Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group

Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...

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could this be a breakthrough?

tinaunger50
tinaunger50
well here it is...I never really thought a day like this would come. you know how we wonder if others knew our pain for one day? maybe they wouldnt look at us like complainers? my husband has a cianatic nerve hurting over last day or so. Ipersonally dont know how that pain is but everything hes explaining sounds similier to what my pain is like. only his is in a localized area around the but and hip. the noises he makes to move at all is piercing through the whole house. Im of course catering to him and making him as comfortable as I can. but what a grouch!! I told him I know how he feels with the kind of pain hes experiencing and he dont believe the swelling and inflammation that one cant see could hurt so much for me. why cant he just appreciate the love and support and maybe when Im experiencing pain, just understand and support me. hopefully he gets some understanding about this and of course gets better soon. especially since he dont do well with pain. has anyone else had this nerve problem? is it the same inflammation?
sharonouch
sharonouch
I have had sciatic pain from degenerative disc disease, 2 herniated,2ruptured discs. I've had it a few times. The good thing is after physical therapy and meds it ended. That's the difference, RA doesn't end. It is painful and sitting for me was awful..hard when I sit for my job.
It is hard when family doesn't get it. You can't change him but you can tell him you would appreciate his understanding and support. He may not give it but at least you let him know. Hugs
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have had sciatic pain for years, kinda comes and goes, except this time there IS a problem in my back, so I may be stuck with it for a while. Tell your hubby, yes it does hurt as much, and ask him if he can see where he hurts?
Angelpuss
Angelpuss
Tina, I have had sciatica pain a few times and years and years before RA diagnosis.Yes it does hurt very much and makes it difficult to move and change position. However, it will improve fairly quickly with resting, a hot pack, ordinary pain tablets, Physio and something like Voltarin Gel. It's usual cause is a pinched Sciatica nerve
Perhaps now is a good time for him to realise the pain RA causes you. His will go away - your's doesn't. Hopefully he will start to understand this and give you the same support when you need it.
I think my husband has learnt a lot from coming with me to Rheumy's visits but he is retired and able to do so.
Hugs
shaferj
shaferj
I know I always feel like I'm a complainer. I try to not say so much to my husband, because I think he doesn't know how I feel. That's why I like this website! But along with RA I have had back problems for years. So I know what that feels like too. But yes his problem should go away with ice and rest.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I don't think you really can train most husbands. After 14 years of RA, mine still does not get it. Since I crashed my bike, the first days I could not walk and he had to wait on me. He was bitter and resentful.

I reminded him of the 6 weeks I waited on him hand and foot after he broke his leg, falling off the roof. I think he is somewhat lacking in compassion. He didn't get it. Still, he has other good qualities, like his ability to fix broken cars, furnaces etc. LOL
altoclef
altoclef
A doctor (male) once told me in front of my husband that grown men are way, way worse than your average six-year-old when something hurts. Having experience with both a husband and six-year-olds, I think he was right.
deleted_user
deleted_user
I have slipped disc and small break in my lower back so I understand back problems but eventually you can get it comfortable and positioned so the pain is much better but with ra pain no position makes it better and it is everywhere and constant so I think maybe you should have him read some of these posts and maybe he will start to understand what its like for you hang in there and good luck