Yes. That is when I rely on hot baths or showers, heating pads, or those new
disposible heat bandages. MSM cream, warm cups of tea to wrap my hands
around, heated mitts for my hands and splints for my wrists help too.
Watch something that will take your mind off the pain.
Hope you find something here that works for you.

Susanne

Yes, it happens.  As Susanne has said, distraction is what I use as well.  I
have hobbies that I really enjoy.  I also like computer games and I play to
pass the time.

I have come to the conclusion that I will have pain in my life, but I use
Rx, therapy, prayer, and whatever else may be necessary to keep it at
tolerable levels.

I am so sorry you are not getting relief.  Maybe a long talk with your
doctor may be in order.  After speaking with my RD, he prescribed adequate
pain control (Rx, therapy, weight loss) and life is better.

You are in my thoughts :)
Janet R

I love the paraffin treatment.  It always amazes me how the warmth goes so
deep into mt hands.  Actually,  I think I'll go plug my parafin bath in
right now :)

Skip

Bonnie

I owe you a big thank you.

And this is an example of how you never know when you might be helping
someone else.  Getting together here and sharing is a good thing.

I keep reading additions to this thread and at first it was a reminder that
I had really meant to get around to getting a proper paraffin bath for my
hands.  The crock pot I used to use was just too hard to deal with.  I could
never seen to catch it when the temperature was just right.

And my hands had been pretty good for a couple of years.  But I've had one
of those lovely "mystery fingers" since the end of September.  PCP not
concerned, RD thinks its PA but the steroids didn't help.  Ortho guy thinks
it might be gout, but I can't tolerate NSAIDS and the anti-purine stuff
doesn't help with an active flare.

Kept seeing the thread, and finally it clicked.  Decided I'm gonna get me a
paraffin bath and went out and did it.

I spent all afternoon yesterday in my "spa" (read that bedroom with the door
shut).  Got out the massage mat Charlie bought be that also has heat across
the lower back.  Set up the paraffin to heat.  Lit a candle for all those I
care so much about.  And relaxed.  The wax finally got to the right
temperature and the heat felt great.  I wrapped the waxy hand in plastic and
then covered it with a pillow to keep the heat in as long as possible.

It got me to bed time without a pain pill.

So even someone new can help us old timers out sometimes.  Even if it is to
reinforce what we should already know but forget.

Jo

This young-ster is only 40 years old too.  

It dont hurt to try new ideas.--especially since at the time I tried the
paraffin bath (that I had bought but never used untill the flare ups)--I
was awaiting my Voltaren -- I  HAD to try something fo the pain.

Bonnie