Some advice would be nice

minnie18

Hi guys,

Ok so I’ve got a lump on my wrist that causes me pain, my rheumatology nurse has said it’s a build up of fluid that needs to be drained which she’s made an appointment for but my physiotherapist thinks it’s carpel tunnel (I’ve been given a splint to use at bedtime)
Do I get drained (oh the appointment isn’t till June) oh cancel it and give my splint a few weeks chance??
My second question is after doing some reading I have learned that keeping active is very important (I’ve only been living with RA for a year) does this stop me from joining a gym??

Any thoughts or advice would be helpful
Many thanks!

silverfoxxxx

I wouldn’t cancel as you’ll have to wait another few months if you decide at a later date that you do actually need it aspirated, cancel closer to the time if the splint works.

dreamdaisy

I would suggest that rheumatology nurses are more familiar with RA and its vagaries than a physio. It seems that physios are rarely backwards in coming forwards with giving advice on subjects that are nothing to do with their specialist area of physical mechanics, I think they would be very miffed if a consultant in another area would offer advice about physio exercises. I had a double carpal tunnel op a few years ago without a single lump appearing at any point, as that is caused by the compression of nerves I cannot envisage why a lump would appear but I am not a medic of any kind, just a fairly knowledgeable patient (I am shortly beginning my 22nd year of this nonsense). . I currently have a fluid lump on my right palm, it's quite hard but it doesn't hurt so I am leaving well-alone.

One of the troubles with having arthritis is that, because it is so common, everyone thinks they know what it is and how it should be treated; then factor in those who think it comes in two kinds and only affects the elderly and our chances of being misinformed and completely misled are greatly magnified. The common view is that arthritis comes in two kinds, RA and OA, and only affects the elderly. Mine began when I was 37 and I was immediately promoted to the status of honourable pensioner by medicos and amateurs alike.

Take heed of the advice given by those who know what they are talking about, in this case the rheumatology nurse. DD

stickywicket

I'd see no point in cancelling as it's so far off. You can try the splint in the interim.

This is a new one on me. I've had, and have, rheumatic nodules but they're pretty solid-but-wiggly and not at all painful.

Gym? Why not? Just remember that you do have RA and don't go aiming for too much. I joined a gym shortly before my knee revision op. Every bit of machinery had to be reduced to its lowest level but I still got in some exercise helpful to me. Be sure to tell whoever is doing your induction about the RA and build up very slowly. Stop while you feel you've more in you. At first it will seem a waste of time for the short amount of time you're there but, if you're careful, it will help.

minnie18

Hi guys,
Thanks for the great advice, I’m going to stick to the split on a night as suggested but also keep draining appointment (quite nervous for) the lump swells throughout the day as I do more so in the afternoon/evening at work it gets painful and irritated 😩
As for the gym I don’t really know about that either (I don’t have much confidence in myself)

Thanks x

Joel

Hi guys,
Thanks for the great advice, I’m going to stick to the split on a night as suggested but also keep draining appointment (quite nervous for) the lump swells throughout the day as I do more so in the afternoon/evening at work it gets painful and irritated 😩
As for the gym I don’t really know about that either (I don’t have much confidence in myself)

Thanks x

Hi Minnie,

Like you I started suffering in my 20s and I remember feeling how unfair it was (I am 45 now). Thankfully my arthritis (PsA) progressed quite slowely until a few years back, maybe my mid to late 30s when I started suffering from Plantar fasciitis and my arthritis seemed to escalate quite rapidly.
Probably within a 6 months to a year i went from being active to constant pain. I can say it does get better with time (I am not going to sugar coat it as it will always be there and good days are just less painful ones). But you will learn coping mechanisms, little things that help you start making the most of the good days. These forums are great for tips and learning how others cope.

Like you I work full time and i can say let your work know and keep an open dialog with them. Most employers are pretty good at understanding. If you really struggle you do have the right to put in for flexible working request under "reasonable adjustments" as arthritis is considered a disability and thus its considered a protected characteristic.
Doesn't mean they have to say yes but if you put in a good enough case it makes it harder for them to say no. On a side note to be considered for reasonable adjustments and for the law on protected characteristic to kick in you don't actually need to be suffering there is no minimum level and once diagnosed even if medication works and there are no affects from the condition there is still a duty of care to ensure they don't put you in a position that can aggravate or worsen your "disability" (I hate that term but i know others are a lot more comfortable with it than me).

I know the self confidence thing, as suffering from PsA i am also one of the lucky ones who also suffers from psoriasis too and going to the gym or swimming ... well I don't have enough self confidence to do it at the moment.
But I am not over-weight and I keep active by walking and generally living a more energetic lifestyle than i used to. This has definitely helped I don't know if its strengthening my muscles or what but I feel better for it. So I'd say summon up the courage and go for it. Just don't over do it.. start slow and fine your comfy level then work up from there.

Joel