First of all bless you for being a support to your extended family member. She needs a lot of support. When I was having my last PA flare I literally couldn't stand. My hip joint would not support any weight. At the hospital no pain medication helped and for two days they would rotate through several very strong IV meds with no good result. So, for 49 straight hours all I could do was lie there and cry nonstop. Finally, a breakthrough came when one doctor insisted that ibuprofen was needed. For the next 24 days it was put through the IV nonstop even though I wasn't supposed to have it due to ckd. The ibuprofen broke through the intense pain. The PA will never be cured by hopefully no more flares will be that intense. So, I say that to say, hang in there because your family member truly needs you even if she doesn't respond quickly. Sometimes just getting through a single day is an immense trial. Stay the course and thank you again for being a true support for her.

The afflicted individual soldiers through a sea of pain. This affects their chosen occupation. My daughter has taken up studies that won't require her to be always standing. Her condition is chronic, unfortunately.

Yes the pain can be extreme! This is so severe that my daughter cannot even speak. Call your friend and ask her if she'd like you to make her a cup of tea or just watch a movie together. She will appreciate the understanding. They are in pain but still lonely!