Arthritis Support Group

Hello,

I'm 34 male, I do not work, nor receive any kind of medical benefits. I have a lot of medical issues aside from arthritis, but would like to find ways to make the day to day routine more manageable.

The biggest problem I'm having lately is my hands, it's hard to hold anything, grab things, open things. I tried to read a book last night and had to give that up about soon as I started. My index fingers I can't even bend them today.

Anymore my fingers appear crocked and there very painful to the touch.

Aside from the joint pain in my fingers, I have pain basically head to toe. Very bad hip pain, and have to make sure any clothing I buy is baggy so that it doesn't cause more pain.

I know allot of friends tell me I should take Advil, or Aleeve, but I can't take meds. I have allot of allergies, sensitives, etc.. to things most normal people don't. I'm also allergic to the ingredients in most muscle rubs so those are out for me as well.

So what are some of the ways you have made your life easier, err more manageable? I would like to be able to pick a drink up and not drop it spiling it everywhere (or shattering glass where)...Also would like to find something that can hold a book so that I can read in bed again.

Post edited by: nowherenow, at: 03/19/2011 08:35 PM

Hello,

I am new as of today and I don't take meds for pain either as the dangers long term outweigh the benefits of a healthy liver, prostate and kidneys when your over 70. So my trick is to get in the water. Salt water at the ocean is best but chlorinated pool water is ok. Go to the YMCA if you have to and there are contacts that you can get there usually that can put you in touch with assistence to get in an out. Sometimes they have groups with disabilities come in on certain days. whatever works to get you in the water. Once there you can float an move all your joints with natural non weight bearing resistance. the benefits are amazing. Your body gets toned you could even get arobic if you can swim. And the pain and stiffness disappears after a few movements in the water and lasts for several hours after you get out. If you aren't doing this you need to find a way to get this into your routine. Excuses will not get you there. This realy works. I hate water and I hate swimming but if I don't do this I suffer pain and it gets worse. Nolan Ryan said you have to keep moving and since I do this I am much improved. Yes I have pain all day but it actually disappears completely when I am in the water and lasts for an hour or two afterwards before it slowly starts coming back.

I am in a wheelchair and I can do this. Hope you can find a way to also take advantage.

I cannot hold a book. I lay a thick pillow across my lap, then lay the book on it. I can keep the book open by laying my hands on the pages and turning them as needed. At night, I lie on my side, put double pillows turned sideways bside me, lay my book upon them and turn pages much as I do as on my lapd. Yes, I have to keep hand on book so it won't fall, but I am not clutching it as I once did when reading. It's the clutching of things that cause my hands to hur so badly. Works well and I didn't have to give up my love of reading.

I bought a gadget that opens any size caps or lids on jars/bottles without any strain on my hands.

After trying about every pain lotion on the market I found Vick's Salve works far better for me if I massage it into joints.

I use an electric mattress cover that has done more for the morning pain/stiffness than all meds, gadgets/tools/exercises combined. I,also, have an electric throw that is great.

The bigger round a glass/cup is, also light weight, has helped me to have a better grip.

I have a cane and walker but can rarely use these because they cause hands to flare. I has a manuel wheelchair but had to stop using it, again, becasue hands flared. Now, I have a hoveround and am extremely thankful.

When I wash dishes, which I have found is fabulous therapy for my hands, I have hot soapy water and use a dishtowel rather than dishcloth because I don't have to close my hands so tightly when wringing it out. I was amazed at the difference switching to the bigger cloth did and continues to make.

Buying shamppo/conditioner, lotions, etc...without flip tops, instead using ones I lay the heel of my palm on to pump relieved me much.

Using a distowel instead of bathcloth to bathe with helps my hands the same way as doing dishes.

Like you, my clothes are baggy and shoes are loose and easy to slip on.

Almost constantly, I am stretching and flexing my joints. I have done it so long I do it without even being aware many times.

I am sorry you are in so much pain. RA is harsh. Do you see a rheumy?

I do take pain meds and RA meds when not on hold. I have weighed the benefits and risks and for me, decided to go with them.

Everyone must follow the path they feel best suited for. I hope the suggestions you recieve will help ease your days, dear.

Gentle hugs

Thank you for the replies: in regards to seeing a Rheumatology doctor, I do not, I do not see any kind of doctors. I have other medical issues, do not work, nor receive any kind of benefits or assistance.

Aside from the Arthritis, I suffer from chemical sensitivity, so I have to avoid a lot of things. Numerous food allergies, and basically live on chicken, rice, water, and hot tea. Chronic fatigue, ashtma, light and sun sensitivities..just to name a few of the other challenges.

I try to get out and walk or at least sit at the ocean, but have to go out at dusk or on very overcast days, because of the sun.

I surely understand sensitivity to meds. I am now allergic to all oral antibiotics and must use vey strong antibiotic injections for simple things like UTIs. Oh, how I wish I could take penicillin and others.I am allergic to codiene, as well.

Being allergic to the antibiotics has made me a "complicated" patient concerning treatments for any infections. Sigh...

Do you know what caused all these sensitivities? Are you able to take meds for your other health issues?

Hoping you have a good day.

Hugs