HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

Get your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM BlogQuestions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction

Suggest Treatment For Severe Shoulder And Knee Pain

My Husband has been sick since June 2106, his knee got to teh point he was unable to walk without help of crutches. He started having severe pain in shoulders, knee, wrists,pretty much all over. He needed help getting up and getting dressed. I brought him to the emergency room 2xs and the 2nd time was admitted for observation,they ran a battery of tests. He had surgery on miniscus and was being treated for lyme(he was bit by a tick May of 2016) They came up with RA for older people. He is 49 years old. Treated him with prednizone and sulfasalizine. He is still in so much pain having trouble sleeping,he is very weak(mind you he is 6 4 and 230lbs) and was a very strong man. It hurts him to even give me a hug, raise his arms to dress himself, walk, etc. He is a diebetic with a insulin pump. We are at a loss of what to do. Keep taking these meds and getting no relief? We are going back to the doctor that did his knee on monday he was told by the PA that he need to accept his condition. I know I am all over and he could explain it better but I hate seeing his deteriorate so quickly at this young age. He was tested for Lymes and all tests were neg. We are normally active people and are no couch potatoes because of his pain. Please guide me on the next step we should take. He is seeing a RA doctor, his family doctor and his knee doc. Noone seems to know exactly what is going on with him and just treating him on a guess.
Wed, 15 Feb 2017
Report Abuse
General & Family Physician,  's  Response
As per the history,he is already diagnosed with RA.Its an autoimmune disease in which the joints cartilages are destroyed by immune system .it usually progresses over time.with medicines it can be controlled or slowed down like pain ,movements upto an extent it is.but it takes time.Hope his knee joint x-ray are taken if not,you need to do it.In RA the stiffness is the main problem after that the pain so for this physiotherapy might help.Exercising regularly and keeping yourself active helps.Not much but slight exercise is good.In this disease there is destruction of the joints occur,it can not be stopped but slowed with medicines.He is also diabetic so need to keep the sugar level in control.If he is overweight then its good to get a diet chart prepared and follow it and bring the weight under control so that knees wont get pressurised much as they are already in pain.treatment included DMARDs,corticosteroids,painkillers mainly.it takes time to show the effect of medicine but it provides relief.If these are not doing good then next option is biologicals,these are given i.v in a regular interval.You can talk to your doctor about it.If he or she thinks it can be given to him now then its a good option.Intra articular injections are also given as the lubricant fluid is reduced in the joints .so if needed that is also given just consult your doctor with recent x-rays. Do not miss the medication in between.Also do cbc,ESR,LFT,KFT every 2-3 months and get it checked by your doctor.I hope his CRP,ANA,RA factor,Anti CCP,vit D levels,knee joints,shoulder joints,hand x-rays are done and seen by the doctors.If anything is not done kindly do that and show it to your doctor.stay positive,the disease can be brought under control and you can do the daily activities fine.
I find this answer helpful
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer. For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service [Sample answer]
Share on
 

Related questions you may be interested in


Loading Online Doctors....
Suggest Treatment For Severe Shoulder And Knee Pain

As per the history,he is already diagnosed with RA.Its an autoimmune disease in which the joints cartilages are destroyed by immune system .it usually progresses over time.with medicines it can be controlled or slowed down like pain ,movements upto an extent it is.but it takes time.Hope his knee joint x-ray are taken if not,you need to do it.In RA the stiffness is the main problem after that the pain so for this physiotherapy might help.Exercising regularly and keeping yourself active helps.Not much but slight exercise is good.In this disease there is destruction of the joints occur,it can not be stopped but slowed with medicines.He is also diabetic so need to keep the sugar level in control.If he is overweight then its good to get a diet chart prepared and follow it and bring the weight under control so that knees wont get pressurised much as they are already in pain.treatment included DMARDs,corticosteroids,painkillers mainly.it takes time to show the effect of medicine but it provides relief.If these are not doing good then next option is biologicals,these are given i.v in a regular interval.You can talk to your doctor about it.If he or she thinks it can be given to him now then its a good option.Intra articular injections are also given as the lubricant fluid is reduced in the joints .so if needed that is also given just consult your doctor with recent x-rays. Do not miss the medication in between.Also do cbc,ESR,LFT,KFT every 2-3 months and get it checked by your doctor.I hope his CRP,ANA,RA factor,Anti CCP,vit D levels,knee joints,shoulder joints,hand x-rays are done and seen by the doctors.If anything is not done kindly do that and show it to your doctor.stay positive,the disease can be brought under control and you can do the daily activities fine.