Re: new joint pains, hip and back

[Guest guest]

The rib cage pain sounds like pleurisy, it's an inflammation of the rib cage,

I've had it before and it hurts to take a breath. Only way to get rid of it is

antibiotics. See your primary care doctor for it. Sorry for the spelling not my

strong point!!!!!

  ralphie

[Guest guest]

Kinga,

I also was on MTX and prednisone until the end of Sept at which time I decided

my body needed a break. I did OK for about 6 weeks and then the symptoms started

back up. I began to hurt all over so I am now back on MTX at a lower dose and no

prednisone. I also have the pain in my rib on the back. Same as you, deep

breathes do hurt. I have read it may be inflammation of the ribs.  I visited the

National Psoriasis Foundation website

http://www.psoriasis.org/

and read about it. It is called costochondritis.

People with PsA can also get pleurisy which is an inflammation of the lining of

the lung. This can be serious so you need to make sure you know what you're

dealing with.

I also was wanting to try natural/non traditional medicine and still am going to

explore that route while on the MTX. I have also drastically changed my diet,

i.e. no sugar, no flour, gluten free, dairy free, red meat free. It has helped

and I am hoping to be able to stay on low dose MTX and nothing additional aside

from some supplements. I would urge you to keep your MD informed about your

symptoms and anything you are taking. It is your right to try alternative

treatments but your Md should know. 

God bless, Patty

[Guest guest]

Hi Kinga:

I have experienced similar pain in the rib cage area a few months back and it

lasted about a week and a half. It is my understanding that it is not uncommon

to experience inflammation to the connective tissue between the ribs, so I

figured that was what it was, I have not had the problem since thankfully as it

was quite painful. My PA started with my feet also and comes and goes, I also

have pain in the left hip and both hands. I am on sulfasalzine, ibuprofen and

tramadol for pain as needed. Sulfasalzine is a very safe drug to start with if

you are tolerant of sulfa drugs, has been around forever and is well tolerated

with few side effects, it is thought to be effective in around 30% of patients.

It works for me.

I understand that you are a little hesitant to use the DMARDs and/or Biologic

drugs as they do have serious side effects, however they will prevent further

joint damage as you know. We all have to make our own decisions in these matters

and I know you will do what is right for you, however I would be very careful

with ordering medications on the internet and using them without letting your

doctor know. Please be careful and take care. Wishing you a Happy, Healthy New

Year.

Deanna

[Guest guest]

Kinga: Wanted to say that if you would like to read more about this disease,

it's treatment, etc... and join another very good message board, I highly

recommend the National Psoriasis Foundations site

http://www.psoriasis.org/

and message boards. There is a thread in the boards right now about the rib

pain you are experiencing. Good Luck to you, and Happy New Year.

Deanna

[Guest guest]

Where the ribs connect to the back and breast bone are joints that can become

inflamed. I had a very sore spot where a rib attached to my breastbone. I also

have had your sausage digit (swollen finger) which is an excellent indication of

active PsA. I looked up naltrexone and it said it is an opioid antagonist. I've

worked really hard to avoid opiates because they are just addictive pain relief

and do nothing to control the disease. I had this disease for 14 years before I

got Enbrel to stop it's progression so I now have the x-rays to prove the

massive damage this disease did to me when I was just on pain meds and

methotrexate and sulfasalazine. There are those of us working hard to get

doctors to do what your doc is willing to do - give you Enbrel early to stop

this awful disease before you end up crippled like me.  If you get x-rays now

the docs will tell you you have no damage being done - DON'T BELIEVE IT.  If you

have been offered Enbrel TAKE IT and save yourself from turning into the

permanently disabled.

Janette

[Guest guest]

I believe that naltrexone is used largely in the treatment of addiction, i.e. it

helps reduce cravings.

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

If it is just pain in one rib, it is very likely not from a disease but from

some form of injury/irritation. I get it from time to time as the result of

certain twisting motions I do during water workouts. One treatment from my

physical therapist normally makes it go away. Two at most. If it is throughout

the rib area, though, as opposed to in just one small spot, it could be a number

of things, including costochondritis. I have not heard of naltrexone (low-dose

or not) being used for auto-immune diseases but (as I just posted in another

e-mail) I know it is used for treating addiction, i.e. it reduces cravings for

alcohol or drugs - one of the first medications to be used for this purpose.

Please be cautious in rejecting the more traditional treatments because

irreversible damage can be done without your realizing, especially if you've had

the disease for a while or it's a severe case.

Joanna Hoelscher

[Guest guest]

Hi,

The rib pain, is due to the inflammation from the disease process.

Antibiotics do not help it.

Unless its a secondary infection.