Hello from Max_S

Max_S

Hi everyone, I'm not very good at sharing, I'm a 'Get your head down and get on with it' type but I've been persuaded to open up and share my experiences so here goes.

I was first diagnosed with Arthritis in my late 30s, I'm now 66 and I have Osteo Arthritis in several joints all of which I have been able to manage by Changing my Diet, help from Physiotherapists, regular exercise (Swimming and Walking) and an occasional Operation.

I am now retired and I have been begun sketching and painting, something I haven't done since College and I am enjoying myself, I'm even helping to Tutor a local art group, but I have been dealt a blow recently with a diagnosis of OA in my wrists and the majority of my finger joints, my GP told me the long term prognosis is not good and Surgery is not possible.

I'm determined to carry on as long as possible so I have purchased new brushes, pencils, tools etc designed to help Artists with this type of problem, I also have various braces and gloves to keep my fingers warm and supple and help me manage the pain.

I've joined the Community because I would appreciate hearing from anyone else out there who has experienced similar problems and maybe my experiences will help others.

By the way I've never joined an Online Community before so I apologise in advance if I commit any social faux par (I think that's right) but what on earth are TAGS?

Poppyjane

Hello @Max_S and welcome to the online community

Thank you for sharing your history of arthritis with us and the amazing work you are doing as a Tutor for the local art group. There are numbers of members who have different problems with their hands and wrists and they have shared their tips on the community for the support of others. It is interesting to read , some prefer heat to cold, some use gloves and others splints. We each find it is a question of trial and error to find what suits each individual. I attach a thread which has a very interesting discussion from members, I hope you find it helpful

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/osteoarthritis-of-the-hand-and-wrist/

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

https://community.versusarthritis.org/discussion/58652/pain-in-hands

The last post is a TAG It is a thread of similar posts that are "tagged" together . Now you are part of the community you will be able to have conversation with other members whose concerns are similar to yours.

We are so pleased you took the plunge to join us and share your story. We would love to hear from you again.

Best wishes

Poppyjane