Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Being new to this RA @#$%^!! I was just wondering if anyone has any advice or tips to dealing with the pain and all associated with RA.

Thanks in advance *hugs*

Matt, I find that when I'm really sore and stiff that an electric throw ( smaller than an electric blanket for the bed) is a great thing, because heat relieves it for me. Or if cold works for you, maybe some "hot water bottles" that you could fill with ice instead. Showers or baths help too.

Find something you can do while you rest that you like.. reading, your favorite movies, etc..

For the exhaustion, I find that I just try not to do as much anymore. Often times it just plain stinks, but I've learned in a relatively short time to accept it. My house isn't as clean as it used to be, but its no pig sty either... Sometimes I just have to sit down and fall asleep for a quick nap on the sofa. It doesn't matter what time it is, because as you know the exhaustion hits you any time it feels like it.

Being on here is wonderful for me too, because it gives me a chance to tell others how Im feeling who will actually understand ..and less that I have to burden my not-very-understanding family with.

I don't think there's a formula for dealing with it, it's just whatever works best for each of us. You'll find things that work, and things that don't. For me, it's been trial and error.

This probably didn't give you much useful advice, but maybe it will put your mind at ease that we all feel what you do.

Be good to yourself...

karen

Heat is my best friend. I keep a heating pad on nearly constantly. I have an electric lap blanket and electic blankets on both beds. But the best thing, and I mean best thing, I have found for the bed is an electic mattress warmer. It has made my mornings much better.

Sometimes I have to throw outer cover off me because I will get so warm. I imagine the reason it works so well is because there is constant heat throughout the night on my full body and my weight is helping to absorb it. Thus keeping joints from stiffening up so much while I am still for hours. In turn helping with the pain. Of course, I do toss and turn so heat is getting everywhere.

I also have a one room heater in "my room" and I will go in there and turn it wide open. This way it does not interfere with making my family hot. When I have to do it they will stay in my room for only minutes because it is miserable to them. To me, it is heavenly.

I have "set times". And try to stick with them. For instance if I am able to go out for dinner or whatever, I time it for 2 hours. This includes ride to and back. If I do housework (which is limited) I do 15 mins and rest for 45-60 mins. Takes alot longer but I still receive the same end result.

If I am exhausted, I go with it and rest.

If I am in a flare I use splints, braces, and try to keep "the flared part" still.

No longer do I wait for pain level to reach a 7-9 before taking pain meds. I take them when pain level exceeds a 3. It works much better to take them before excruiating pain. My pain meds only drop my level a few points. Example: level 9 drops to level 7. Level 5 drops to level 3. Usually I always have a level 3. But that I have learned to live with. Whereas level 6-7 is hard.

I use pain lotions. Again, I must use it before pain level is high.

AS kv said, what works for one will be found through trial and error. You will find your things to deal with RA. All here will be happy to assist you along the way.

Hugs friend

A

I go for all of the above, plus compresion with 3M Coban (self-adherent wrap).

Guys, my body is suffering all the consequences from all the craziness. I'm having really bad ribcage and chest bone pain. I only get it when i really went too far. Of course i regret ZERO!!!! i would do all i did again, no doubt!!!

But i've been writing a lot in the laptop and it is making things really really worse. I need to stay away from it for a while. So i'll go silent again for a while. Sorry!!! But you know i'll be back. I just need full rest

Hi Matt

I too use heat for my pain, but when my body is throbbing and I can't get any rest, I use pain meds, that take the edge off the pain and lets me sleep. I know it is difficult and frustrating to try to get through the day (and night)...because we are faced with our regular everyday pain, and then there is the flaring pain...You might want to discuss the pain issue with your doc....I was actually going to research a pain management doctor... at least I will go for the consultation and see what this type of doc..suggests..unfortunately, there are no easy answers for us here...we have to go by trial and error, and when we find something that works...it is almost like a miracle....but, when something we try doesnt work, it is a big let down...hopefully, you will find a way to at least get temporary relief from your pain...sorry it has been so tuff.....hope your pain lessens and your days get better..

Well I've learned with me when it's really bad everything needs to stop. Heat, rest, meds, patience, and time. Learning to stop is hard but if I don't it just makes me worse. With MCTD and RA, when the joints flare so do the muscles and the neck. The fatigue gets so bad it's impossible to get anything done anyway. What works for each person is different but while flaring especially with swelling stress on the joints is not a good thing.

MattyMatt, Hope today is a better day...I'm thinking about you. I end up just going to bed or taking a nap when I'm so sore or tired. Its a big change. I'm still lucky I can sleep through the pain. I thing it is because I'm sooooooo tired. Take Care, Molly (Kim)

Hi...I have been in Corpus Christi for a week....at a beach house my

husband's work rented until they get a permanent plant manager...It

was my hubby's turn to work down there (Corpus Christi, TX)...we

found the water so relaxing to look at....and Ted fished off the deck.

REST, RELAXATION, SLEEP, where ever you can find it....is the key to

better living. I realize that I can no longer stand up to the stress

of daily living (at 60)...I hope all of you younger people realize

the sacrifices you will have to make to get to the top of the hill

with me.....take it easy.....and MATTTTTT....acupuncture and massage

are great if you can pay for it....insurance won't....so maybe I will

try physical therapy....they DO pay for that.

One of the biggest reasons we do not handle stress well...other than

the obvious.....we are gentle, sensitive, emotional, caring, and

intelligent people.........hey...KVNJ...see how much of this RA/FIBRO

stuff they have in professions that do not require the above

attributes.....Frayed Nervous System signing off...

Kat

Post edited by: Cyrusray, at: 05/26/2009 10:40 AM

Kathy, you bring up a lot of good points. Stress does take a tremendous toll on us, and it does seem to effect those who are more sensitive and caring more strongly. I bet that not a lot of house builders react this way to stress... they get to hammer and whack at things all day!! lol

It sounds like you and the hubby enjoyed a little piece of heaven while you were in Tx. Hopefully it wasn't too hot there yet. R & R is the key to good health I believe, but unfortunately in today's world it seems we can't get enough of it between work and family responsibilities. We need to find balance somehow, or we'll just become more sick.

Welcome back and glad to hear from you!

karen

Stress always shows up through what i call "my weakest point". Whatever is the weaker link of the chain will get worse. And ALWAYS when i have a lot of work, my costochondritis hits back. This time i had SO much going on (finals, fairwells, galas, packing, moving) i just haven't been able to get rid of it. I can't do more than 10 mins of PC without getting it really bad. I just will have to completely STOP pc use which has made me realize it is really difficult for me. I'm addicted!