Weather Report

So I thought this winter was the hardest on me when it comes to chronic pain. Guess I was hoping "the grass would be greener" in Spring.

So far there's been many fluctuations. ..going from snow one day to gorgeous the next and now thunderstorms! 

I seem to be very sensitive to changes in barometric pressure. Do you feel the weather before it hits your area? Maybe we can band together arthritic conditions and start our own weather prediction channel.
This just in...Ryss has swollen ankles expect slight rain in 24 hours.
*Loud alarm sirens* Updates!  Raging pain in knees...increase chance of storms!

Maybe someday I can get out of the Midwest and move to a more stable weather environment or find a weather career.

Feeling really glad I was able to get my injection in a couple of days ago otherwise it would be bed rest for me today. I am seeing a possible epsom salt bath in my future...if by the time I get there I can get in and out of the tub.
My knees are swollen and my aching hands are angry today.
Working on this attitude of gratitude is harder than I thought it would be!

For those with any kind of chronic pain today... I'm hoping you find some relief and gentle thoughts your way!

Let me Introduce Myself

So where to start? Right at the beginning, I suppose. Or maybe not. I guess the hard part is which beginning-not the story of my life but the beginning of my battle with arthritis? 

Well after my grandiose ideas of how perfect this blog could be and how I can help so many people find something positive, I had a bad day. A bad pain day. LIGHTBULB! 

I have spent many sleepless nights researching and following other blogs and wallowing in my own puddle of self pity. Days that I cursed other bloggers for being so darned happy. Not that I wanted them to hurt the way I did or even hurt at all. I just couldn't look towards a brighter future because I wasn't finding any relief myself. Couldn't imagine how anyone who claims to have a horrible pain could possibly post such happy, "feel good" messages. 

 My end goal here is to promote something positive. Just not over the top hallmark card positive. Realistically, though as someone who never knows what to expect until she wakes up-this girl may vent a frustration from time to time. 

My experience is with Rheumatoid Arthritis, Psoriatic Arthritis and Fibromyalgia.  I am not a doctor, a medical professional or even an expert on autoimmune diseases but feel as though I should have a degree in pain with a doctorate in painsomnia.  I can't help diagnose but I can give you my story, my background and any method to help alleviate chronic pain is worth trying (in my book).

After my first flare, time stood still. Blood work and nsaids and blood work and prescriptions and blood work and waiting.And then more waiting. And then the Rheumatologist. X-rays, MRI's, CT Scans, all while trying to work and have a family. And then finally, a diagnosis, or two? or three? That's the first uphill struggle with autoimmune related diseases and conditions. There's no set answer and everyone's pain is different.  

So I won't bore you with every medicine, and every detail of my chronic pain story but I will share what works for me on any particular day. 
Whew! Now all that being said. No matter what kind of chronic pain you suffer, I hope that you maybe find some comfort here. 

And hopefully there won't be so many cheeky inspirational messages..ok maybe a few. And no major rants..only vented frustrations. But obtainable tips and tricks. Ideas and thoughts about living a REAL life with pain. 

Gentle thoughts

-Ryss

The Top 4 Tools for use with Hand Pain

Joint pain is miserable wherever you feel it, but when your hands are aching and swollen everything seems impossible. After trial and error, these are all a part of my daily life with joint pain. Call them tools, call them minor adjustments but small victories add up by the end of the day.

1. Spill-Proof Cups 

When hands are stiff, swollen and painful clumsy is not my middle name, its my first name. Insulated cups can be found anywhere these days. My favorite happens to be Tervis. Tervis tumblers are bit more on initial expense but worth it in the long term. All pieces are dishwasher safe they come in all shapes and sizes.

Most importantly, insulated cups are usually thicker and easier for grip. No matter what brand you like, pay close attention to the lid, one that seals properly will help prevent spills if you accidentally drop it. 
I lovingly refer to them as my adult "sippy cups" but as easily as I get the drops when my hands are hurting, I never leave home without one.
  
2. Compression Tubing

 Think of compression tubing as a hug for painful joints.You can spend lots of money on compression gloves, compression sleeves, compression gauntlets (fingerless gloves) but out of all the ones I've tried, I haven't found one yet that was worth the money spent. Check your local medical supply store for compression tubing. Usually purchased by the foot or yard, compression tubing is cost effective, it also comes in many sizes.  Personally, I buy several feet at a time, but it into lengths that cover from knuckles to wrist and a small slit for the thumb. Compression tubing will make it months if you wash it and lay it out to dry.  

3. Scissors

Grip can be a major issue when you hands are hurting. When opening anything keep scissors handy. Any size, any shape, anywhere. Small scissors or even the very tiny scissors that come in a manicure set can be carried in a purse or your car. Kitchen scissors often even come with a bottle opener or gripper for multi-use and are great for "chopping" herbs. When looking around, double check that the handles are right work for your hands.

4. Grip Cushion Tubing

Finding a constant theme here? Yes, that's right, grip is an issue. Grip tubing also comes in different sizes. Usually in 1 foot sections that can be cut to size, this stuff works on everything! My first choice is usually finding an actual thick grip item (toothbrush, hairbrush, cooking utensils) but unfortunately the whole world isn't designed for those of us with crooked hands. I use this stuff on everything from eye liner to pens. **If the inner space is not wide enough for your item, the tubing can be split down the side and then wrapped with medical tape.


There's a multitude of arthritis devices out there. You can also subscribe to magazines and web searches. Most of what I have tried has been on advice from some other arthritis warrior recommendation. Depending on the severity of your symptoms you may also want to look into hairdryer stands, key turners, or can openers. They even make special door knobs and lamp switches for people with arthritis!

I'm always preaching whatever works for you. Hopefully, I can save you a few pennies and help you find something that helps ease your painful hands without spending a fortune!

Do you have any favorite products?