That burning sensation... | Arthritis Information

...where you can just imagine that damage is being done. Let me preface this by saying I have it MUCH easier than almost everyone here, but today is rough. I have luckily been getting back in shape on the treadmill, and my ankle/knees/hips have been treating me alright. But I have been trying to pump my arms, pretend to lift weights (with no weight) and boy that was a mistake.

My wrist is just burning and starting to show red again and using my mouse really hurts--I need to move it to the left side. The pain radiates up my arm. Then my shoulder is getting more and more bum (especially at night) and that pain radiates down my arm. The pain isn't so bad that I can't work through it but it's not fun.

The test for me is whether I can easily turn the keys in the ignition, and I have been failing that test lately. I kick myself for not asking my doctor to go ahead and add Plaq, because I feel like that's where this is heading. I do have more energy on some days, but my wrist is unchanged on the MTX. I have until the end of July for it to do something or else my RD is going to try something different. I think I am going to push for an x-ray or something because I want to know whether or not damage is being done.

My wrists are my real problem area too. I don't get any radiating pain though. If you aren't feeling as good as you want to- nothing wrong with asking the doctor for a change or an addition.

I hope things work out for you. I have pain in my right elbow and hand but am able to start the car. I wonder if there are differences in ignitions starting.

Jan

I get that radiating pain too in my left arm/hand. It feels like it is literally on fire. Can you believe I forgot to mention it at my last appt. ? I always take a list and this time I didn't. That won't happen again!Katie G,

You could call Rheumy and have them phone it in. And if you have lots of money you could buy a new car with a keyless ignition. All of us cripples have piles of money lying around.Thanks everyone! I talked with him about it at my last visit, and he said he didn't think it would help if MTX wasn't. I don't know. I'm about to switch jobs and insurance so that's a whole other story; I don't really want to start anything new just right now.

I'm sort of upset b/c I went to get my labs today. In the past, my official dx has always been listed as "monoarthritis" "inflammatory arthritis" or "polyarthritis". But never RA. Well today, right before I switch jobs, I get the old "RA" written on my sheet. By a nurse of course but I've got to take some time to figure out how all of this will shake out. I'm going to call the benefits coordinator soon. I just looked and I think I'm okay in my state, that my continuous coverage on my current plan will keep me from having a waiting period for existing conditions...

Oh, I just turn the ignition with my left hand. Thank god that hand is not affected as badly!

KatieG2008-07-01 11:52:23

RAJay-

I have a small used car. Small cars may be easier. Don't know. I find it helpful to look at every option. That's my opinion. We all have our own.

Best wishes to you.

Jan