My girlfriend has rheumatoid arthritis (sorry can't spell it!) and was diagnosed with it in her early 30's. She takes a low dosage of medication for it and is ok at the moment, but suffers occasionally with the joints in her wrists. Does anyone have any advice on treatment, help, and making her life easier? She is only 37 and still has most of her life ahead of her. Anyone have any experience of this condition?
2006-10-24 22:46:32 · 18 answers · asked by Charlie Brigante 4 in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
There are a number of people who will flog any sort of thing to you when your wife is in this position.
First thing to remember is that if she has been diagnosed with RA, then sadly it is not going to go away. In many respects it can be hereditary. Check that one out if she has not done so already.
Secondly, there is nothing to say that it will continue to get worse as she gets older, but in saying that for most ordinary people they do experience more pains and aches as they get older, so why not an RA suffer too? Sometimes, the disease can go in stages, where it is quite active, and other times she may remain fairly even.
She needs to watch her diest, from two points of view. Her mobility is probably affected, so the last thing she needs is to start putting on loads of weight. (again we all put on some as we get older!!). However with her probable lack of mobility she needs to be extra careful, as she will not be able to work it off. Also more green vegetables and water. Cut back on acidy foods and sweet foods............in other words try to cut out all processed abd refined foods. This will increase the food bill!!
Make sure she keeps warm, does not overdo it in relation to walking, cleaning etc!! More house work for you now!! On a good day make sure she does not thing she is great and do too much, as that will only make things worse for the next couple of days. Let her find a middle ground, and stick to it. She may be on metatrexate, a common drug for RA. Let her GP monitor it carefully, or her Rhumatologist. The dosage may need to be increased.
Overall, this is not a gloomy story. From someof the replies above it would seem that way. Braclets etc work for some, and not for others. Trying alternative treatment works for some and not for others. You need to again watch that you dont spend a fortune trying to 'cure' something that may not be 'curable'. Common sense really is what is needed.
Hope that all works out. By the way my uncle has had it very bad for over 25 years.....on very strong medication etc etc. Is in a lot of pain, but he just gets on with it. And worse. We are in Ireland, where the dampness does not help someone who has RA. All that rain!! Very common over here! Good luck to ye! Keep positive! Do the simple/little things well, and thats all you need. Never mind big huge changes.
2006-10-24 23:12:23 · answer #1 · answered by Ultimate 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-12-24 02:27:20 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Imagine for a moment your arthritis completely vanishing right now.
If, in a moment, your pain and stiffness melted away. And your joints all of a sudden functioned like a well-oiled machine.
Like a magic wand was waived, you'd be able to jump up from your chair and run around the room like a kid.
And imagine that you'd never have to suffer as much as a pinch of arthritis stiffness or pain ever again.
I know this sounds impossible right now, but bear with me, because sometimes miracles happen.
It was a gift from a woman on the other side of the world. From the kindness of her heart, she took pity on my suffering and taught me how to completely reverse my arthritis.
Today, I want to do the same for you!
2016-05-14 21:02:07 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Your best bet is to see a doctor. My grandfather had really bad rheumatoid arthritis and the only thing that controlled it was medication and gold treatment shots. It made it liveable. You could try Advil or Tylenol but I don't think they will do that much. Short term solution. Another idea is to talk to a pharmacist. He/She might give you some good sound medical advice. Good luck. My mother suffers from osteoarthritis and it's very painful. She uses Tylenol 1 (with codeine) and uses arthritis rubs on her legs and arms. Hope she gets better.
2016-03-18 23:50:06 · answer #4 · answered by Frank 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I have it, if that's what hers is diagnosed at. And, in fact am having a arthroscope in my hands this week-end to see what damage has been done to the hand bones. I've had surgery on my back six times now with a lot of nerve damage. My arms and shoulder twice. What else is new, Lot's of pain, help and understanding from your spouse. Try and stay away from too many drugs but, you'll need them to get through the pain filled nights and sleep, which I cannot do now due to the pain in my hands. Some drugs work, others don't. Good luck and God bless you sweetheart.
2006-10-24 22:56:16 · answer #5 · answered by cowboydoc 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It is spelled Rheumatoid Arthritis-an autoimmune disease which means you can't get rid of it in plain terms. You have some factors in you that makes your body develop antigens and antibody reactions. It attacks mainly the joints in your body. Unfortunately it is a very debilitating disease for some and these people get deformed hands, feet, knees, etc. which can make life very difficult and miserable for them. Fortunately, a team of specialists can make life easier for them- Rheumatologists can prescribe meds which can alleviate the pain but no permanent cure is there. Orthopaedic surgeons can give them new joints for the deformed ones. Rehab doctors and physical/occupational therapists help a lot, too. Who knows, maybe there is a herbal medication available which can help too.
All is not lost. You just have to accept that the disease may disable you but you can lead a normal life with proper help.
2006-10-24 23:27:23 · answer #6 · answered by Rene B 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
My ex-girlfriend used marijuanna to take the edge off, but I'd say the best advice is the same for any person, with or without arthritis - know your limits and don't try to do too much if it ends up hurting you. Or, in other words, don't be too proud to ask for help sometimes....
As for you, my friend, don't go mollycodling your girlfriend - she'll want to retain as much of her independence as possible - even if she does occasionally ask you to take the lid off the pickle!
2006-10-24 23:02:48 · answer #7 · answered by contemplating_monkey 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Hot yoga is very good for arthritis sufferers, the tourniquet effect used in many of the postures flushes fresh oxygenated blood through the problem joints. This actively slows down the spread of arthritis, increases flexibility and the bodies capability to heal. Ofcourse it is hard work, especially in the beginning, and very sweaty, but so worth it.
Two friends of mine with early signs of arthritis swear by it, particularly Bikram yoga.
2006-10-24 23:02:23 · answer #8 · answered by beany 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, I know someone who suffers from this condition and says that it is at it's worst in cold or damp conditions. So maybe a new life somewhere warm and dry? I know this may not be always possible,
but anything that reduces the need to take medication has to be a better option.
2006-10-24 23:02:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
my brother also suffers from rhuemotoid arthritis and he uses the med's prescibed by his doctor as well as a wrist band on each wrist that adds support and warmth especially this time of year. hope this helps. the bands are availible at any medical supply store or place like Rite Aid, Costco etc
2006-10-24 22:53:21 · answer #10 · answered by r t 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