unbearable pain in wrists and hands

[14penny]

I have had problems with RA in hands and now wrists for quite a few years but it has now stopped me from doing anything involving my hand as woke one morning and I am sure a feather would have caused pain I felt so frightened by this as I couldn't even sit up in bed| I have also torn tendons in both shoulders so having to put up with all this because of the virus like everyone else is, but my rheumy has finally decided to up my prednisolone from 5 to 10mg which maybe helping slightly and wrist splints on now and again, I would love to hear if anyone has got any ideas on how to improve this so I can get on with my life again. sorry for the long explanation .

[Soundofmusic52]

Hi are you on any other med s if not you should be or will be . Things will get better eventually but it may take a while to find the right meds as we are all different it took me 2 years so be patient you learn to live with the aches and pains your not alone I no it’s hard I v had some rough times but now I am on benepali and things are better stay safe everyone x

[14penny in reply to Soundofmusic52]

Thanks for reply, I thought that to about the prednisolone as I am not having any treatment for the osteoporosis as I could not take alandronic acid but you trust your rheumy to a certain extent - I was trying to come off the prednisolone because of this but thought I would do what he said. and that is why I coming on here, I have two torn shoulder tendons as well which is a different problem , I am already taking Methotrexate, folic acid and Naproxin for the RA, but the hand and wrist pain got really bad overnight Take Care

[helixhelix]

Like soundofmusic I’m wondering if you are on any other drugs for your RA? As upping prednisone in someone with osteoporosis seems an odd thing to do.

[Sockknitter]

Wear the wrist splints in bed. They are bliss!

[14penny in reply to Sockknitter]

Thank you, Have got a few it is just finding the most comfortable ones. Take care

[charisma]

That sounds bad, no wonder you are longing for relief. In your case, with osteoporosis, I would have expected painkillers rather than Prednisolone but we have to weigh what will bring relief and help reduce damage.

You should not be abandoned like that; Rheumatology patients still get phone or video appointments, or can be seen face to face if necessary.

I have beginnings of osteopenia. My calcium sources are Diatomaceous Earth and yoghurt etc. Might help. Health Leads in Wales website.

When my wrist tendons were terribly swollen and Zi could not sleep because of it, using my spongy thumb splints really helped. Piroxicam gel on everything that hurt, especially shoulders, was good to ease pain too. I get that on prescription.

And I also take CBD Oil of reputable quality for the worst pain periods;the strength is important too. Flora-Fusions, available online is good.

I hope the misery can be addressed soon.

flora-fusion.com/

[14penny in reply to charisma]

Thank you so much for reply and I am noting all down what you have said and will give it all a try as I am not getting much help from rheumy he is not phoning until another two months which is worrying me, my hands and wrists especially the wrists are really painfull when turning or trying to eat and physio have been re-located while lockdown is on which is why I am looking for all alternatives..Take care.

[charisma in reply to 14penny]

Thinking of inability to turn wrists without pain, I hot great relief with a pair of wrist supports that look like fingerless gloves but are made from strong fabric like support stockings. Sometimes I struggled to pull those on but might be worth considering.

My symptoms settled once flares and uncontrolled RA were treated properly and drugs kicked in again. All the best!

[14penny in reply to charisma]

Thanks I have tried these gloves but might order some different ones as they don't give much I might need to order a smaller size. Take care

[14penny in reply to 14penny]

just sent off for a wrist and thumb support recommended by NHS and if good I will order one for the other hand. Thanks for help and good luck

[charisma in reply to 14penny]

Mine (spicas not stocking type support for wrists but like a brace) were supplied by OT. Have you been referred to an Occupational Therapist?

[oldtimer]

Have you had any advice from the physio and OT about improving the function of your hands?

My hands feel terrible first thing in the morning, but with heat (from the shower) and stretching exercises they do improve. (The night splints help at night, but do mean that the hands are very stiff in the morning).

I notice, too, that if I do anything for any length of time the pain builds up again, so it's important to vary the activities - no sitting and holding a book! I have all sorts of aids to help me do things (like chopping, for example) and I have been shown how to use my whole arm, not just the hand and wrist to lift things. I find that it is important to keep doing the hand and wrist exercises little and often during the day.

[14penny in reply to oldtimer]

Thanks for your reply, I am trying the hot and cold in the morning and have been told to up the prednisolone for a week from 5 to 10mg for a week then come slowly off them back to 5 . I also use the splints off and on through the day but trouble with me I am always active so try to moderate things a bit but I cannot believe they turned so bad literally overnight. Can't see physio or anyone because of virus but I also have torn tendons in both shoulders which is a separate thing as my physio suggested to go to the gym - bad mistake as I think this is where the tendon tears happened, but think it will be a long wait before any help. Wishing you well.

[Pippy25]

Have you spoken with a physio or Occupational therapist? I know it 's difficult right now but they may be able to suggest something. Again while I can't use them at the moment due to other problems, have you tried compression gloves as when I was able to wear them they helped me. I know the occupational therapist may be able to suggest any gadgets or gizmos and if appropriate could help you source the appropriate size gloves and the better fitting ones. No apologies needed about length of explanation of your post, as you need to tell it as it is and we understand how darn painful RD can be. Take care x

[14penny in reply to Pippy25]

Thanks for your reply, very helpful but my physio are being relocated while the virus problems are with us all, I also have two torn tendons in both shoulders so it ia a double pain going on for different reasons and I was in the middle of getting on top of that before lockdown so that is why I'm on hear with all you lovely people your suggestions, which I will try everything I just cannot believe how my hands and wrists got so bad overnight and the prednisolone is not helping much only hot and cold compression and the splints. Wishing you well.

[Pippy25 in reply to 14penny]

Sadly this is the problem we are encountering at the moment with our health and trying to access services, in these difficult times. I too was trying to get on top of a problem I am having but unfortunately this has gone out of the window and I don't know when I will be able to have further tests, so I hear what you say. There are many different types of compression gloves so if you were considering any do some research beforehand as they can be a bit pricey and again there are full gloves and three quarter ones. I used to wear the full ones at night and three quarter in the daytime. I can't imagine how you must feel with your shoulders being painful, I know when the pain get to mine I am a mess. So sending you my heartfelt wishes, take care and let us know how you get on and hope you can get something which helps until you can get an appointment.

[14penny in reply to Pippy25]

Thanks I am going to order another pair of gloves and maybe the pricier ones would be better, but when I think of all that is going on now I count myself as lucky. Take care and stay safe

[Pippy25 in reply to 14penny]

You too x

[14penny in reply to Pippy25]

I have just ordered a wrist and thumb splint recommended by NHS so am looking forward to giving it a try it wasn't the cheapest but hoping you get what you pay for and if its good I will get one for other hand, but really annoyed as I lost one when out today because I took it off for a short while and must have dropped it! The weird thing is if I put my hand over my head it takes the pain away for a little while from the shoulder as well. I do hope you get some help soon with your problems. Take care