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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / November 2005Minor pity party - and a request for suggestions...
My hands hurt. There, I said it. This OA s*** really blows. I was happy in DenialLand but got kicked out today when I had to take extra pills to do the dishes. Ironically, my knees are stable for the first time ever. I'll be taking this up with my doc at my checkup - after years of quiet aches it seems both hands have gone into high gear over the summer and now that the colder weather is here..... How do I work with this!? I'm concerned that if I start resting my hands the way I have to my knees, I'll start losing mobility. It seems to me that now is the prime time to keep joints flexble. I'm dropping my car keys more often, typing is a distater until the stiffness works out and I'm not sure but sometimes things seem heavier than they should be. Sigh, at least here I know I'll be understood when I say I'd be glad to just ache. grumble whine wimper. Skip here--here is a plate of cheese to go with your whine--and hang in there--I hate it when my hands hurt--especially the thumbs--Alix Thank you, I like cheese ;) Lol! My thumb gets me everytime I use a stapler. I've resorted to "bopping" the stapler with the side of my hand 'cause I hate the idea of wussing out and getting an electric one. I swear, getting past my pride is the worst part <g> skip > here--here is a plate of cheese to go with your whine--and hang in > there--I hate it when my hands hurt--especially the thumbs--Alix Hi Skip, Get the electric stapler, at least you'll get a fleeting momentary high from spending some cash. Always works for me. Hope you start to feel better soon, Cheers Stuart > Thank you, I like cheese ;) > [quoted text clipped - 7 lines] >> here--here is a plate of cheese to go with your whine--and hang in >> there--I hate it when my hands hurt--especially the thumbs--Alix Mmmm, shopping. I wonder if they sell turbo charged ones with racing stripes hee hee hee > Hi Skip, > Get the electric stapler, at least you'll get a fleeting momentary high [quoted text clipped - 14 lines] >>> here--here is a plate of cheese to go with your whine--and hang in >>> there--I hate it when my hands hurt--especially the thumbs--Alix > Mmmm, shopping. I wonder if they sell turbo charged ones with racing > stripes hee hee hee Check the department with stickers! I'm sure you could get some :))) Carole let's see--the little things--I could relate in spades--if I think of what I have had to relinquish (with claw marks every one) I would be a puddle of tears--so I try to think of what I have been given--my native plant landscaping that takes little or no care and is so beautiful--time to observe said native plant garden--time to just pet my dog and hug my pig--time to pray--time to watch sunsets--paperback books!! yahhhh--games on my computer that allow me to bop things so as to not want to bop people--and paraffin baths.....smile....Alix > let's see--the little things--I could relate in spades--if I think of what I > have had to relinquish (with claw marks every one) I would be a puddle of [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > my computer that allow me to bop things so as to not want to bop people--and > paraffin baths.....smile....Alix yeah, I'm generally so good at celebrating what I CAN do, then the world reminds me somehow of what I can't. Someone brought a lot of crafts stuff to the church looking for a home for it. My hands won't embroider, my wrists won't let me crochet and there's all this stuff for doing both just teasing me at church each week! sigh......... Well, I did collect all the yarn for some folk I know in Florida who knit blankets for the NICU at Shands..........  SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Well said! > let's see--the little things--I could relate in spades--if I think of what > I have had to relinquish (with claw marks every one) I would be a puddle [quoted text clipped - 4 lines] > on my computer that allow me to bop things so as to not want to bop > people--and paraffin baths.....smile....Alix > Hi Skip, > Get the electric stapler, at least you'll get a fleeting momentary high from > spending some cash. Always works for me. > Hope you start to feel better soon, > Cheers > Stuart I agree. That instant gratification thing really does work wonders. <g> SignatureDi zinkadoodle at gmail dot com www.pbase.com/di www.dustydoggie.blogspot.com > Thank you, I like cheese ;) > > Lol! My thumb gets me everytime I use a stapler. I've resorted to > "bopping" the stapler with the side of my hand 'cause I hate the idea of > wussing out and getting an electric one. I swear, getting past my pride is > the worst part <g> Getting an electric one is not wussing out...it's moving up in the world :-) Get an electric one! Carole :) >> Thank you, I like cheese ;) >> [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > Carole :) Woke up with stiff achy fingers again this morning so I'm giving in - one electri stapler coming up ;) I wonder if I can get an electric bed-making device or maybe an electric garbage taker outer or maybe a...... this might be fun after all <g> skip Skip, if you find that bed-making device, please let me know! I have a Select Comfort which is much lighter and easier to make than a regular mattress, but it stilll hurts my hands. Gwen >>> Thank you, I like cheese ;) >>> [quoted text clipped - 16 lines] > > skip They should make mattress duvets instead of sheets. throw it on, pull up the comforter - done with the bed. Maybe I'll just pull out my sleeping bag instead lol! skip > Skip, if you find that bed-making device, please let me know! I have a > Select Comfort which is much lighter and easier to make than a regular [quoted text clipped - 22 lines] >> >> skip At times I've considered using those sleeping bag liners that I used at hostels years a go. Just take one end over the pillow and the comforter on top.. Aina, the lurker in Norway > They should make mattress duvets instead of sheets. throw it on, pull up > the comforter - done with the bed. [quoted text clipped - 28 lines] > >> > >> skip >>Getting an electric one is not wussing out...it's moving up in the world >>:-) Get an electric one! [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > skip YAY, Skip!!!!!! And if you find those last two devices, let me know as I want them too!! :-) Carole I am starting to have more and more problems with my hands also...Mainly the thumbs...Like trying to open my packages of Sweet n low for my coffee....First thing in the morning....Hmmm. I guess I will get the kind that I can pour out instead of individual packets.... I hate OA and FM.... Cindy > My hands hurt. There, I said it. This OA s*** really blows. > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Skip I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. Opening packages some days, I just hand it to the nearest person and ask them to open it. Just a couple of years ago I'd have died rather than ask a stranger to open something for me. It says how far I've come that I don't hesitate to ask the first person I see to open something for me. Sigh. {{{{{Cindy}}}}} DeeTee >I am starting to have more and more problems with my hands also...Mainly >the thumbs...Like trying to open my packages of Sweet n low for my [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >> >> Skip > I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. Opening > packages some days, I just hand it to the nearest person and ask them to [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > DeeTee Yup. And why living alone can be such an issue. I love living alone. I really do. Except when I'm sick or injured. Breaking my ankle was a real bummer. And, this thumb thing I have now sucks bigtime. But, asking Zuki, my gugundo German Shepherd, to open a package for me is kind of a waste. She'll likely get the package open, but she'll eat whatever is inside, as well. And, as for cans, her mighty jaws can do a number on cans. But, I don't let her, as she'll likely damage herself in the process. Asking the kitties to open a package is tantamount to asking my camera to do the task. :-p Yeah, it's the little things. The mundane things. The things that those who cannot see don't really understand. People at work jumped at giving me help when I was on crutches. Now that the cast is off, and I'm walking fairly well, they think that I'm always just fine. But, I don't like the alternative, that being always whining about opening things, or groaning when I get up from sitting at my desk for any length of time, or just plain flaring, like I was last week. Only my best friends know, and truly, I'm not sure they really understand either. It's the sky-high pile of little things. SignatureDi zinkadoodle at gmail dot com www.pbase.com/di www.dustydoggie.blogspot.com I agree completely, and I know from my own experience that if i'm listening to somebody saying how ill and how bad they feel, I will just switch off. So I know that if I start moaning people will just label me as a hypocondriac because I look absolutely fine. Outside of this group of course. So I think that this place is a good place to come to to moan, because EVERYBODY genuinely sympathises with you, which means a lot. Oh & by the way, I have no problem asking people to do things for me, I just say straight out that I cannot function in the mornings, so please - make my tea/make the bed/wash up/mow the lawn etc etc etc and I promise that I will help out in the afternoon when things (hopefully) start working properly. Cheers Stuart >> I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. >> Opening [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > friends know, and truly, I'm not sure they really understand either. > It's the sky-high pile of