I have had RA for approximately 40 years and after many many drugs were prescribed, Methotrexate offered the greatest relief. However it has had adverse effects on my kidneys and the dosage was reduced a short time ago. Subsequently the arthritis pain rose and currently the original dosage has been restored, with very close monitoring through additional blood tests, it will be reduced again if there are adverse effects on my kidneys.
During the last few months I have developed a pain in the lower section of my upper left arm radiating towards my elbow. I thought that this might relate to the elbow replacement I had 22 years ago, but was told that this was not the case. An X-ray on my arm was clear, and I was prescribed Pregabalin by my GP. The pain comes in periods of up to 3 weeks, but sometimes only for a day or two, and by the time I received the prescription it had stopped, so I kept the tablets ‘for the next episode’. It has come back with avengeance, but when I read the side effects on the leaflet, I saw that it would clash with other medications and health problems that I have, and am reluctant to take it. I have no idea where to seek advice, the GP I spoke to was unable to identify the cause. I would greatly appreciate any advice that could be given as the pain is very similar to arthritic pain. I am currently treating it with heat and ice alternatively and taking Ibuprofen, all of which affords only limited relief. I really don’t know where to go with this,