Seizing joints

[DandyLad]

[Hidden]

seizing up??? warmth and gentle range of motion movements. do seek advice from physio

[DandyLad]

Hi there Summer

You would think that living in a city like Brighton we would have access to all and everything. Sadly it is a one woman show here, she is THE consultant, getting access to her is nigh on impossible, my GP knows nothing, my other team members are not specialists in RA - I am out on my own here. When I wake I lay in bed rotating and stretching and bending my feet, I rotate my ankles and exercise my knees. Then as soon as my feet feel the floor it really takes off and I think I am getting to a stage where I just won't be bothered and become bed ridden. I just do not know what to do Summer...

[Hidden in reply to DandyLad]

dont do that!! what kept me going ie walking with stick, is my mums threat of buying me a wheeled walker, dont mean to be ageist but commonly used by 70 year olds!!.Get gp/ physio to refer you to a hydrotherapy pool, better ones have hoists and easy access, this isnt always free!!, my trust gives 6 sessions then you pay!!, if not possible a gym with good access with a jacuzzi, when first ill and now I do this it is so soothing for the joints

.

[allanah]

Well that sound atrocious ! What have they done for you, r u on medication, have you painkillers, have u seen an OT or physio. If not I would march, well hobble to the GP and start fighting your own corner. Insist on seeing the consultant or ask to be referred to another area, it might be worth the travelling. I too am laid up last few days with bad feet and getting annoyed with it all, but rest, stretching and painkillers is all I can do till the RA drugs work. Think you need to become mr pushy now and fight the good fight.

I always wanted to go to Brighton, it looks so full of fun, culture and arty folks. Might get there one day xx

[lynn-bel]

Hi - I would say ditto to allanah - don't give up and demand more help.

Lynn x

[Neonkitty]

Keep going Dandylad. I do really feel for you. It will get better. I know it is so hard as I am suffering agonies getting up from bed. I do it with two sticks and sit sideways on my strongest hip/side and ease myself up with the sticks, rather than a big lunging launch. Last time I did that I head butted the wardrobe!! I try let my back and my butt and biggest muscles do the biggest work. Then I take a few moments to ensure my hips are positioned right over my legs and slowly make the walk to the bathroom - come round slowly as ankles and knees are very weak when they have been in bed for hours. Worst thing you can do is not get up. It is so so so hard to force that pain on yourself. I am often shaking and in tears getting out of bed at the moment. But I know getting up will provide relief and the joints need to move. I am awaiting a new med so that is why I am in the bad place at the mo. I know too that these incapacitating days go when a med successfully controls your RA.

There are also some grip devices which are like a handle/bar with prongs that slip under the mattress to provide something to hold on when rising from bed. Sorry if that sounds a weird description. Try googling bed risers, or bed rising grip aids, or similar. I saw them on Amazon but don't know how effective they are. About £40. Was looking into it myself.

I echo what the others have said. Ask if your physio department will refer you for free hydro sessions. I could get six at a time then re refer. You will be treated gently. Water supports your joints to move in ways you can't do for yourself.

Good luck and keep moving. Try always ensure your painkillers etc are fresh and are going to have kicked in before you are about to do any moving and manoeuvring of yourself. Sounds obvious but it does help if they are at their maximum effect. Also micro heat pads soothe me and help ease the pain. For me heat is a great soother and relaxant.

Neonkitty x