Why do I have such severe pain in my upper arms between my shoulders and my elbows?
About 1 1/2 years ago I was diagnosed with R.A..
I have been on Methotrexate, Enbrel, Celebrex and prednisone. I am now currently taking Cimzia. My problem is that I am not sure if it is working due to the fact that I suffer from excruciating pain in my upper arms between my shoulders and my elbows. It seems to subside during the day, but in the evening and during sleep hours, it is borderline unbearable! I am not able to lift my arms up, or even lay on them.
I have weakness and soreness that is awful. (Feels like when you get a TB shot and you can't move your arm.)
I do not know if I can take Celebrex and prednisone to relieve the pain (nothing else seems to help) while taking the Cimzia.
What is causing this pain, and how can I control it or rid myself of it? Would cortisone injections help?
Thank you and I look forward to some possible answers.
Christy
Answers from our Doctors
There are some features of your current symptoms that differ from what we typically expect from active rheumatoid arthritis (RA); these include pain that is worse at night (in RA, perhaps as you have experienced in the past, symptoms are typically worse in the morning), and the 'widespread' nature of your pain (whereas, pain and stiffness in RA are more typically isolated to the joints).
Potential causes of more widespread pain in the arms could include several different entities (things like fibromyalgia, neck arthritis, among others). In the end, the source of your current symptoms will require careful consultation from your rheumatologist and other providers. I would suggest that you discuss these symptoms further with your providers.
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I have extreme itching and pain in my muscles across the shoulders down the upper arms. The only thing that eases it, somewhat, is using an ice pack. I have both Fibromyalgia and RA. I have mentioned this to every Rheumatologist I have had in the past 7 years, only to get a shrug and no answers. One even suggested I needed to see a psychiatrist (don't see her anymore). It varies in intensity from low itching to extremely high. I am chemically sensitive so don't use fragrances or products with fragrances. Please help. I wonder if the arthritis in my neck is affecting the nerves that run through this area.
When you hear these words run away from that MD as fast as possible. Are there any large teachibg hospitals in your area? A good place to look for a new MD.