little things. That's why I like coming here. Most people know that I don't move too fast but as long as I'm vertical I must be fine. Here, I don't have to explain. It's been a huge help and also helps me understand myself better. A big heartfelt "thank you" to all! Ultimately, all I can do is my best with what the day brings - and OA shouldn't stop me from enjoying the sunrise or being outdoors on a wonderful fall day - like today. And if learning to ask for help more often makes my day more enjoyable, easier and less stressful, so be it. skip (feeling philisophical now) > I agree completely, and I know from my own experience that if i'm > listening to somebody saying how ill and how bad they feel, I will just [quoted text clipped - 43 lines] >> friends know, and truly, I'm not sure they really understand either. >> It's the sky-high pile of little things. >> I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. >> Opening [quoted text clipped - 29 lines] > friends know, and truly, I'm not sure they really understand either. > It's the sky-high pile of little things. Di, you put it in the words I couldn't find. Those little things slowly accumulate until one day you realize you've had just enough for awhile. I love living alone too, and dislike it for the same reasons. My cats however, are experts at opening their food bag! I ended up putting baby locks on the cabinet doors lol! They still open the doors occassionally but I don't worry about it - between that and the leaky tap, I know they will be ok if something happens to me. >I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. Opening >packages some days, I just hand it to the nearest person and ask them to [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > DeeTee I remember when asking someone to open a drink for me made me feel helpless. Now it doesn't bother me to ask a stranger to help me stand up. Jo I want to add my name to the "I hate" list. I really feel sorry for me sometimes. just all the little things are so aggravating Janice |I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. Opening | packages some days, I just hand it to the nearest person and ask them to [quoted text clipped - 34 lines] | >> | >> Skip Come on in, share some cheese with me? <grin> skip >I want to add my name to the "I hate" list. I really feel sorry for me > sometimes. just all the little things are so aggravating [quoted text clipped - 50 lines] > | >> > | >> Skip I know what you mean, now it seems natural to ask someone to items from the bottom shelf so I don't have to kneel - last year I would try anyway and end up sitting on the floor looking for leverage to get back up. I was at a craft show today and one of the booths was selling these awesome wooden canes that he personally fit and cut to size on the spot. Didn't even think twice about buying one I really liked. It was only later I remembered all the stress of buying my first one. Sigh. I'd hate to think this adapting is maturity cause I'm not ready to grow up! skip >I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. Opening >packages some days, I just hand it to the nearest person and ask them to [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] >>> >>> Skip >I know what you mean, now it seems natural to ask someone to items from >the bottom shelf so I don't have to kneel - last year I would try anyway [quoted text clipped - 8 lines] > > skip As the saying goes, growing old is mandatory, growing up is optional. As long as I still love rainbows and merry-go-rounds I'll be OK. And while I can still teach a grandson to appreciate a special sunset I still have a purpose. Just got a birth announcement from a cousin of her first granddaughter. Life does go on. No matter how bad the odds seem sometimes. Jo > I hate the whole ball of wax. Just little things but they add up. Opening > packages some days, I just hand it to the nearest person and ask them to [quoted text clipped - 5 lines] > > DeeTee On the plus side, it's amazing how helpful those strangers aften are! Many folks are so happy to be of help when you hand them a bottle with a smile, saying, "My hands just can't handle the cap!" Of course, it is sometimes hard to turn the smile and charm on the stranger when what you really want to do is slam the bottle to the floor or throw it across the room in frustration. SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare >I am starting to have more and more problems with my hands also...Mainly >the thumbs...Like trying to open my packages of Sweet n low for my >coffee....First thing in the morning....Hmmm. I guess I will get the kind >that I can pour out instead of individual packets.... > I hate OA and FM.... > Cindy Life really sucks when you really need that first cup of coffee before you are really up to assembling that first cup of coffee doesn't it? My thumbs are behaving right now, but I've certainly been there. One thing that irks me