So worried. . .

[Lilynette]

I saw my hand surgeon yesterday for the second time and i told him my symptoms were getting worse and i couldn't do normal things anymore and he tells me he doesn't think i have RA but he's sending me to an rheumatologist with blood work i got after our talk but then compared my hand to a old person with RA where tendons tend to slide off the knuckles. I guess I'm supposed to just wait for the blood work but i wanted surgery im 18 and i need to practice music bc its my dream but i cant play any of my instruments. Now i just wait with No motion, inflammation, locking, cracking hands that feel so weak mainly my left hand too

[sylvi]

Oh my darling your so young to suffer like this. The drs treating you darling want to make sure that they have done everything they can before they do a operation on you. I am sending you oodles of hugs darling.xxxxx

[Godandme]

Oh darling. Hope all goes well for you and quickly. You will be in my prayers 🙏

[Leonwp]

Let me tell you something you dont know about yourself yet - you are wonderful, your passion and desire shines through and you are the type of person that will find a way and adapt. People like you dont fail they adapt and whatever happens and whatever gets in your way i promise you if you want something enough you will do it. I was born at the time of Thalidomide (you made need to look up what happened), my mother was offered the drug and declined it fortunately, but the kids who got so unlucky that they were born with life changing limb problems because of that drug are among the most inspiring people of my generation, some of them may never have acheived the amazing things they have if they had been able bodied, the majority of these amazing people took their unfair disadvantage and adapted and did what inspired them anyway. Amazing people, so will you be if you carry on like you are and just decide that nothing will stop you doing what you are going to do. One of those Thalidomide kids who had normal legs but no arms and tiny hands became a single parent at 18, that is tough for any 18 year old, but that person raised a beautiful child and changed her nappy with just feet and did it alone and also made a fortune working as a busker on the street playing a specially adapted trumpet to concert performer standards, now maybe the surprising bit, HE managed fine, HE raised a beautiful daughter who went on to have her own wonderful family of her own. Many 18 year olds would have folded with a child, many male 18 year olds would severely struggle but this lad refused to allow the problem from birth he had affect his life or his daughter.

Your surgeon is probably looking because his approach will be different if you have RA (and i really hope you dont). Waiting for those decisions is a very tough thing for you and i will not sugar coat this, you have some tough tough times ahead, but i really believe from your few words that you will still do what you want to do. Sure it will take longer, sure it will be harder than for others but many of them will wonder why they are not as good as you become.

Now get that chin up and keep it up, set your sights on what you want to do and never listen to anyone who says you cant do this or that, because YOU CAN.

And the people on here,we are all right behind you.

Leon

[TerrilouiseS]

I really hope the blood work results come back with news that will help you get the medical help you need.

I don't know whether you experience not being taken seriously because of your age but I have experienced that. You don't have hand pain for nothing, don't give up until you answers.

Long may your musical talents and dreams continue, despite any diseases this site shows that people manage to do lots of things

Best wishes

Terri xx

[Jenn_100]

Sorry to read your post.With the start of an RA diagnosis it can be a little frustrating. However keep positive and get as much support & help as available outside of medication. Physio, massage etc.It's a good move to be on this site and if it turns out to be RA diagnosis don't forget to ask lots of questions & you are still in charge of you even at times it may not feel like it !!☺...Learn about any meds offered & if in doubt ask,ask,ask. You can always say no! I was determined not to take the soft option of Steroids, you may be offered them. In my book it's the last medication to turn to .Only accept at the diagnosis stage which may be used by Consultant to identity if it is RA.

You're very young with your life in front of you so get yourself clued up on all options etc.etc. I hope it isn't RA so fingers crossed. Good luck my love but it's not the end of the world if you have RA.but all will be hoping that yit isn't I'm sure. Keep in touch with this site for support and any advice it offers. X

[Hidden]

Hi Lily

Poor you to have to have all this on your shoulders. Use is for support, talk to your friends and family. Nras and arthritis care have helplines and Nras can arrange for you to chat on the phone to someone your age if you want to. Never feel you are alone because we are here for you.

There are 200 types of arthritis quite a few affect hands. Is there a family history of Rheumatoid? I was 12 when I started symptoms diagnosed at 25. I have always been very good at letting doctors know when I need help and taking their advice about lifestyle and joint protection and now I'm 49 you cannot tell I have RA. My hands were bad but with treatment they got better. Try to keep positive as stress can make things much more. I always try to think of worse diseases I could have. Wait until you have a diagnoses.

Take care

Kiki

[Lilynette]

You guys are such beautiful people it's so nice to know you all care so much and understand. I will always try my best no matter my path, you guys are inspiring.

[Basalt2016]

Please check out the Paddison Program for RA. It is improving my condition dramatically in just one month. My pain level is down from a 10 to a 1. My mobility (left shoulder, wrist and fingers has gone from a 1 to a 5, and my energy from a 2 to a 9. Last week I woke up feeling human for the first time in 6 months since the disabling aspect started. I'm sure it has been developing for years.

*Some health pracitioners suggest that some chronic diseases could be linked to Leaky Gut Syndrome and this is the basis of the Paddison Program.

Clint Paddison was 31 when he woke up one morning and could not move his feet. It spread rapidly to 80%of his body while he took all the RA drugs. So he decided to research nutrition and within 3 more years he was totally well and off drugs. He continues RA free at 41 and has created a pattern for others to follow.

Type his name into You Tube. There are many talks and interviews with other sufferers.

