Arthritis Help??

[SusanL]

I went to my Rheumotologist (sp?) yesterday, in addition to the arthritis in my ankle (which he injected), he informed me that I am not taking care of my hands :( I know that I have arthritis in my knuckles and they hurt all of the time, but it is so difficult to not use once's hands or foot... I felt like a small child being admonished, as I weave baskets, throw pottery, garden, run (all my passions)! Besides taking Chondroiton Glucosamine (sp?), Vioxx, parafin bath (which I am to use on a day to day basis- but not when you have an open cut on your hand, which happen often from weaving reeds) do you have any other suggestions? I am so frustrated with my hands and foot!! Plus, I have started to gain weight because of not running, walking is out for now also until the swelling goes down.
TIA
(Sorry to whine but I am really frustrated!)

[Little Bit]

I don't know for certain that I have arthritis, but I worked at a library for a while and began to have some discomfort with my joints from shelving and handling all those books. (The libraries I worked at had a HUGE turnover, plus I was involved in helping get books for a new branch catalogued. I'd go home at night and dream of shelving books!)

I find that if I make an effort to notice what I'm doing with my hands that I have less discomfort. That is to say, I noticed that I had more discomfort if I tossed around the heavy pots and pans in the kitchen and my (favorite, colorful) Pyrex bowls for mixing, and my hands would bother me more. I had to train myself to handle heavy stuff more carefully, slowly and gently so that my joints wouldn't pay the price. I still use the same equipment, I just handle it more carefully, for my hands' sake. :)

It took a while to learn how to move things more mindfully with my hands, but my joints seem grateful. I even started crocheting again, once things improved.

Admittedly, I don't have joint problems severe enough to require medical attention or anything, but every little bit helps, right?? Hope this helps.

[SusanL]

I appreciate your ideas, I try hard be careful with my hands, and I guess that I am not as careful as I should be. I made only three baskets this weekend instead of really going to town and making more. Also started asking DH to get heavy things for me as well.
Glad to hear you are crocheting, I started making baskets because I was told that it would keep my hands moving and it would be theraputic, it isn't. But it is addicting!!:)
Has anyone heard of the raisin and rum recipe? I am looking for it to try.

[Vanessa]

Hi Tia. Sorry to hear about the arthritis. My mom due to injury has osteoarthritis on her ankle which is VERY painful. She just got injected. She was taking Celebrex 7 months and had to stop. The effects were awful on her stomach. She takes the glucosamine and will be starting physical therapy again.
Please be aware of Vioxx and CElebrex effects on your stomach. Many people I know have gotten quite sick . Mom could not eat for a while and now has to be careful avoiding anything that has spice, etc.
My suggestion to you about your condition is to check the arthritis foundation and keep up with new medical information.

[SusanL]

Vanessa, Thank you for the info on Vioxx and Celebrex! Fortunately, my Rheumotologist (I can never spell that correctly!) doesn't have me on Vioxx daily. I take it for severe pain management and then stop. He is concerned about my stomach, so I take it when my hands, now ankle really flare up!!

Otherwise, I am learning to live with the pain. The parafin bath really works, when I can use it. I am going to try using it every day, optimum benefits when daily! Perhaps your mom could use it for her ankle. Once the injection site is clear, I am going to try my ankle in the parafin.

I keep thinking that I am too young to be going through this but my mom had the same problems at my age. Somehow, I keep thinking that there is something I can do to make this go away, but I realize that I just need to be more careful with my hands...
Thanks again!!

[hlao23]

I can't swear that I'm remembering this correctly but on The People's Pharmacy (NPR) a while back they talked about relieving arthritis pain using Gin and raisins.

You cover the raisins with Gin (just barely) and let them soak up all the liquid. Keep them in a sealed container. I believe that the "dose" is 11 of those raisins per day. The show said that many people swear by it.

They have a website (I don't know the address) in case you'd like to check on it or ask them your question. I think it also may be addressed in one of their books. The show's hosts are Joe and Terry Graedon (sp?).

If you decide to try it please remember to check with your doctor first in case there could be some interactions.

[sal]

My sister has similar problems with arthritis in the same areas. During her "remission" periods she utilizes a stationary bike for exercise. Perhaps this might be an option for you. I wish you the best in coping with your pain. My father has had problems with arthritis my entire life, and at age 77 he is really suffering (there are other factors involved, too), so I can empathize with your difficulties. sally

[Rose Ann]

I too am plagued with RH
My Dr is putting me on Enbrel, I should get my first prescription of it this week, I am currently taking Ariva and it is doing nothing but upset my whole system. The methotrexate worked great but that can cause other problems too.
I cannot wait till this swelling goes away and I can get back to the strength and cardi exercise. I like the parafin I will use that more often now too.

[Little Bit]

AAK! I forgot to check this board for a few days! Sorry about that!

I hope things improve for you, hang in there. :)

I've been trying to think of other things I do to keep from having trouble, but other than the usual 'paying more attention to what I'm actually doing with my hands,' I can't really think. (Well, not working at the library anymore seems to have done a world of good, LOL!)