is that while I love to read and could read 20 hours a day, I can only hold a book for a little while at a time. I've taken to getting large print books at the library. Believe it or not they are often lighter than their small print versions because of the thinner paper they use. And I can read them without having to get them just the right distance from my eyes. I miss doing needle work. It always was relaxing. I know better than to try to crochet or needlepoint, but am tempted to try some of the new knit yarns and bigger needles. Jo Jo, I miss being able to crochet. Gwen >>I am starting to have more and more problems with my hands also...Mainly >>the thumbs...Like trying to open my packages of Sweet n low for my [quoted text clipped - 21 lines] > > Jo I love my needle work but finding it more and more painful so I have taken up scrapbooking. It keeps my fingers and hands moving so I don't cramp up so much. Susan I hate anything with a screw off cap. They are becoming impossible for me. I have found a wonderful cashier at my local supermarket though. I asked him once if he would loosen a cap for me and he did. Now he asks me if I buy something in a jar or bottle :) He's a sweetie. The other thing that drives me nuts are tablets that come in those layered packages where you have to bend the thing back, then peel the other part, then push the tablet through. I just get out scissors now and attack it that way. Who invented these things???? Carole > I am starting to have more and more problems with my hands also...Mainly the > thumbs...Like trying to open my packages of Sweet n low for my > coffee....First thing in the morning....Hmmm. I guess I will get the kind > that I can pour out instead of individual packets.... > I hate OA and FM.... > Cindy Don't know - but I've used the scissors approach for the last two years. Works for me. {{{{{{Carole}}}}}} DeeTee >I hate anything with a screw off cap. They are becoming impossible for me. >I have found a wonderful cashier at my local supermarket though. I asked [quoted text clipped - 13 lines] >> I hate OA and FM.... >> Cindy Thanks for the hugs, DeeTee. I've been doing the scissors thing as well except that on days when my thumbs hurt, it's hard. I just wish manufacturers would take these things into consideration. At least my pharmacist can put my meds in friendly bottles :)))) Carole :) eeTee and Bob Taggart wrote: > Don't know - but I've used the scissors approach for the last two years. > Works for me. [quoted text clipped - 20 lines] >>>I hate OA and FM.... >>>Cindy {{{{{Skip}}}}} DeeTee > My hands hurt. There, I said it. This OA s*** really blows. > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Skip I hear ya, skip, I really hear ya. I first read your message at 4:45 am, having given up on going back to sleep despite pain, gotten up to take medicine and roam the computer while waiting for it to kick in - but typing was unthinkable at the time. As for your concern about losing mobility, you might ask for a referral to a physical therapist. a PT can give you specific exercises to do several times/day that will help with your range of motion even if you have to rest your hands for most of the rest of the day. BTDT - ortho said I had fairly good ROM in my thumbs despite all the time they've spent resting and in splints so I told him I'd been doing PT for them for 3 years! heehee, and dropping things...... yes, well, Mike suggested we collect dishes with "character" from garage sales and thrift stores. I had only one great problem with that idea - I drop stuff and dishes from these sources tend to be fragile. After explaining a couple of times, Mike now understands why I want to stick with Corelle! I pulled some good Vermont cheddar out of the freezer a few days ago - let's enjoy it with our whine! SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare > My hands hurt. There, I said it. This OA s*** really blows. > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Skip Nann, if that's Cabot Cheddar, I am in. Skip, I have problems with my hands/wrists/thumbs as well, so I know right where you are coming from. I used to love doing these really huge cross stitch projects, (I have one only half completed right now), and I just HATE not being able to do them anymore. I used to crochet blankets as well, can't do that anymore now either. So whine away...you are not alone...and we know how you feel, Char Thanks guys, I'm feeling a bit better about it all today. I made really strange errors typing at work today and had to laugh. mmmm cheese > Nann, if that's Cabot Cheddar, I am in. