think I currently having a flare quite a bad one have chronic pain in my neck and shoulders with pins and needles down my arms also my pelvic joints and hips are absolutely killing me with pins and needles in both legs and muscle spasms in my legs which are causing my toes to cramp up taking all the pain meds and muscle relaxants prescribe but nothing is working trying to keep mobile but the pain is get to much any suggestions on how else to mange this flare up. I am also a type 1 diabetic and during my last 2 flares my blood sugars have had points when they have shot threw the roof for no reason and i have been extremely shakey sick of this now and the doctors her in the uk are so dismissive of my condition help and advise appreciated x
Sorry to read this post. I know how hard it can be, I've had many dismissive doctors until the most recent one, she has been great and I've switched between 3 different Anti TNF meds before finding the right one which is now brilliant (touch wood). Even with that, it's still a battle to keep on top of the pain battle, so I literally feel your pain.
I often manage the pain with heat, hot baths or a couple of the bean bags draped over my neck. I underestimate how good paracetamol are at giving me a little help when the pain is all encompassing, every 4 hours on those days now.
I think finding a few exercises, even if only slight movements, that keep you mobile are important to do each morning. The ones that work for me:
-stand with back against the wall and feet together. Make all of your spine touch the wall slowly (or as close as you can comfortably get it) and release. This only needs to be a slight movement.
-Lie on your back, bring your bum off the floor but keep your shoulders down so you are curling you tailbone under. Again only a small movement needed slowly.
-Lie on your back and put the soles of your feet on the floor to bend your knees. Sway left to right with your legs for a few minutes. Small movements again, and slowly.
At the time, these exercises don't seem to do an awful lot, but if you do them each morning I find they can really help. Also some gentle squats whilst holding the sofa will help to activate your quads and in turn take the pressue off your knees and lower back.
Hope this is helpful. Keep your chin up, it will get better even though it doesn't seem like it at the moment.
All i can say martine is call a ambulance if it effects your blood sugar levels also if you can get in hospital they may act accordinly also sort you out with some decent meds for pain all o can say is the very best of luck remember the old saying never suffer in silence
thanks both of you guys for your support much appreciated i'll give the advise a go also i've managed to book in early to see endicrinology and the pain clinic so fingers crossed they will do something x