS is gone, have few headaches (oh, I used to get them a lot) and my PMS is negligible. The loss of symptoms was all within the first month.

Basically it's no grains (including flour and corn), beans, and no sugar. Some people still consume dairy, but this discourages it.

You can have all the meat, fruits, vegetables (other than corn and beans), eggs. For oils, you use olive and coconut. I LOVE coconut oil. I do use coconut and almond flour for things like the occasional pancake.

Best thing are these little microwave mug cakes. The chocolate one is basically a mashed banana, an egg, some unsweetened cocoa powder, a little almond butter (or I use melted coconut oil). These are a healthy breakfast or the perfect thing to eat when catching up on my DVR. I also make another version with a little coconut flour (instead of the cocoa powder) and add fresh blueberries.

I could go on and on. There are tons of recipe websites, but the best interactive one between people on it is paleohacks.com

 

[momof1princess]

DH has arthritis in both knees. he has tried celebrex, naproxen and mobic, and gotten no relief. he took euflexxa injections in his knees, and those help for about 4 months, but you can only get them every six months. the 2nd round of injections didn't work nearly as well as the first round.

he was referred to a rheumatologist with possible RA, but rheumatologist said no, he doesn't have RA or lupus, he's got bursitis in both hips and shoulders. so, he's been getting injections for the past 6 months (just had his 3rd set of injections about 12 days ago) and they're really not helping either. rheumatologist also took him off the mobic and prescribed medrol dose pack and flexeril instead. dose pack makes DH sleepy and flexeril gives him crazy nightmares. i don't know what we're going to do.

good luck, OP. it's very hard to find the right combination of medications.

 

[Scrappy_Tink]

Flexeril is a muscle relaxer, not an anti-inflamatory, so it doesn't really do anything for arthritis, per se, it may just help the muscles that work around your joint relax, it's a muscle relaxer.

Almost any NSAID you take for inflammation is going to cause stomach upset. So far, I've found Celebrex to upset my stomach the least. If you have one particular joint that is flaring up, you can get cortisone shots, which in a couple of days does wonders for the joint. I've had the Synvisc injections in my knees a few times (it's like a lubricant that helps keep the bones from rubbing together), but after the first couple of times, it didn't work (for me) either. If you have more than one joint flare up at same time (let's say like you wake up and several joints are involved at one time, like your left knee, left shoulder, and wrists) you can get a steroid taper-packet....to me, this is like a miracle drug, after a few days I feel like superwoman! But when I say "Flare up", I mean these joints aren't normally affected all at once everyday, it's like your body is revolving on you all at once and your joints are red and swollen.

There may be times when you really need a narcotic pain reliever. Before my knee surgery, I was taking a Percocet every night, just to be able to sleep through the knee pain.

Those with RA are a complete different complex issue, that's when they bring out the "heavy guns" of medications. I feel really bad for those with RA that can't keep it under control.

 

[PigletsPal2]

I've been taking 800 mg hydrocodone for severe arthritis for years with no ill effects. I know it's a controlled substance, and my doctor monitors me closely. The dosage is for one tablet by mouth three times daily, but there are days when I don't feel like I have to take it at all, so I don't have any fear of becoming addicted. She's trying to wean me off it completely, but that ain't gonna happen.

Queen Colleen