I can't use a mouse

[kiltedkirsty]

Hi all in the last few days I have been struggling alot with my right hand, I feel like all the strength has gone, and even using a move is very painful. I am struggling with pins and needles too. What would you do?

[Vikki21]

Hi KiltedKirsty,

I suffer with the same problem and up until recently I was really struggling, as you have described, my hand was really painful without even doing anything with it!

I was already on Methotrexate and unable to see my RA consultant until next year I had some steroids left over in my cupboard which I didn't want to take but got so desperate I started taking them again. I also went to my GP who has put me on Naproxen and she has written to my consultant to add Sulfasazine to the mix.

When it is really bad I wear a wrist/hand brace - although you can't do anything while wearing it.

Fortunately this is working for me and I have seen a great improvement within the last week.

I would suggest that you contact your RA consultant if you have one or contact your GP for starters. You don't say if you are taking any medication? I also found that wearing my wrist brace or making my own sling type contraption using a scarf, elevating my hand seemed to help.

Good Luck, I hope the pain eases for you soon.

[nomoreheels in reply to Vikki21]

Please be careful with steroids Vikki, it's not a good idea to self med with them & any unused meds are best disposed of by in handing them in at a chemists. It's a better idea to do as you've suggested to kiltedkirsty & see your GP who will prescribe what he considers is necessary. Doing this you're guaranteed the correct dose & length of course to treat you safely & can be assured they haven't passed the expiry date. I hope you take this in the helpful way it's intended but doing as you did with a part box of steroids you risk muscle pain, low BP or potential adrenal crisis if there aren't enough tablets to taper correctly. I don't know if you're aware but taking prednisolone for longer than 5 days to a fortnight at doses higher than 5mg can result in adrenal suppression, so not very long at all.

[chamonix]

Hello I often struggle with one hand or another too, trying to do simple everyday tasks. It is very frustrating and upsetting at times. My hands normally get better in afternoon. I also wear wrist supports in times of need and recently at night too. Best wishes!

[nomoreheels]

Hiya kiltedkirsty. Have you had these problems for long? If you have you should really bring it to your Rheumys attention as it sounds as though you could have a trapped nerve, likely due to inflammation & it may be the beginning of carpal tunnel. He'll go through your symptoms & possibly order a nerve conduction test to determine what's going on. If you let your arms dangle freely down the side of your chair does it ease the pins & needles?

I haven't been able to use a mouse for the longest time if they're in one position too long more due to weakness & spasm. I believe there are ergonomically designed ones now but we have a laptop with a touchpad (don't know if that's the right term, but the square beneath the keyboard instead of a mouse!!) but much prefer my tablet. My bought me the keyboard attachment for it because I wasn't sure I'd get on with a touchscreen (I touch type) but I've never used it, don't tell him!!

[sylvi]

You can set your mouse so you can use it with the other hand,also you can use a service call dragon(i think that is what it is called) whereby you can use your voice instead. You should contact your rheumy and see what they can do to help you as well. Also ask to be referred to ot as well as they would be able to help you too. Hugs.xxx

[Hidden in reply to sylvi]

It's called Dragon Speak software. It's voice activated. I used it at uni.

[trojan14]

Hi kiltedkirsty

My RA has improved dramatically over the last few months, don't know why, but just making the most of it.

When it was at its worst I still kept working, and had the same problem with pins and needles and using a mouse. My GP ( who is great) explained that this is caused by the inflammation pressing on the nerves so you get the tingling sensation. I used to have to stop every few minutes and shake my hands down by my side ( as someone else suggested). I also set my chair at its highest setting so that my wrists were not angled up so much at the desk, which was better for the circulation. I did look a bit of a plonker perched so high up!! (but it did help.) I tried an ergonomic mouse but it just felt really weird. Keep battling on- it will get better...

[Hidden]

Hi Kirsty

Time to see your rheumy I think. Also check out an ergonomic mouse on amazon. The joy stick type by 3M is really good. Disabled services lent it to me when I was at uni. I must get one . I would also ask your nurse specialist or consultant to refer you to an Occupationsl Therapist for wrist splints, and night resting splints.

[Hidden]

I had the same trouble, it was too painful to use a mouse. My daughter bought me an 3M ergonomic mouse, available from Amazon. It is marvellous I now have no problem. It's about £40 but well worth it.

[Artroc56]

Many flat (conventional) mice strain the wrist. Some of the fully vertical mice (I had an evoluent & hated it) strain the hand (as they require grip or use of opposing digits). Some alternatives - depending on your hands and your budget (and in some cases your operating system) : logitech touchpad which is a very large touchpad similar to what laptops have but much bigger. Alternatively what I have gone for is a slanting mouse which keeps the wrist at about 45 degrees - I use the Microsoft ergo mouse at work which I really like - and am considering a logitech performance mouse for home. The 3m that folk mention has some good reviews - but what suits one may not suit another. I also use a "wrist donut" which is a gel filled strap around the wrist which moves as you do.

[Karen77]

First, I think it's probably a loud signal to take a break from your computer! Second, Dragon Naturally Speaking, as others have nited, can help reduce your need to type or handle a mouse but there is an adjustment period that I have so far found frustrating. I got a thumb mouse that sits just below the keyboard which I love. ergonomicoffice.com.au/cata... I think the one

I use is the Contour Roller Mouse.

Best of luck, but do give yourself a break if you can. Do some flex exercises for your hands, wrist and forearms, and just be kind to yourself! Gentle hugs!

[norfolkjo]

Hi work got me ergonomic keyboard and mouse . Can't put pic up but mouse is sort of sideways . I cant use normal now . They are amazing and not that dear .. i get pins and needles but much less now

[UrbanFox]

I haven't read all the replies so forgive me if I repeat anything. I have a soft brace, got from physiotherapy, for using when my hands are bad. Ask for a referral, they should be able to help you with a lot. To be honest, though, the best thing I ever did is get rid of the mouse and get myself a laptop with a trackpad. It wasn't cheap but worth every penny.

[JEM95]

Hi, I use the Logitech trackball cordless mouse and it really helps, I also use an ergonomic split keyboard, which helps my wrists.

I also have Dragon Naturally Speaking software installed, although I haven't used it yet. My RA is pretty much stable at the moment (bliss! Thanks MTX!), but I am prepared for the flares when they occur.

You have to try lots of different things until you find what suits and what helps you.

[bevolyf]

Aceess to work part of the department for work and pensions can assess and help with paying for software for people living with RA. GP can give you stronger meds. until your hospital appt. Good luck and please see GP for pain management and keep going back to GP when you are in pain unable to function.

[Scottiedottie]

I use contour roller mouse. Best £200 worth ever. Access to work should help you get funding though