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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GrammyKat
GrammyKat
Hello everyone. Hope your day is going well.
Last night I was having one of my extra independent days. I HATE asking for help all of the time. Even my 4 year old granddaughter has learned to anticipate my needs and does things before I have to ask. Anyway, last night at dinner, I found that I could barely hold my silverware, let alone cut up my meat. I really didn't want to ask DH to help. In the end, Maggie (my dog) ended up getting most of my meal. How does everyone cope with hands that hurt so bad and don't want to do what we ask of them? You always have such good advise. I appreciate each and everyone of you. Thank you!
bcatz
bcatz
Are you taking any RA medications yet? If not, your situation will more thank likely turn around very soon once you get a good RA medicine. I looked at your profile and see that you are due to see the Rheumatologist very soon.

There are special utensils you can buy to help you eat. They work more like scissors where your hand fits in them instead of gripping with fingers.

I pray you will feel better soon!
Becky
GrammyKat
GrammyKat
Thank you Becky. I went to the Rheumy on Monday. He did a very good check of all of my joints. They took 11 vials of blood, and did ultra sounds on my feet. I go back in 2 weeks, they will do ultra sounds of my hands and he will set a course of action then. He said in the mean time, just take my ibuprofen. He seemed to be fairly conservative in his approach. He believes in using the least amount of medication to do the most amount of good. Some of the blood tests he ran take almost 2 weeks to get results. So I will find out then about what he wants to use. I guess I never thought that my hands would get better, I was just thinking about them not getting any worse. Thank you Becky for the prayers. They are always welcome!
Kathy
aggie83
aggie83
Hopefully, your relief will come soon. Knowing that it's not a 'forever' problem (in most cases), does that help you ask the family for help? I know one day I could not cut pancakes ! My hands and wrists occasionally flare (causing temporary carpal tunnel syndrome) and I am mindful of what I eat (soup, pasta and sandwiches work for me).

Good luck.
GrammyKat
GrammyKat
Thank you Aggie for the reply. Yes, knowing it will not be a forever thing does help me ask for help. I don't seem to have too much trouble asking my granddaughter for help, (she is 4), but the adults, it's different. I will work on this. Thanks again.
Kathy