[musicman48]

My wife is taking Humira injections for RA.She was diagnosed with osteoarthritis as well on her most recent Dr visit.I was wondering if any of you guys/gals have used Voltaren Gel . My research on the web indicates some pretty serious side effects.If anyone here has any experience with this medicine I would appreciate it if you could take the time to share your experience.I am trying to explain to my wife that sometimes the risk is worth it to give her some pain relief.The problem is she is on so many meds for her RA that she is scared to take anything else.She is mostly concerned about the weight gain side effect "jeez".This seems to cause some more serious problems for some though.If anyone has any experience with Voltaren "good or bad" ,I would love to hear from you.Thanks in advance.MM

[Robert_325]

musicman ... is she taking it specifically for pain only? I have RA also as you know. I also have Raynaud's Phenomenon, another autoimmune disease. I used to recommend using a nitroglycerin gel when I moderated a couple of autoimmune disease sites. It helps with pain some as it increases blood flow and provides some heat benefits. I found it to be a pretty good alternative, at least for some people. Don't let it get on any open wound, but you wouldn't do that with the voltaren gel either. You might want to ask her rheumatologist about the nitro gel/paste. It's pretty good stuff and it does have less side effects. Hope it helps. God bless.

[musicman48]

Originally Posted by Robert_325

musicman ... is she taking it specifically for pain only? I have RA also as you know. I also have Raynaud's Phenomenon, another autoimmune disease. I used to recommend using a nitroglycerin gel when I moderated a couple of autoimmune disease sites. It helps with pain some as it increases blood flow and provides some heat benefits. I found it to be a pretty good alternative, at least for some people. Don't let it get on any open wound, but you wouldn't do that with the voltaren gel either. You might want to ask her rheumatologist about the nitro gel/paste. It's pretty good stuff and it does have less side effects. Hope it helps. God bless.

Robert,She was prescribed it for pain.Her knee is giving her a lot of problems.I am not sure if this was prescribed for OA or RA though .I do know its for pain ..She has never taken opiates for pain magement.RA/OA drug therapies are still a big deal.....She is afraid she will gain weight and raise her BP.BTW,I got a nerve block on Monday.Its really kicked in now.Long story,but I have to wait to see a chiro for Erins advice.I do plan on goin to the chiro though.My appt with the chiro was canceled twice because we got covered in ice up here . Feeling pain free at the moment.My physiatic nerve makes right leg twitch a little every time I am on nerve blocks though.Kind of strange.Hope you are well!

[Robert_325]

Originally Posted by musicman48

Robert,She was prescribed it for pain.Her knee is giving her a lot of problems.I am not sure if this weas prescribed for OA or RA though .I do know its for pain ..She has never taken opsiates for pain magement.RA/OA drug therapies are still a big deal.....She is afraid she will gain weight and raise her BP.BTW,I got a nerve block on Monday.Its really kicked in now.Long story,but I have to wait to see a chiro for Erins advice.I do plan on goin to the chiro though.My appt with the chiro was canceled twice because we got covered in ice up here . Feeling pain free at the moment.My physiatic nerve makes right leg twitch a little every time I am on nerve blocks though.Kind of strange.Hope you are well!

If the pain is osteo she probably has some cartilidge issues. She should check out synvisc injections. I've done them for years, probably had at least 80 injections in my knees. They are great for about six months at a time. Otherwise ask about the nitro paste/gel. The rheumy will know them both. Let me know if she checks on them what the dr says. God bless.