RA at 30

LisaD33
LisaD33 Member Posts: 2
edited 28. Nov 2023, 14:09 in Living with arthritis

Hey all,

After a year of pain, I’ve been diagnosed with RA. It’s only affecting my hands and wrists at the moment, my first fingers are particularly bad - especially in the morning. I’ve started taking medication but would welcome any advice around what to expect or what key things do you think I should know/tips? It’s pretty daunting.

thanks,

Lisa

Comments

  • Poppyjane
    Poppyjane Moderator Posts: 846

    Hello @LisaD33 welcome to the online community,

    You have recently been diagnosed with RA in your hands and wrists and are asking about what to expect from our members. Well you have come to a safe and friendly place where we aim to support you during your life journey with arthritis. Like many of us when we are first diagnosed we find it all pretty daunting , so give yourself to time to adjust to the medication and don't focus on the "what I cannot do but rather on the what I can do". Many of our members live with different forms of arthritis which affects people in all age groups and the community is a great place to share our experiences.

    I attach some links which I hope you will find helpful

    https://www.versusarthritis.org/news/2021/august/how-to-adapt-when-you-ve-been-diagnosed-with-arthritis/


    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/hand-and-wrist-pain/


    https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/exercising-with-arthritis/exercises-for-healthy-joints/exercises-for-the-fingers-hands-and-wrists/

    Have you tried a warm wheat bag ( heat in the microwave) or just soaking in warm water for a few minutes, first thing in the morning to help regain flexibility in your fingers. It works for me. I am sure there will be more tips from others in the community. Do browse round the different areas and join in with the discussions and activities. We look forward to hearing from you soon.

    Take care

    Poppyjane

    If it would be helpful to talk to someone ring the Helpline 0800 5200 520

    Monday - Friday 9.00a.m. - 6.00p.m.

  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,027

    Ah it is pretty daunting @LisaD33

    and you must give yourself time to adjust. I always say we have to grieve for the life we had expected and accept the new one. At first i was a nightmare to be around it was all 'me me me' I wouldn't make plans in case i couldn't manage to fulfill them. I worried all the time about any (often very silly and irrelevant) niggle. I feared I was letting my husband down and would show my children up. No-one wanted to hear my moans, but people here are happy to😊

    Anyway here I am, still pretty well on my feet having a great life. Not the same as it would have been but honestly it's fine!

    If you have worries about meds do ask many of us will be on the same and have tips we can share

    Huge ((())) for you and bear with. You will do ok

    Take care

    Toni xx

  • Bic1982
    Bic1982 Member Posts: 31

    Hi @LisaD33

    I completely agree with Toni - its going to be a daunting time for you but do not hold that against yourself. You have every right to take the time to adjust.

    It can be hard going at times so make sure you take plenty of time to rest when you are struggling and to ask questions about anything and everything when you have them or if in doubt.

    When I struggle with my hands I have a splints that I can put on which support my wrists and knuckles. I also find using ice packs help to bring the swelling down.

    Hope this helps.

    Anne

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