I have mild lupus and RA for 4 and 2 years respectively. My feet, ankles, hands and wrists are the most painful. My labs are done every 4 months, and are always normal My doctor does not look at my joints; does not ask me if the pain in my feet is interfering with my life. I am not pleased with his style. sometimes my joints hurt so bad and my feet hurt so much that I have had to miss work. I work with people and have found myself feeling unfriendly due to my pain and fatigue. I have now lost my job, and want to feel better. Any suggestions?
As you know you have autoimmune condition where your immune system is working against you. What medicines are you on for it?get X-ray of the wrist joints and hand done. You can consult a rheumatologist for this if you have not yet. Its better as for your every visit there is need to check the involvement of joints, tenderness or swelling so that progression of the disease can be observed that's the main reason why you are supposed to visit in every 3-4 months along with your recent blood test results. Considering you are exclusively on treatment that is for RA and lupus, never stop taking medicines when you get a little relief. These medicines are for all the life. The doctor will decide if there is need to add or remove any medicine from the treatment as per your condition. Also visit a physiotherapist so that you can learn few exercises, and it helps. More active you are better you feel.