I called this morning to make an appointment with my rheumatologist and the only opening they have is in about 2 weeks. In the mean time I need some ideas of what I can do to help manage the pain. Do hot/cold compresses work? any over the counter meds you recommend over others? Any exercises that might help loosen my joints?
I've got to be able to take care of my 2 little boys until my appointment. I'm secretly hoping that the certo gelatin I'm taking will kick in by then and I won't have to go in, but I'm also trying to be realistic and plan for being put on some meds.
Thanks!!
Ibuprofen or naproxen, along with tylenol. You might want to call your GP and ask how much ibuprofen or naproxen he/she feels is safe for you to take in a day (don't take them both together!). If it bothers your stomach, use Prilosec OTC or an H2 inhibitor (Pepcid AC, Tagamet, etc). I have had limited success with capscaicin cream or Icy Hot, but you definitely don't want those all over you when you're handling infants and small children! Cold packs always help relieve the pain for me, and warmth helps loosen things up a bit. My freezer is always stocked, and I have a few different heating pads as well. My favorite heating pad is the one I have for neck/shoulders. It's almost like a scarf, and it allows you to control the temperature in 2-decree increments. And you don't have to just use it on your neck.
Hot always helps me more than cold. I'm a big icy hot fan. Also took a lot of hot showers when the pain was bad. Would sometimes just stand in front of the sink and run hot water over aching wrists and hands. Range of Motion exercises help- I forget where I found them illustrated but if you type it into your browser I'm sure you'll find something. Hope you feel better soon. Are you drinking the certo with grape juice?Thanks, I think I'll look up the range of motion stuff. I hadn't thought of a heating pad, I'm going to go pick one up later when my husband gets home (I can't drive right now), and I am taking the certo with grape juice, I'm hoping it'll take some of the edge off. I know someone who has arthritis and swears my the certo.
thanks for the ideas!
I know someone who swears by it too. I couldn't tolerate it- it gave me bad belly aches. Hope it helps for you.
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