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > So whine away...you are not alone...and we know how you feel, > Char > Nann, if that's Cabot Cheddar, I am in. Sure is and I cut into it last night. Here, have a hearty slice, I have a 2 lb pkg here to work through. I like Cabot, but I know a place in New Hampshire that has this incredible 7 yr aged white Vermont cheddar. I really must get an order off to them, we haven't had any of their cheese in a couple of years. I think I can justify it by giving some of it as Christmas gifts............. > I used to love doing these really huge cross stitch projects, (I have > one only half completed right now), and I just HATE not being able to > do them anymore. I used to crochet blankets as well, can't do that > anymore now either. Ah, how true, how true. I love counted cross stitch and spent hours on it. I was getting into designing my own a lot and wondering about how to start marketing them when the blasted PA hit my hands. sigh.......... Could still crochet on good hand days until my bicycle accident in '94. With all the damage I did to my wrist then, it severely protests any effort to twist as in crocheting. Tried to do it with the wrist brace on, but it just didn't work. Donated my yarn elsewhere and have focussed on machine sewing since, though I've really been getting the X-stitch itch again. Maybe after my thumbs get cleaned out I can handle a litlle bit at a time. Right now though, I must get busy on this Seminoole patchwork stole for Mike's ordination in 6 weeks! SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare >> Nann, if that's Cabot Cheddar, I am in. > [quoted text clipped - 32 lines] > Right now though, I must get busy on this Seminoole patchwork stole for > Mike's ordination in 6 weeks! And chance of us getting pictures of that stole when you finish it? I'd really love to see it. Slight family connection. My father was born on the Six Nations Reservation in 1916. His father was a preacher there at the time. Jo > And chance of us getting pictures of that stole when you finish it? I'd > really love to see it. Slight family connection. My father was born on the > Six Nations Reservation in 1916. His father was a preacher there at the > time. > > Jo sure - hopefully it'll be so nice I'll be happy to show it off! LOL I did most of the design last spring, then he was given some Deacon's stoles to use during his 6 months as a transitional deacon, so I tabled it for a while to make it for his priesting. Last couple of days I've been busy working back from the final design to write out detailed directions. Next comes some little dry runs with scraps. Hope to be at the point of cutting into the silk dupioni for the final stole within a week. SignatureNann remove the Gator cheer to email me Simply the thing I am shall make me live --- William Shakespeare Char, I have a sweater that I started crocheting some years ago (had my first rotator cuff surgery 10 years ago) and finished the body but it still has no sleeves! Gwen > Nann, if that's Cabot Cheddar, I am in. > [quoted text clipped - 6 lines] > So whine away...you are not alone...and we know how you feel, > Char > Char, I have a sweater that I started crocheting some years ago (had my > first rotator cuff surgery 10 years ago) and finished the body but it still > has no sleeves! > Gwen Wear it as a vest :-) Or start a whole new fashion trend :-)) Carole Skip, Hoping the best for you with those hands. I know the feeling at times. Not as bad as yours though. Mine is just OA or so they say. But I do sympathize with you. Take care. SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > My hands hurt. There, I said it. This OA s*** really blows. > [quoted text clipped - 18 lines] > > Skip Dah, just reread the post and saw yours was OA too. Just ignore me. I am brain dead. OFf the pred now. I think I am having an allergic reaction again to the pedialyte. It can't make up its mine if I am allergic to it or not. ;-( SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Skip, > [quoted text clipped - 24 lines] >> >> Skip Hey! It's not "just" OA It's a pain in the *** too! Lol! skip > Dah, just reread the post and saw yours was OA too. Just ignore me. I am > brain dead. OFf the pred now. I think I am having an allergic reaction [quoted text clipped - 30 lines] >>> >>> Skip > Hey! It's not "just" OA It's a pain in the *** too! > Lol! > > skip I'm really starting to appreciate that. RA is often kind enough to come and go. Yes the flares are awful, but if you are lucky there are breaks between them. And sometimes a joint will even settle down once its "eaten" all the soft tissue away. OA is persistent and just seems to get worse. Charlie has never fully recovered from breaking his heal. And has developed OA in the knee on the other leg because of the bad foot from the break. Jo I thought that was what the A stood for. ;-) LOL just giving you a bad time. LOL SignatureLove and hugs to all Good thoughts coming your way too. Squirrely Jo > Hey! It's not "just" OA It's a pain in the *** too! > Lol! > > skip Ain't it the truth! Gwen > Hey! It's not "just" OA It's a pain in the *** too! > Lol! [quoted text clipped - 35 lines] >>>> >>>> Skip |
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