This question is just for women with RA. I know how wonderful all the ladies on this site are, but please no "well wishers" at this time. Please do not comment unless it is in response to the question. Thank you. :)
I have had RA for about 15 years now. Have bone spurs in left elbow and both wrists are locked in place. Other than that I was doing pretty good. During my second pregnancy I started to get bad flarups in my right hand and have suffered some damage. I have lost a considerable amount of strength in this hand. (so much so that my work partner noticed yesterday and mentioned it). Has any of you ladies lost strength due to damage of the hand? How did you regain it? The strength methods given to me from the doctors really don't work for me and seem to make my joints hurt even more.
Any suggestions are greatly appriciated!
Hi N.,
I am sorry to hear about your struggle. Though I dont have RA myself I do know that it is a debilitating and serious disease. Just wondered if you have tried the medication Enbrel. It does wonders and I have seen a vast improvement in the lives of people who have taken it.
The best of luck to you
How long ago was your second pregnancy? For about 7 months after birthing my daughter I could not feel my fingertips or make my hands move properly. Strength also was an issue. The birth was extremely traumatic and I had a number of drugs administered to me at the time. Not sure if it was a side effect of the drugs, or trauma of birth, or something else... but it went away on its own with time. I do not have RA, but I thought this might be relevant to your situation.
Hi N. - I too have RA and it's a very frustrating disease. I have been on Enbrel for the past 2 years and it has made a huge difference. I have found that I need to do range of motion exercises, that seems to help me. You may also want to try a Paraffin Wax Bath, I believe the brand is Homepathic. I bought mine at Sears and it really helps when my hand/wrists are sore. An added bonus is that it also moisturizes the skin. Not sure if you know, but there is also a So Cal RA & Autoimmune Disease support group through the Arthitis Foundation. It's been great being able to talk to others who understand. Sure hope this helps.
Hi N.,
I do not have RA, but do have Fibromyalgia, and have been told that it mimics a lot of the same of RA, and other things. I am still learning as my body has been having flareups and stuff. Anyway, I had a few friends suggest to me to take Glucosamine. Don't know if you already take it or not, but I was told that it helps put the the fluid, or lubricates in the joints. I plan on asking my dr. about at my next appointment. I was just sent in for more lab work to be tested again for RA, as I was told that the stiffness in my hands shouldn't be lasting me all day like it does. I hope you get some good advice on here, because I could use some too :)
Google alternative treatment methods for flexability for RA.
