Just found this forum, and hope to find some support, and maybe humor, to help me deal with my RA. Diagnosed two years ago, although I had it well before that, but hate going to doctors so much that I waited until the pain was unbearable. Once I got on Enbrel, my life changed dramatically. But recently having trouble with my hands, which is really sad, since your hands are so much a part of your daily life. Anyone to commiserate with me?
Welcome Tee!
My main complaint has always been my hands as well. They remind me every morning that I have RA when I lift the covers off and I say ouch. They have stiffness and sometimes a mind of their own- throwing things instead of picking things up etc..
Thx for the welcome, wanttobe. I used to do so many hobbies (sewing, rug hooking, knitting, you name it), but for the last few months, my right hand hurts so badly whenever I try to use it. I hate the thought that I have to permanently give up so much of what I enjoy (although I guess giving up the housework wouldn't be that bad...). Guess I'm just worried that it will get worse and worse...and I'm only 53 (which used to sound so old, until you get there).
Welcome Tee.
I totally know what you mean about losing the things you love to do. I'm an artist, mostly water colors and my hands are ALWAYS a pain point for me. I'm 31 but feel much much older. Keep posting here, I think you will really find a lot of great advice and support. welcome, Tee.
um idk what else to say, but hi
Hi Tee...welcome!
Just popped in to say a welcome and hope all will mend.
Have not tried nabumetone - the naproxen works well with the inflammation, but the stomach issues were really bothersome, so my rheumy has me taking omeprazole with it - I hate having to add more meds to take, but you gotta do what you gotta do. I'll ask her about nabumetone at my next appointment. I tried getting in to see her earlier, but she's so booked up - maybe I wasn't demanding enough. I figure I can wait two weeks, but that's probably
all I can wait. I've been avoiding doing anything with my right hand (as much as possible, anyway), but what a boringway to spend your day. And I end up feeling so sorry for myself, which I hate. Maybe this forum will help me out.
Hello, welcome, and best wishes for a speedy resolution to the problem with your hand.
I have found great support, care, consideration, and friendship in the time I have been a member of this discussion forum. I dare say that many of us, if not most of us, understand about feeling sorry for ourselves. Recently I came across and older post by JasmineRain that suggested that for every pity party we indulged in we then spend a day pondering and celebrating other aspects of our lives. I have found her suggestion to be a marvelous lift out of the self-pity pit.
I look forward to getting to know you. Cheers, Shug
Thx so much for the kind words and support, Shug. Seems like the mental aspect of this disease is such a large part of the battle. Pity parties definitely have their place, but you certainly can't live your life that way. Good to know that people on this forum are willing to help you out when you need it.
Welcome Tee!
I have the hand problem as well. They are how I make my living and somedays they just refuse to go into work! I take prenisone for the inflamation and swelling-some days it works other days it don't.
One of the most important things I will ever in my life learn came from having RA. I am at a different speed in my life-slow. The waiting to get in to your doctor or to hear from them, the length of time it takes for our meds to work and the time it takes to get my body going. Somedays are not as bleak as others but we all are trying to adjust.
Does your doctor offer communication through email? Mine does and it is so wonderful. I have never had to wait on a phone call or my messages going through a third person. All of my meds are faxed and I get a reciept through the email and they (all the messages) become part of my records.
Come here often and ask questions-there is never a dumb one concerning RA or your meds. There are so many smart people that have really great answers-I know because they have helped me so much.
Sending warm hugs of welcome your way.
Welcome to the board, tee!Thx again, all. After reading thru many of the postings here, I realize that I'm really lucky, because my RA could be so much worse. I really like my rheumy, but she's the only game in town, and is so busy. And her office staff leaves a little to be desired, if you know what I mean. No email, though - she's an old-time (and older) doctor, so everything's done by phone, etc. My appointment's in two weeks, so I'll hold out till then. But I'm concerned that I'm going to lose total use of my hands, especially the right one, without surgery or something. I've tried everything, and I can relieve the pain for short periods, but I can't get the flexibility back. And that scares me a little.
Hello, Tee! Welcome to the group. :)
Is it your wrist that is bothering you or your fingers? I recently got a cortisone injection in my wrist which helped some. (The one I received previously did nothing, however.) You might ask your RD about one. It doesn't provide instant relief and there are side effects, so make sure you are well-informed. Maybe you could call the office and ask you to put you on the list for any cancellations? It might be worth the try so you can get in sooner. I hope things get better for you quickly and you're able to find relief and get back to doing the things you love!
Sending another welcome Tee. You will get lots of friendly help here, so hang in there.
Hi CO_Mel, and thx for the welcome. It's both my wrist and fingers. Three fingers and my thumb don't want to bend much, and my wrist is swelling enough to cause horrible carpal tunnel symptoms - I wake up several times a night because my hand is tingling, or burning, or something. I've never had a cortisone injection - what are the side effects? And I assume that's it's only temporary relief? I called my doctor's office last week about being on the cancellation list, but they're not optimistic...so I wait. If I ever get some kind of solution to this right-hand problem, I'm going to have so many things to catch up on, things I haven't been able to do for awhile.
Hi Tee and welcome from Australia !!
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