I am 62 and determined to heal this with nutrition. It may take a while as my gut is probably a lot more compromised than a young person's. But what I do have to my advantage is years of experience of suffering and developing the discipline to do whatever is necessary to have a better quality of life. I have overcome serious mental illness with nutrition, so I know I can prevail over this.

So can you.

Kind regards.

*Edited by admins

[Victoria-NRAS Partner Moderator NRAS in reply to Basalt2016]

Please note that leaky gut syndrome is a theory for why people might get certain health care conditions, but this is not proven to be the sole cause. For more information on this, please see this article on the NHS Choices site:

nhs.uk/conditions/leaky-gut...

[PFKAAde in reply to Basalt2016]

Hi Basalt2016

Im glad to hear you have had such rapid success with your dietary changes, but I would kindly and nicely with the greatest respect 😀suggest that stating 'all chronic conditions are founded in leaky gut syndrome' (which isn't a medical term by the way and doesn't have much actual science to back it up - yet?) is a bit of a stretch.

For example I have Degenerative Disc Disease and Degenerative Scoliosis, and there is not a shred of evidence anywhere that these are founded in 'leaky gut syndrome', but I can assure you they are chronic conditions.

There is a growing realisation that many autoimmune conditions are affected by nutrition, for sure. But that's not quite the same thing.

There are many factors that contribute to different autoimmune conditions, diet, stress and possibly most importantly genetics are three that spring to mind.

Not everyone that follows the paddison program or any other autoimmune diet has the success that you have experienced.

I'm not saying it isn't worth trying (and for what it's worth I am also adjusting my diet in an attempt to affect the progression of RA so I'm not arguing that it is a 'bad' thing), I just feel sometimes the impression is given that all people need to do is change their diet and they will be 'healed'.

For some it isn't quite that straightforward.

I sincerely wish you every success with your approach.

Kindest regards

Ade

Edit: Victoria beat me to it, and expressed it far more succinctly than me

[Jacki08 in reply to PFKAAde]

I think you put the point across very well Ade_bell and I agree with your thoughts. ☺

[Jacki08]

Hi-- like you , my hands were a real mess- the pain was excruciating, in my knuckles , finger joints and my wrists. I struggled at work as I am a Chiropodist. I was offered an operation after I was diagnosed with carple tunnel but refused. I am so glad that I begged for a scan of my hands instead - as this showed sero negative RD. Once I was on the medication my symptoms lessened greatly and I only get pain and swelling when I am in a flare xx

[cathie]

I hope you can get proper treatment soon. On music, have you considered, are you able to work electronically? I don't know much about this - I'm an aspiring artist, but some of the apps are really good and could keep you going while you're trying with your hands. Bon courage !

[Basalt2016]

Thanks for your kind comments Kai. I have the strongest convictions at the age of 62 after 40 years of having to turn to nutrition because all else failed. I'm not a believer in managing things, living with or tolerating. I am an eradicatior. Healing takes self education, time, patience and self-discipline. These virtues are sadly lacking in our instant fix world.

I bacame a serious vegetable gardener last year and am subscribed to many organic gardeners, Jon Kohler being one of them. Haven't seen this episode. Will watch.

It may take me many moons to be completely healed of RA, but I am going to do it. There is no other way for me but the Paddison Program.

Check out Dr John McDougall on a podcast with Clint Paddison. He is another straight talker. I believe that truth really does make us free.

Best regards.

[Basalt2016]

Here's what I am noticing one month into the Paddison Program.

Almost zero pain.

Tongue looks clean and healthy with no cracks or discoloration.

Softer skin all over.

Eyes brighter.

Taste buds better.

Calmer mood and more relaxed.

Eye bags diminishing.

Dark circles going away.

Range of motion in affected shoulder, wrist and hip improving.

More positive outlook.

Happiness returning.

NOT BAD for a prescription of humble vegetables, sunshine and exercise (mostly gardening).

Wishing you success in your healing journey. 😊

[Basalt2016]

Kai - Thanks for all your kind words.

It must be the Yorkshirewoman in me that helps me talk plain.

I've written my bipolar recovery story in a book published 2014. It's on Amazon Kindle.

Mission Improbable: How I Healed Bipolar Disorder without Drugs.

I now address the mental health practitioners who used to treat me.

Soon I'll be up there with Clint giving presentations. It's what I do.

So I don't intend to start taking drugs now. That was a nightmare to conquer. I'm used to being a pioneer and therefore used to serious opposition

I live in Idaho now.

All the best.

Deborah

[Gillian15649]

I play the viola. I had a lot of damage to my wrist and fingers before being diagnosed with RA. One joint in my left hand has seezed completely. They won't operate because of the risk of a floppy joint that will be less use to me.

My advise would be to keep playing to keep your joints mobile and do lots of hand exercises. See an occupational therapist as soon as possible as they will help you. When you are diagnosed and the illness is under control (whether RA or something else) you will have less long term damage. My left hand is better than my right because of the constant exercise of playing. My big mistake was to stop playing when I first had RA and my GP was telling me it was all was ok and just take pain killers when I had a very aggressive illness.

Keep your dreams alive. I have a new lighter weight viola, have great enjoyment from my music and am getting better. I have started having lessons again!

I hope all goes well for you. Keep enjoying your music

[Lilynette in reply to Gillian15649]

But what if the bone that sticks out of my middle knuckle starts to stick out more? Thats what scares me a lot

[Gillian15649]

Is the bone sticking out on the sides? I have a lot of bone spurs that could be removed but they may grow back. The Spurs on my right hand are worse than my left so I think exercise must help

[Lilynette in reply to Gillian15649]

My tendons seem to be causing my bone to shift out. I'm scared to do anything with it