I was hurting for a few years with what turned out to be joint pain from lupus, rheu arthritis, and a connective tissue disease. All I knew at the time was I hurt, so I popped IB's all day.

Now I'm on plaquenil and methotrexate. They don't get rid of most of the swelling and some of the pain, but my liver has recovered somewhat.

Long story short, be careful with the NSAIDs and look for the root problem.

Our biggest problem is fatigue, but research seems to concentrate on the symptoms of dry skin, dry eyes, dry mouth.

You're right though - I've been put on one prescription after another for the last 20 years as I developed Sjogren's. I didn't realize everything went together until my GP insisted on a work-up with rheumatology!

I was diagnosed with Seronegative RA and was perscribed methotrexate and foloc acid but I started researching other options and discovered some really interesting other options. The Road Bacj foundation is an excellent place to start - premise is that antiammube diseases are caused by infections and using low dose antibiotics is another way to stop the progression of the disease. Research was done initially by a physician and many more studies have taken place since then. I opted for this path instead of the harsher DMARDS. There are doctors around the country following this proticol- not many but quite a few. Feel free to PM me if you want more info!

been dealing with carpal tunnel, the therapy for which is killing me due to fibro. was getting off lyrica, as i thought it might be part of the problem. but got so bad i went back to it.
feel much better now. pain and post exercise fatigue both much better. couple other little neuropathies that had started squeaking up are now quieting down.
hands still suck, tho.

I can get out and garden!

this calls for serious monitoring of calorie intake!