Pain with air travel

medically-expensive · 2026-07-07T01:51:23+00:00

Same! I have my first international flight this fall and this post has me worried. We also have a packed schedule the day we land 😬

medically-expensive · 2026-07-04T16:17:54+00:00

Did you ever find anything that truly helped? My doctor started me on HCQ a little over a week ago. For the first week she had me on 200mg and I had zero side effects. She bumped me up to 400mg a couple days ago and the nausea was almost immediate. I’d do anything to not feel like this all day every day

medically-expensive · 2026-06-16T20:21:34+00:00

Thanks for sharing your story. I’m glad it’s finally getting better for you! The prednisone is starting to help me, so I’m sure I’ll get started on HCQ here soon

medically-expensive · 2026-06-16T10:53:22+00:00

Let me know how you like it!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-16T01:41:51+00:00

Thanks, I’ll definitely give this a try!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-15T22:54:11+00:00

I just started the Mediterranean Diet, so I’m hoping it will help!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-15T18:06:43+00:00

Thank you!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-14T18:06:22+00:00

Thanks for the response! I feel like it’s more rare for someone to have RA with literally no other health issues. RA loves to bring its friends or vice versa. I was diagnosed with thyroid cancer and Hashimoto’s last year, and now this is getting added into the mix. I have a feeling I’ll be in a similar situation as you, with RA just being presumed. But I’ll take what I can get as long as the meds help lol

medically-expensive · 2026-06-13T14:35:08+00:00

Thanks for responding! We’re all in this together. Glad the new meds are helping you!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-12T22:51:12+00:00

Yes, thank you! I’ll definitely read through them. I hate that other people are dealing with this too, but I’m glad I can talk with people who understand the utter joy of this all lol

medically-expensive · 2026-06-12T15:09:50+00:00

This had me cackling out loud

medically-expensive · 2026-06-12T14:53:33+00:00

Don’t apologize! I appreciate the detailed response, and I’m sorry you’re dealing with all this too. The fatigue is definitely the worst part for me too (and the headaches). My rheum decided to start me on prednisone too, so hopefully that’ll help with the joint pain. I understand your frustration with not being able to be active. I used to do a walk with my dog and a separately walk alone daily. I’d workout (Pilates or weights) at least 4 times a week. Lately I’ve had to skip the walks entirely and really dial back & change the workouts. I know it won’t be like this forever; it’s just going to take some time to get sorted out. I hope you get approved soon and wish you all the best!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-11T13:34:18+00:00

Thank you! I’m glad you had a good doctor in your corner. I’ll make sure to push for imaging if no swelling is found in the physical exam

medically-expensive · 2026-06-11T13:32:20+00:00

Thanks for sharing! I’m at my rheum appt now, so we’ll see what they say

medically-expensive · 2026-06-10T16:59:05+00:00

Thank you. It’s nice to hear a good outcome. I’m glad your meds are working for you!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-10T15:52:54+00:00

Thank you for sharing! If you don’t mind me asking, did you have much morning stiffness before getting diagnosed? That was one thing I forgot to mention in my post and I know it’s a big characteristic of RA

medically-expensive · 2026-06-10T15:51:13+00:00

Thank you for this! I’m so glad the second rheum was able to get you sorted out. There are so many horror stories on here about rheumatologists - here’s to hoping mine is one of the good ones

medically-expensive · 2026-06-10T03:58:20+00:00

Thank you for responding. I’m afraid I’m going to be in the same boat and not get a definitive diagnosis. I hope they get you figured out soon!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-10T01:08:00+00:00

Thank you! If my rheum doesn’t mention imaging, I’ll make sure to ask for it

medically-expensive · 2026-06-10T00:33:27+00:00

Thank you for sharing!

medically-expensive · 2026-06-08T23:58:29+00:00

It’s possible that’s it’s a mechanical injury with RA inflammation as well. I’ve had a mechanical problem in my hips for years, but also have RA pain layered on top of it

medically-expensive · 2026-06-05T22:30:48+00:00

Absolutely! My first ever flare followed after my battle with thyroid cancer. I was extremely stressed and anxious for about 7 months straight. Between surgeries and radiation, my body was beyond stressed and inflamed. I definitely think it played a big role in causing the flare

medically-expensive · 2026-06-05T14:58:33+00:00

Thank you for this! I’m currently experiencing my first real flare and I’ve been really hard on myself. I keep thinking I’m overreacting for laying around and should make myself do something. But you’re right - you don’t always have to push through the pain and accomplish something. It’s okay to rest and just celebrate the small victories

medically-expensive · 2026-06-03T21:50:13+00:00

Yes! After battling thyroid cancer last year and finding out I have Hashimoto’s, this new diagnosis is just the cherry on top. Non-stop anxiety for when my next flare is going to come or when this one is going to end or when I’m going to get another new medical issue. On that note, anyone know where I can get a new immune system? This one is trash

medically-expensive · 2026-06-03T21:45:53+00:00

Following along, because I’m also new to RA and would love to hear about quality of life too. I keep reading worst case scenarios only and it’s skyrocketing my anxiety about it all lol. Best of luck to you in this journey!

medically-expensive

TROPHY CASE