Managing joint pain
 

Hi all! I have Wegener's Granulamatosis but it was decided I was in remission a few weeks ago :-). However I still have some low level inflammation. I don't know whether it is the disease or the meds but I've been getting a lot of joint pain, especially in my elbow, fingers and pelvis as well as swelling. I can't take ibuprofen because of kidney problems. Does anyone have any advice or tips on how to manage joint pain or swelling?

Thanks :-)

Could you try herbal anti inflamatories? I can't think of any off hand but they'd be able to tell you in a Holland and Barrett or maybe Boots.

I have a bad shoulder and take dihydrocodeine and pregabalin. If youd prefer a non-medication route I'm finding those heat patches to be a bit helpful. They're expensive though.

Thanks for the suggestions. I hadn't actually thought of herbal anti inflammatories so might be worth a look although I have to be really careful what I take. This is probably a stupid question but what do you mean by heat patches? I have used the disposable gel ones for my hands before but they don't stay hot for that long. I have actually got dihydrocodeine left over from something else so might give that a try for when it is really bad.

I mean like this:
https://www.google.co.uk/webhp?sourc...e=off&tbm=shop

they stick on your skin or clothes and provide heat pain relief. it's like having a hot water bottle but you can go about your daily life.

but i'm struggling with pain management too - i made a first aid thread. i'm unsure what else to offer as i'm finding it hard too.

Thanks for taking the time to reply J. I hope the new med is helpful until Wednesday. I'll get some patches on Monday. Does anyone with recurring joint or muscle pain know what sets off their symptoms/things to avoid?

I've gotten heart patches in pound shops before. The ones from Chemists are quite expensive.
Hot baths help me as well. You can get dead sea salt to put in them from sainsburys which are meant to help too. Hope you feel better soon x

I've found the rice packs to be super helpful. They just microwave up and mine stay hot for a good long while

U should get a wheat bag U zap in microwave for a minute or two stay heated for ever (not literally) if u want one let me know my mum can make U one :)

Get some MSM/condroitin pills - they're OTC, relatively expensive, but work wonders. They will actually help repair your joints, I noticed a difference after 2 weeks. Keep in mind they're not suitable for people with shellfish allergies. For the swelling, I've heard that watching your sodium intake will help with that.

You could try what people have suggested and thats thé heat patches. Ive seen that advertised on tv. I just heard someone on tv just say people with anxiety, depression or loser joint pain what u got is all linked to stress. Could be stress related u got.

You could take up squash as i know thats good for ur back. What do u think? That would be good wouldnt it

You should see a doctor.

I hope that helps

JusC

Thanks for the replies. Seems like heat is the way forward! I'll look in to some of the herbal things but am a little wary because of the other health issues.

JusC, thanks for your reply. I have seen a doctor, I was in hospital with the condition for two weeks, part of which was spent in high dependency and on dialysis due to associated kidney failure for a further five weeks. Stress may be a part of it but i have suffered from depression since I was six (twenty years) and these symptoms have existed for less than a year. Wegener's is an autoimmune disease whereby my immune system attacks and destroys my blood vessels. It's rare and there is no cure.