Disclaimer

Although we take care to ensure accuracy, Macmillan Cancer Support does not accept liability for the information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert or for any errors or omissions in them, or for third-party information or services such as other websites we may link to. The information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert are for information purposes only and are not intended to be legal, financial or medical advice or opinions. If you need more details on your rights, please contact a financial, legal or other appropriate adviser.

We recommend that you consult your doctor if you are concerned about your health. Any You should not rely on any information and materials provided or referenced in Ask an Expert including by our Experts as they are not a replacement for advice, diagnosis or treatment from your medical team, and our Experts cannot provide a second opinion to that of your medical team.

Your question can be read by others – so please don't post your contact details or any other information that could personally identify you. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Community Guidelines for more details.

Possible medications for multiple disorders

Woodendjwc
  • 1 reply
  • 43 subscribers
  • 346 views

Hi,  I’ve had  Rhumatoid Arthritis since 1995, have acquired Attria Fibrillation and back end of 2020 was diagnosed with bladder cancer, had to stop RA meds immediately and have only had pain killers since and Prednisalone recently  have had 2 bouts of BCG and 1 of Mitomiacyn C and another bout of the latter shortly as a little is still there.  I also have a spinal problem, had decompression surgery already which affects my walking or standing and my pain killers are mainly for the pain in my back but of cause it helps with the RA. Do you know of any type of RA medication that could be offered to me that would be compatible with my complication of having more than one problem as my RA is worse than it has ever been.  Your guidance or help would be appreciated

Regards,  Woodendjwc.

  • Hello Woodendjwc

    Thank you for getting in touch with us. My name is Debbie and I am one of the Macmillan information nurses. I am so sorry to read that your bladder cancer treatment seems to be making your rheumatoid arthritis worse. I can understand that this must make life very difficult and uncomfortable for you.

    Unfortunately, as nurses we are not able to give advice about which medicines might help you. But either your bladder cancer doctor or your arthritis doctor would be able to advise you about this. Your doctors have all your medical details and can also consult with pharmacists in the hospital. Then they can advise on the best combination of medicines for you, in view of your multiple conditions.

    If your doctors are not sure of the best way to help you, they could refer you to a local pain team. Pain teams are used to sorting out complex pain problems and would be in a good position to find the best combination of medicines and other therapies for your needs. Your hospital doctors or GP could also refer you to a local palliative care team. These teams give specialist information and supportive care, including symptom control, advice on medicines and other therapies, and help with emotional and spiritual support. The team involves specialist nurses and doctors, pharmacists, social workers, and psychological support staff.

    There is information about ways of controlling pain on the NHS website with details of other organisations that can give advice on controlling chronic pain. I realise that some of the information about exercise might not be possible for you to follow.

    I hope that this information is useful and helps you to get the support that you need.

    With best wishes

    DebbieC

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

     

    Ref/ JL

Help us do whatever it takes, because we’ve never been needed more.

© Macmillan Cancer Support 2025 © Macmillan Cancer Support, registered charity in England and Wales (261017), Scotland (SC039907) and the Isle of Man (604). Also operating in Northern Ireland. A company limited by guarantee, registered in England and Wales company number 2400969. Isle of Man company number 4694F. Registered office: 3rd Floor, Bronze Building, The Forge, 105 Sumner Street, London, SE1 9HZ. VAT no: 668265007