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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redpoppy 09/07/2011

I have to drive a lot for work. In the past year, I have noticed I can only go for an hour before I am seized with pain to my driving leg from the hip to the ankle. By the time I get to a client's house I am in agony (This is the same when sitting in an airplane for over an hour). I am waiting for my methorexate to kick in-started towo weeks ago-any tips on how to make the drive easier and less stressful on the joints? I am now in my jammies and took break through pills for pain, but it still hurts and I still have to keep on driving........................thanks

deleted_user 09/07/2011

Do you have any pain pills you can take, Redpoppy? I hve the same issue riding in a car. I can do an hour, but that makes me stiff and sore. I am going to KC with my husband tomorrow morning. That is a three hour drive there and three hours back. I don't know how I will do. I do know since the MTX has started to work, I am better than I was. My husband will drive tomorrow, so I can tip the seat back and stretch out my legs, which helps a lot. I am so sorry that I don't have any suggestions for making it better. But I do know what you are talking about. Maybe someone else will have some good suggestions.

Blessings,
V

deleted_user 09/07/2011

I bought a cushion made of microfoam for the driver's seat. This helps support my pelvis during my commute which helps with unecessary shifting in the seat. Car seats are horrible on posture. I make sure that my seat is close enough for my feet to reach the pedals comfortably and my arms are not overly stretched. I always wear my seatbelt. I keep my left foot flat on the floorboard in good body alignment.

You wouldn't think these few things would help, but they do. I have cried getting into my jeep getting ready for another day of commuting. I just got back from a seminar 2 1/2 hours from home last week and I made sure I left in plenty of time as not to have to rush and at the 1 hour mark, I stopped, got out at a quick stop and walked around a bit and got something to drink to stay well hydrated. I also took my ibuprofen and that helped combat stiffness.

When all else fails, I pop in a christian CD and sing along as loud as I can!

redpoppy 09/08/2011

Thank you V and Chelly. I have cried too before I had to get in my car. Its overwhelming. Yesterday I called my son in the house while I sat in the driveway as I could no longer get out on my own when I got home.

I will try the seat cushion and I already practiced better body alignment today to train myself to do this when I drive. Thanks for the tips. I will try them all, including the CD to take my mind off of the pain.

Red.

lynnedavidson3 09/09/2011

I sure hope your medications start to work soon. I have had this happen to me too. Somebody has to help me get out of the car!

deleted_user 09/09/2011

Oh redpoppy I do remember those days. The pain was so bad I had to ease into the car and then often could not even reach to get the seatbelt buckled! Then touching the steering wheel hurt...yikes. Only thing I can tel you I don't have days like that anymore beause of effective RA meds. So hope you take my answer as a sign that this too shall pass. In the meantime grit your teeth and bear it. Gentle hugs.

deleted_user 09/09/2011

Do you have compression stockings? When I fly the RD has instructed me to wear them Maybe they are worth a shot. Hope you feel better soon!

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