Is my pain in my hand and knee ra or fibromyalgia, how do i look after myself with this pain. sylvia

[sylvi]

[Hidden]

Morning Sylvia.

I would imagine it is very difficult for those of you with both RA and Fibro to tell one pain from the other. Although I would think both pains are very similar.

The RA joints tend to get very hot and swollen, so if your knees and hands are like this then I would say that was your RA. But, you could have the Fibro niggling in the background.(I'm not sure on the Fibro)

If they are hot and swollen then the best thing is to rest ( as you know) with just a little exercise to stop them from seizing up altogether.

I was always told to touch the thumb with each finger,one at a time, to help stretch out the tendons etc, and to wear splints to help protect the joints.

It is a combination of both rest and gentle exercise Sylvia, with all your joints. Finding that happy medium so you don't put to much pressure on them, which then causes you more pain and discomfort.

Others such as RA-Fibro (Julie) who have had it for a long time may give you better advice, I hope so.

Sorry I can't help you more Sylvia, it must be very difficult for you with two illness to contend with.

Take care. hope your feeling a little better today.

mand xx

[sylvi]

Thanks Mand, looking at your answers i think its a bit of both. I have resorted to putting my hand in cold water to cool them down, but it seems rest is the only solution. I feel better in my head its the joints thats causing the problem. I went to bedworth today and its very windy out there so now i'll take it easy.

Sylvia. xx

[Hidden]

Hope you are resting.. just had a man ring about my computer!!. it was deferred due to the nice weather!!. He said I sounded so tired he is going to leave it to tomorrow!! Im not sleeping well. my Ra/ fibro In terms much better but my evil boss is trying to get me to only do 20HRS.. occupational health/ unions/ personnel say that she cant do this as Im meant to be on phased return!! I was meant to increase about 3 weeks ago but my boss hasnt let me!

yet my health is much improved.. she dropped the bombshell mon.. I told her I cant manage on 20HRS pay and she says its not her problem!!

[sylvi]

well summer if you call using my laptop resting well no i'm not. I am resting off my feet in my reclining chair though. Sadly its my right hand that's causing the problems and i use that hand all the time. i also use the mouse in my right hand too. I'm not sure if i can use the mouse in my left hand.

You will have to get them to sack you then take them to tribunal for discrimination. Its sad the way disabled people get discriminated against isn't it. Rest along with pacing is not one of my strong things to do. I try i really do, with me it seems all or nothing. Tell your boss that it is her problem and tell her you will take legal advice see if that changes her mind.

Sylvia. xx

[julieporter]

Hi

Sorry your'e not well.My friend has fibro as she says the symptoms are like her muscles are being twisted and they burn .I think RA is mainly in the joints rather than muscles and RA drugs will have no effect on the fibro.

She recommended the UK Fibromyalgia site for more info

Hope this helps

Take care

Julie

[Philip]

Hi

I too have both RA and FMS, in my experience I would say it is the RA that is causing the pains because if your like me I feel it in the bone rather than the muscle, yes it does hurt like hell but it doesnt seem to last very long and it comes in waves like the RA but I think you should maybe ask your Rheumy about it.

I hope things improve very soon for you.

Philip

[Hidden]

Hope you feel better soon// my symptons are not too bad at the moment.. but this stress at work is aggravating them.. I know from my own experience how bad the pain can be xx

[sylvi]

Morning Summer, I slept fairly well, but i don't know how i feel today. My fingers are sore if i use them. I just feel out of sorts if you know what i mean. I am going to ring my nurse this morning for advice. I glad your not too bad today.

Sylvia. xx

[cathie]

I hope you can rest and relax, I'm sure that will help until the meds kick in. Good luck,

XX

[sylvi]

Thanks Cathie, I rang hospital and my ra nurse is on leave until next week so i'll just muddle along until then. I don't know who else to talk to apart from you all on here. I'm keeping up with all my pills and try and rest. Very fed up though, everything i touch seems to fall over ,know what i mean. I'm just clumsy today. I think the weather is having a lot to do with how i am feeling and with the pain in my joints.

Sylvia. xx

[Hidden]

try to rest... do a little then rest... xx

[sylvi]

Yes i try to do that. Went to bedworth on my scooter this morning and it was very windy. When i got back i haven't done a thing,except go on here and read the paper, so will that be enough rest. I don't think i'll do much else today though.

Sylvia. xx

[CathySmith]

Hi Sylvia,

I have RA,Fibro & Osteoarthritis and when i am having a RA flare the pain is swelling, burning and pain in the joint.With the Fibromylgia its mainly in the muscle or around the muscle, more like a hurt like if you had done alot of excersises or arobics?Hope this helps..cathy