Hi there, My pain was crippling to,and my dr prescribed patches to top up the tabs I was taking. Patches were slow release Buprenorphine. One patch lasted a week. I used these for 5mnths then slowly I was able to decrease the strength of patch, and now I am just on 3 tabs a day for pain. I hope this helps, as some days its just too much.

I understand what you are speaking about. Remember everyone is different, and no answer will fit all. I am battling now, my Dr gave me Tramadol (pain med). Provided provided minimum effect. I switched back to Tylenol which works better. I have switched to a new med and waiting for it to kick in.
Can it be the meds you are on no are not working anymore?
Do not jump from Dr to Dr, unless the Dr is a real jerk. In my case it took over a year to find a drug that would work, and I have gone thru many drugs. I am on Tremfya now, and it seems to be working. Good luck, I wish you well.

One of my fallback strategies is to use capsaicin cream - applied very very carefully with gloves….
I’ve been using Zostrix, on line or over the counter, 0.75% strength, evidently to lower the cost you can get a doctors’ prescription.
I’ve been using for ~ 6 years to give me some semblance of quality of life whilst suffering from PsA.
Hope this helps…

Steroids are a good emergency drug. The effect if fast, and you feel great. However must be used with caution. Sounds like you are aware. Feel better.😃

Thanks everyone for your help! Went to urgent care and received steroid shot and dose pack. I’ll visit with my Rheumatologist next week. Still in pain but manageable. I’m going on my 4th med in 3 years. Hx of cancer limits what I can take.