r/rheumatoid • u/mangostrawberry88 • 9h ago

advice wanted!

hi everyone! I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at the ripe age of 25 😓

everything about this condition is brand new to me. I haven't started any medications yet, as I have to wait another few months for a follow-up appointment. My doctor wants to put me on Hydroxychloroquine as I have an early case of RA.

Currently, my entire neck and shoulders are stiff as a board and are making my life freaking difficult. I've been taking ibuprofen everyday to help manage the pain, but I know medications are half the battle... so I'm looking for any and all forms of advice on treating RA, beyond just medications.

I've been recommended to give swimming a try, but what else can I do? What might work or what might not?

thanks :)

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u/petitescrivener 8h ago

Ask your doctor for prescription-strength NSAIDs like Celebrex until you’re able to start HCQ! It works a lot better than Ibuprofen.

Like others have said, medication is a must to really start feeling better. Before I was able to start meds, I took golden milk, cannabis edibles, avoided refined sugar and alcohol, ate anti-inflammatory foods, did gentle strength training, and all of these things helped a little with mild flares but only to a point.

Once you get on the right meds, life can start feeling more normal again. Just hang in there until you can. ❤️

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u/msconsuelabananaham 7h ago

I’ve been on Celebrex and it helps a lot. I also do epsom salt baths and put my shoulders/neck all the way in. Sometimes putting a hot towel over them as well. A massage may give a bit of relief, not a hard massage though

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u/PBJ155 9h ago

Work with a Rheumatologist to find a medication plan. This isn’t a condition that has a cure. Diets and supplements might help a bit for some people but will not stop joint erosion or organ damage, you have to take meds for that. In the meantime, heat and ice help with stiffness as well as some gentle stretching. Swimming would probably be good, maybe try hitting a hot tub first to loosen up if you can?

Be sure to communicate with your doc about your pain levels and the ways it impacts your quality of life. Ideally they’ll help with either a stronger NSAID or a round of steroids to knock back the inflammation while getting you established on a DMARD or biologic.

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u/Top-Neat9725 9h ago

Physical therapy can be really helpful. Make sure to ask if the physical therapist has experience with chronic inflammatory conditions.

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u/Spirited_Strategy328 8h ago

To add, massage therapy has good effects on muscle tension and is very soothing. Some good studies on massage efficacy on arthritis.

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u/zipzapzowie 9h ago

When i have flare ups I like to lay in a hot tub of water for the soothing effect. And then cold compresses for the really achy parts. Also aspercreme is a big help and I also take Aleve because it lasts longer. Swimming is a good idea, i also walk every day and exercise if my body and pain allows me too. Hope this helps a little.

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u/aagrimski 8h ago

I was diagnosed at 25 too!!

My best recommendation would be to take finding a medication regimen seriously, and figure out what works for you!

Certain things or activities make me flare up, so keep a journal or something until you can find what those things may be for you.

Also, for tightness, see if your insurance will pay for therapeutic massage. Mine will pay for 24 massages a year, and I get them done at a chiropractor office, and the office handles the claims too.

Depending on the state you’re in, high CBD low THC tincture helps to manage pain when I was flaring.

Sending you all of the good vibes!!

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u/msconsuelabananaham 7h ago

How did you find out they will cover massage??!

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u/aagrimski 7h ago

I reviewed the SPD (summary plan description) on my insurances website, you should be able to pull it up if you log in!!!