Pain & swelling control: Hi folks finally started... - NRAS

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Pain & swelling control

Ritaritis profile image
8 Replies

Hi folks finally started methotraxte 26/07/21. There were times when I screamed and broke down crying with the pain, sure other people had a similar experience, not helped by the hospital losing my test results and having to undergo the X rays again, which took some time to organise. Still get pain intermittently for which I take ordinary painkillers and my feet, ankles and knees are still swollen, would copper infused supports help, yes for some not for others? Have bought a portable bike to help get my mobility back it does help. Some days I can pedal further than others. Have lost strength in my hands and can no longer type at 60+ wpm but signing up for a proofreading course, get a pass of 80+% and the company will help find me work. I've been unemployed since September no takers since declaring arthritis (told/advised to do this by DWP). My age doesn't help. Certainly less pain now and exercise does make a difference. I've found some gadgets to help open various items and have an appointment with occupational therapy soon. One unexpected issue with my hands is that both my cats are long haired and one prone to her fur matting. I've struggled with grooming recently and getting the matts out even when using comb and scissors things were bad, contacted Cats Protection League for advice given freely and they suggested specialist grooming tools which are working. Get bad days, this website helps when I feel low or need advice .One thing that upset my recently I was at the supermarket having a bad day with mobility, a woman stopped me and asked if I was XXXX who used to do American Square Dancing many years ago. She laughed and made unkind comments, felt like crying but not in front of her. Sat in the car with a Cappucino and eating a crunchie bar. Tips on hand exercises would be welcome or where to look on the web. Signed up for some of the workshops in September and will keep fighting. This website is wonderful and supportive and worth more than the subscription currently charged, lot's of lovely people on it.

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Ritaritis profile image
Ritaritis
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8 Replies
Hezekiah profile image
Hezekiah

"subscription currently charged"....???

Ritaritis profile image
Ritaritis in reply to Hezekiah

Hi Hezekiah, sorry if I have upset you (and others) over the subscription. I don't want it to be increased but it is certainly value for money.😼🙀

Hezekiah profile image
Hezekiah in reply to Ritaritis

no, I didn't understand what you meant, or to put it another way, what subscription, where? I'm aware you can donate.....

KittyJ profile image
KittyJ in reply to Ritaritis

There is no subscription Ritaritis, I hope you haven’t paid one.

Good news you’re on mtx 🤞🏻 it’s the drug for you and you start to see an improvement in the near future.

Happy5 profile image
Happy5

You're in for the long haul but sounds like you're getting plenty of useful help.My RD team referred me to physiotherapy for my hands, once OA was diagnosed in them.

On my best days have pain in my hands, shoulders, uper arms and knees , but try to exercise

and keep going.

Mmrr profile image
Mmrr

Hopefully MTX will give you a new lease of life.My hands which were hugely problematic, but have improved greatly since I found a medication that works for me.

I saw a specialist hand physio (NHS) whilst I was still searching for the right med who gave me personalised exercises and thumb splints. It might be worth asking for a referral.

Neonkittie17 profile image
Neonkittie17

Think I’d have said with American accent ... yes that’s me. Seriously, I don’t even make eye contact with anyone odd like that or didn’t as I don’t go in supermarkets at the moment. She shouldn’t even be going up to strangers tbh.

Sorry you are finding it really tough at the moment and hope soon Mtx starts to bring relief. I hope you can find work soon when you’ve done your proof reading course and a good idea too that sounds. I was going to say a really good OT can help you and then I see you’re going meet with one soon! They offered me some items to help at a low price they had in stock (helping hand pick up stick/back supper/cushion/splints) and recommendations of websites to purchase other items from and gave me leaflets too.

They may be able to make you some custom supports for your wrists and hands at OT. I’ve never used copper supports tbh. I also found simple elastic tubilar bandage helped too at time for my wrists, but they can restrict if too tight, but helped my elbow and forearm. I’m sure the OT will be most helpful. X

ketiv74 profile image
ketiv74

Hey Rita, sorry you are having to suffer like this. Hope Mtx works for you. I did for me and I was back to being almost normal in about 3 months of starting Mtx.Another important thing- this site does not require a subscription. I hope you have not paid anyone!!

Good luck and take care!

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