Occupational Therapy

[Nanabrodie]

Hi there, I was diagnosed last year with RA and have just received an appointment to see an occupational therapist. I can’t understand why I have been given this appointment because there is nothing I can’t do for myself. I am at very early stages of RA and most of my discomfort is in my fingers on left hand mostly . I was getting some pain in my wrists but since being on medication everything has been a lot better. Has anybody else had this type of appointment only I’m wondering if it is a bit of a waste of not only my time but also theirs.

[BUDGIEBURDEKIN]

Might be to see how you are copping with everyday life and if you do need anything to make life a bit easier for you.

I think it worth keeping the OT, on your friendly list because one day you will need them and if your on their register you could help.

Philip

[beanieboy]

Keep them giving you appointments because when you do need them getting an appointment can be difficult. RA can and does hit you hard from time to time. Keep strong and keep OT sweet.

[Doughnut61]

Hi, Same happened to me. My OT was very helpful, asking if I needed any help any equipment that might help me within my workplace. Advised me they were there to help me. At the moment I am coping but great to know there is help if you need it. Please don’t see it as a waste of time, as you never know one day you may need there help. Keep pain free and happy days 💕

[Soreknees2016]

It’s worth keeping the appointment, as others have said, in case you need their help in the future, but even now, there may be little things that you don’t even think of that might make a difference to your daily life - at least worth exploring.

[janbird]

Hi there it is also about how to protect your joints from complications and long term changes, good techniques now will minimise damage and simple things will help with this. This can be from little things like jar openers etc to splints but it all helps as well as making you thing about yourself and what is important to you x

[KylaC]

As others have said it is worth it. Mine helped me understand how to protect my joints (i am lucky as hands are not too bad) and understand how to adapt how i do things like doing up little blouse buttons (SO fiddly), adaptations for my job (they even wrote to my employer to suggest changes to enable me to continue working).

[Biofreak]

I found OT very helpful. Simple things that can make life easier. You may feel ok now but we all know how things can change from one day to another. My hands and wrists have always been worst affected joints. They have supplied me with wrist supports, fingerless support gloves, individual finger sleeves. Absolutely invaluable to me. I only needed 3 appointments but they said I could ring them if I needed in the future. Best wishes x

[Shamrockgirl]

That’s knd of annoying as I cant get anything like that here in Norwich, must be “postcode lottery”. Before my Rheumatoid Arthritis in June 2017, had Fibromyalgia, ME, Osteoarthritis (had 1 hip replaced at aged 48), among other things . I was struggling with many things & had to ask friends for help or pay someone. I did contact my county council about help with showering, drying & dressing, but it proved such a nightmare with how it disrupted my life, I stopped it. It says in the NICE guidelines, if you have RA, supposed to be offered footcare. Asked at local surgery & they dont offer this😰

[Gnarli in reply to Shamrockgirl]

That is so unfair! We have a dedicated rheumy podiatrist and she's amazing. Maybe time to start agitating your rheumy dept? Wishing you luck

[popsmith1874]

I've had great help off them in the past and although I don't need them at the moment I might in the future so go and have a chat with them and take all the help they offer you xxx

[Gnarli]

Two years in and I've just been referred to OT. It would have been helpful in the very early days to be shown better ways of coping the tasks and/or given the tools to make life easier. Oooh and I still hate buttons with a passion

[Rubyroo1]

I have been seeing an OT, she has given me wrist supports for wearing during the day when I feel I need them and then one so far for wearing at night. These have been given to me as I have pain & swelling in my wrists, these are for support and I do find that they help, especially when typing or driving. She has also given me some exercises to do which will strengthen my wrists and forearms this is to try and prevent future damage to wrists and hands, so i think it would be beneficial for you to go.