New to RA

[Pjf0265]

Hi all

I have recently been diagnosed with RA and am on Methotrexate, Folic Acid and steroids for 2 months !

now I am on the meds I do feel somewhat better than I have for a while !

Is it normal to get random swelling of my hands without any significant pain ?

thanks In anticipation

[Madmusiclover]

Nothing much is normal in RA! Welcome to the club. Personally I always get pain with swelling but maybe others wil have different stories. Glad you feel better!

[Pjf0265 in reply to Madmusiclover]

Thank you , hope you feel better soon ! My worst pain is underneath my foot near my toes ! Also have bad knee due for replacement but that’s osteoarthritis I think !

[Madmusiclover in reply to Pjf0265]

I play a game called ‘splat the rat’. Where I can get the pain dealt with I do: knock it on the head. But another one pops up. 😂Currently new knee for me later this year; having splints made for my finger; regular massage on a tight shoulder, injection in a Morton’s neuroma…waiting on follow up with opthalmology (severe dry eyes) all in addition to general RA symptoms of course. Take care.

[Pjf0265 in reply to Madmusiclover]

Hope things start to improve for you

[janmary]

welcome to the club. No one has the same pattern and not all symptoms are due to the RA diagnosis. Have you tried wearing compression gloves when hands are swelling?

[Pjf0265 in reply to janmary]

I am due to see rheumatology nurse in a months time so will ask about them - sounds a good idea

[Bethany02]

Hi my hands are usually the issue for me and have had a lot of flares start there I have told the rheumatologist I feel sometimes like my hands are congested and swollen and yes sometimes without pain. Self massage helps I use oils that have anti-inflammatory properties diluted with carrier oil e.g frankinsense with jojoba oil

[Pjf0265 in reply to Bethany02]

Thanks , will look into this

[stbernhard]

Hello and welcome to the forum. You'll always find a listening ear and someone who maybe had a similar experience and can relate to what you say. If you haven't already done so, I'd highly recommend that you have a look at the NRAS website. There is lots of information which you'll find very useful and leaflets such as New2RA and a self-help/self management programme SMILE-RA plus everything you need to know about medication and lots more. nras.org.uk/product/new2ra/

nras.org.uk/smile/

Keep posting. All the best.

[Pjf0265 in reply to stbernhard]

Thank you

[HeadInASpin]

Welcome to the club. Hopefully your meds will do the trick and keep you feeling well. I usually get significant pain with swelling but there are three things I've learnt over the last year...1. no two people have exactly the same set of symptoms but we have many similarities. 2. The drugs available are many and varied with no one definitive treatment plan. Different combos and a huge element of trial and error are often needed. 3. You can feel better and lead a relatively normal life...it just might take a bit of time to get there. I'm just starting to get there.Good luck x

[Pjf0265 in reply to HeadInASpin]

Thank you and good luck with your journey too xx

[Happy5]

Not sure anything is normal once diagnosed with RA, glad to read meds are helping you with symptoms. Yes lumps, bumps, and swelling often appear randomly with me they mostly disappear eventually. Regular communication with my RA dept especially the nurse has been a big help.

All the best. 😊

[Pjf0265 in reply to Happy5]

Thank you so much , that is reassuring - hope you stay well