Flare up

Boy I wish I could help you on the hand problem.  I have it in only one knuckle right now and I know  it is hurting you, especially if it is in your whole hands, something we use constantly.  I have no answers for hand exercises except what I do which is just making fists.  That's what I do starting first thing in the morning and I do it all day long.

I was just on another string about the same issue. I luv a hand and foot spa.. I melt wax scented with lavender essential oils then put my hand in the warm wax for several coatings same for feet.

then once wax cools remove wax and return it to the spa warming container.then I plung my hands / feet in ice water quickly remove . Really removes the pain and swelling. 

I also take antiinflammatories... 

 

Hi Jennifer

i think you need to discuss things with your consultant urgently. In normal RA the newer disease modifying drugs including methotrexate , see NRAS web site for information on all available in the UK, Normally halt the progression and prevent major deformity, though flare ups may still occur and doses need changing. My mother developed RA before these drugs became available so has very deformed fingers wrists and feet though since starting methotrexate about 20 years ago has had no further deformity. Most people developing conventional RA today if picked up early can normally prevent this deformity , though it does mean a life on these drugs to prevent the disease attacking joints. You sound if things are currently active and treatment options need discussing with you by your consultant to prevent further joint problems occuring.

I thought I'd add my 2 pennies worth. I am now 50 and was diagnosed with RA over 20 years ago. I have been on methotrexate for at least 12 years now, only 7.5mg and I’d say it was a God send as it has certainly slowed down my RA progression hugely. Without it I think I’d be in a wheel chair and out of work. I also agree with a lot of comments on this website, frustration is one of the greatest battles and ironically a kind of friend. If you’re like me I did not want to take RA lying down, so I used my anger frustration and tears against the disease.

My hands were the first thing affected and also my feet but I still try and do things as best I can. No running for me, just a slow walk.

The most difficult thing I found was asking for help for simple tasks like opening a screw cap bottle. I have learnt that pride is often a bigger barrier to moving forward than the disease. I’ve learnt to admit to my problem and friends and family now almost automatically open things for me without being asked.

My feet have caused me the most problem and I’ve had surgery which helped a lot. I’m no longer the sport fiend I used to be but I continue to try my hand at things I can do. Swimming is always the best. One thing that really does help is a massage, not only is it an indulgence (non fattening) but I find it therapeutic as it takes the tension out of my muscles and tendons.

It takes time to adjust, and I’m not talking weeks. You need to mentally adjust as much as physically. Slowing down is frustrating but like all things it brings opportunities. Where, before I might have rushed off on a sporty holiday, I now I take my camera and photograph plants and animals.

I personally think we RA sufferers are a stoic lot. We get very little coverage and probably are a bit modest as we normally mumble things like “it could be worse and life threatening like cancer” or “at least it’s not MS”. So as others have said winge and whine away, maybe we all should complain a bit more about things that have a major impact on us and would take so little to change. I think especially with an aging population RA is going to effect more people.

As far as I’m concerned I have a small soap box of things that might help the likes of us -packaging especially child safe – I don’t know about you but I can never open them and round door knobs – no grip. I find “good grip” products help.

So much as things have changed from what I anticipated over the years life has not been too bad. I still work, drive and play hard and may be carrying a bit of extra weight but most days are good and on the bad days I always think it is a good excuse to be grumpy, and friends forgive me more easily!