
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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Sorry, this might seem a bit lame compared with some of the serious woes we experience with RA; but I'd love to know which way to go from those here in-the-know.
For years, I have worn three rings. The are all very sentimental to me; one is my mothers ring, one a gift from my husband and the other my wedding/engagement ring. I'm very attatched to them all and since my hands/fingers are becoming so affected I've had to remove them before I have to have them cut off. The trouble is I feel a bit "naked" without them.
Am I being unrealistic to think I'll be able to wear them again, with swollen joints and all, is it worth over the long-term having them enlarged or shall I just melt them down? (and buy myself an island hideaway with the proceeds instead - dream on girl!).
I'd hate to just leave them in a drawer never to see the light of day again. Am I just being soppy or is there a practical way to still enjoy them?
For years, I have worn three rings. The are all very sentimental to me; one is my mothers ring, one a gift from my husband and the other my wedding/engagement ring. I'm very attatched to them all and since my hands/fingers are becoming so affected I've had to remove them before I have to have them cut off. The trouble is I feel a bit "naked" without them.
Am I being unrealistic to think I'll be able to wear them again, with swollen joints and all, is it worth over the long-term having them enlarged or shall I just melt them down? (and buy myself an island hideaway with the proceeds instead - dream on girl!).
I'd hate to just leave them in a drawer never to see the light of day again. Am I just being soppy or is there a practical way to still enjoy them?
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I had this happen too. My left hand ring finger swelled up so badly, that my wedding ring was litterly cutting my finger! I saw the rheumy and asked for a shot of cortizone in my finger, so that i could get my rings off and not have to cut them off. It worked, the swelling went down and I got them off. For me, the swelling in my hands comes and goes. I don't like not wearing my wedding rings. What i have done, is i went to QVC and bought a diamonique wedding set, a full size larger. Untill this darn disease shakes itself out, I don't want to ruin my wedding rings. So in the meantime, I just wear the fake ones. (people have told me they like this set better! shhh don't tell my husband!)
Give that a try before you alter your beloved rings. If in time, your hands don't return to your pre-RA condidtion then consider it.
Just my thoughts, from someone who has been there.
Good luck!
I know it's a tough decision to make but my vote is resizing,
Lynne
My fingers seem to have permanently gotten bigger too. They don't even look swelled to me now but my wedding set strangles me so I don't wear it. I think I'll get mine resized.
I can't afford it right now, but jeweler is going to let me sell them a couple of rings I don't wear, and with the price of gold what it is, make me a trade.
My mother had rings that she couldn't wear that had belonged to her mother and grandmother. She had the stones removed and designed a new ring created with the metal and stones.
Let us know what you decide, I could use some suggestions too. Hugs jilly
I appreciated everyones support in getting them resized, however my rings are actually loose on my finger, but the swelling of my knuckles is making them really hard to remove, if I had to. I really like your idea Virgila of the clasp-concept. I have not seen them but will look them up - sounds like it might be just what I need.
My grandfather served in WW1 in India and he bought back some beautiful uncut gems. He had 2 rubies and 3 diamonds made into a ring for my mum's 21st birthday. This ring is now 65yrs old and like you said CharlieLouise - it's their significance and meaning behind them thats important, not their value or worth. Tessie, loved your suggestion to about Go Shopping - I wish!
I'm pleased I can stay sentimentally mushy in the meantime. Thank you.