Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Hi Bistro, I hope this goes as fast as it appeared. About a month prior to having my first real signs of full-blown RA I had dropsy. Things just seemed to slip through my hands and I found myself getting a bit worried and frustrated by it, but I couldn't pinpoint why.

The dropsy did disappear and I'm still no wiser to the cause really, but as RA can affect the brain, spine and nerves, I figure it related to some inflammation in one of those areas. How are the hands, are they stiff or sore? Just curious too and would also like to hear other members perspectives.

I don't blame you for not liking it.

Bistro, some days I'm like this as well - it's like I can't keep my grasp on things and they slip out of my fingers. I've been like this for years, after my MVA it was mostly my left hand (I injured my left shoulder in the accident) but now it is both. I don't have any insight on why it happens but I'm with you - I don't like it! ~ Kim:)

Bistro, I'm glad to know I am not the only one. From camera's to cell phones I cannot seem to keep stuff in my hands. My wife has noticed it. Dropping stuff in the kitchen and having to clean it up lately has made me slow down some.

Interesting. I have had some pain in my left wrist for the past couple of weeks, but I couldn't say if was RA flare, or just from over-using it (truck work and such). So, yes MsCowgirl, there has been some stiffness and soreness.

Keimore, I was ina car wreck four months ago, I wonder if there's a connection. I think it's been happening and I've been ignoring it till the past few days when it really is getting bad. sux

Thanks.

Bistro: they originally felt that the weakness in my left hand was just a result of the shoulder injury and me not using my left arm/hand as much (due to pain in my shoulder). My MRI showed definite soft tissue damage from the accident, and I ended up having 2 shoulder surgeries, one about 8 months after my accident, and the second one just over 2 years after the accident. I also had an EMG where they check the nerve impulses - I don't remember the details but I think the ulnar nerve had some problems. You might want to get in to see an orthopod and get things checked out. As for the EMG, it's a neurologist who does that type of testing but here in Ontario (Canada) we have to have a referral for this.

I know, you're thinking "Not more docs" but if you do have an injury and you leave it too long then you'll have even more pain and problems to deal with!

Gentle hugs ~ Kim:)

I drop things, too. It was worse when I was first diagnosed - it seems a bit better now, but I'm also much more careful (both hands when pouring milk, etc.)

- Tort

I get this too. I think it is when I have stiffness in my hands. It's not particularly pronounced but after dropping things if I clench and unclench my hands I notice they are stiff. Not only do I drop things but knock things over and sometimes when I try to pick something up I throw it across the room instead. LOL

This was one the symptoms that led me to the doctor, who later diagnosed me with RA.

Hi Bistro!

My understanding is that it is just another side effect of RA.

I too have trouble holding onto things.

When I am having problems with my hands, my doctor has often asked me if I am dropping things, so i am afraid it goes with the disease!

I hope it gets better for you!

Bistro, It was my first symptom of RA almost 3 years before I was diagnosed. They tested me for everything from carpal tunnel to parkinsons and it was all negative. Finally with the RA treatment the dropsy went away for a while. but it re-surfaces without warning.

Like Tort I use 2 hands for almost anything I don't want to drop, plates, glasses, camera and kids. Even then it's iffy if it is heavy.

My warning sign (when I have one) is usually a slight increase in the stiffness/pain of the affected wrist about a day prior to dropping stuff. Usually my right, but I think I notice it more in the Right because I am right handed.

Be careful with the son anything else can be replaced.