Yet another newb. :-)

Hello there, all. I am a 22 year old female, and I was diagnosed with Lupus 4 months ago. I had really bad hand pain and recurring bursitis prior to that which led my doctor to do the ANA testing and it was as high as it could get. He put me on a strong anti-inflammatory (Relafen) and that worked wonders for my hands, but it hasn't been doing much for my shoulder joints, and now lately my hips have been killing me. I have another doctor's appointment scheduled for Wednesday to talk about the recent hip pain.

I joined this forum looking for ideas for pain relief mainly, as most days are pretty uncomfortable (especially at work). I've tried heating pads, Icy Hot, massages, and I had a cortisone shot in my back/shoulder area last week. Does anyone know of ways to relieve hip pain specifically? It even hurts to sit down, and I have to do that for 7 hours a day, and then it hurts worse to get up and walk haha. It seems like I'm doomed no matter what, and I'm tired of taking Vicodin every other day. I would appreciate any responses. Thank you!

-Misty

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22/F/FL

Misty,

The key is to find controlling meds that keep your immune system under control...not take pain meds.

What are you taking is an antiinflammatory med not one that will control the immune system which is what is probably causing the pain.  You are just treating the symptoms.  Suggest you get a second opinion from a rheumy experienced in treating lupus.

Bill

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MCTD (lupus, scleroderma, polymyositis).  Diagnosed 2005.  Kidney, liver, GI tract, dysphagia, raynauds, Barretts esophagus, quadriplegic in 2005.  Recovered and now active in skiing, tai, chi, hiking, golf.  Meds: prednisone 2.5mg, imuran 25mg, amlodipine, benazapril, omeprazole, potassium, folic acid, vitamins, maxide and various supplements and vitamins.

Remain optimistic and you can overcome the odds.

Hi Misty -

Welcome.  Thanks for bringing this up.  I hope you get some answers.  I've been dx'd with UCTD - and deal with hip, and back pain daily - which inhibits my activity, fitness and wellbeing immensely, as I'm sure you understand.  I get sudden bouts of what feels like bursitis in my hip and recently an intense spasm with significant pain in my shoulder and neck - it's been 10days and I can finally sleep at night - but I can't get rid of it.  I don't tolerate pain meds well, so I rely on moist heat, alternating ice/heat, bioflex ointment and advil.  It's not enough.  The shoulder problem just showed up along with a UTI.

 

Stacie and Bill - it sounds like you're familiar with this type of pain/problem being related to CTDs.  My rheumy and pcp tend to lump it all in with fibro - but it feels different than that to me.  I never know when to make an appointment or just tough it out....again.  

Good luck Misty - keep us posted.

Lucy 

 

 

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_{diagnoses:  mono 1972; postviral CFS 1997; fibro 1998; UCTD & osteoporosis 2007; celiac 2009}

_{meds: Plaquenil 400 mg, occasional low dose xanax for sleep aid, artificial tears w/ ointment at night, Advil/aspirin prn and lots of vitamins}

 

 

Hey Misty! Welcome to HW! Sorry to hear of your diagnosis. Have you seen a rhuematologist? With the lupus diagnosis, its kind of odd they didnt put you on a immunosuppressent or plaquenil. I would seriously ask your doctor about it, you don't want to fool around with Lupus and let it get out of hand. Sorry you are having to deal with this at your age, I complelty understand how hard it is and pray you will get some answers and relief you are looking for!!!

Hello Misty,

I feel for you... hang in there. I have Shoulder pain so bad sometimes that I can't even reach up to get a cup for coffee. I also experience bad Hip pain at times and when that is the case my Rheumy up's the Prednisone for a few day's.and that seems to do the trick.

Best Regards
Christine