What is normal pain?
When you have RA you learn to deal with pain. I feel like my pain tolerance is that of Superman! But having this new baseline tolerance for pain can lead to ignoring important symptoms. Every new ache and pain I relate to my RA. I walk a fine line between dealing with pain and knowing when to see my doc.
Case and Point:
Last year I had this nagging back pain. I figured it was a combination of no core strength, poor posture, and RA. This went on for months, a lot of months. What finally got me to go to the doctor was not the raging flank pain but my face started tingling. By the time I finally went to the doctor I had a raging kidney infection. Needless to say I got a serious lecture that I should have known better. And maybe I should have. Nurses are not the best patients. We think we know it all and only go to the doctor when someone is dying. It took me months to finally get rid of my urinary issues. Lesson learnedJ
So, if you are dealing with new symptoms that are lasting longer than normal. Go to the doc!
Case and Point:
Last year I had this nagging back pain. I figured it was a combination of no core strength, poor posture, and RA. This went on for months, a lot of months. What finally got me to go to the doctor was not the raging flank pain but my face started tingling. By the time I finally went to the doctor I had a raging kidney infection. Needless to say I got a serious lecture that I should have known better. And maybe I should have. Nurses are not the best patients. We think we know it all and only go to the doctor when someone is dying. It took me months to finally get rid of my urinary issues. Lesson learnedJ
So, if you are dealing with new symptoms that are lasting longer than normal. Go to the doc!
Ouch!
Most of the time I can work through the pain. It is more of a discomfort then anything. But sometimes I can barely dress myself. Luckily, these times are rare. Most of the year I can manage, but when a flare up hits me I have some go to remedies:
1. HEAT HEAT HEAT..................................And a little Ice
I have some fabric ice packs that live in the freezer for emergencies. I have a heated blanket (worth every penny) and a heating pad. These are life savers!
2. Epsom salts..................especially in Lavender
I am not a bath person, I can hardly sit still in there. But when I am chilled to the bone and in pain and Epsom salt bath is reinvigorating. Try it!
3. Capsaicin cream..............Use gloves
I love this stuff, you can buy it any drug store. Warning: Use gloves or you risk places feeling spicy that shouldn’t;)
4. Cannabis.....................CBD vs THC
This requires a page of its own (I am working on that and my own CBD line). In most states you can find CBD, otherwise I say order online. If you are lucky enough to be in a state that has recreational cannabis (THC) I HIGHLY suggest mirco-dosing. Lots more to come on this topic. STAY TUNED!
5. Exercise........................Any kind will do
When I see 90 year old patients who look 70 and are still totally independent they all tell me the same thing...........NEVER STOP MOVING. Find any kind of exercise you like and do it every day. It does not have to be cross fit, it can be 30 minutes of walking in place while you watch TV. Just do it!
6. Rest.....................It is ok to take a break
I feel like we get so focused on being busy that just resting and doing nothing comes with an unnecessary dose of guilt. Listen to your body, if you need to stay in bed all day and binge on Handmaidens Tale, go for it!!!
7. Compression..............................it is like a hug
I have compression gloves and ace wraps of multiple sizes. I wear the gloves whenever my hands ache. Add a little capsaicin cream before you put them on for extra relief. I also have a few ace wraps. If a wrist or knee is hurting they provide so much relief. REST.......Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate (if you have swelling)
1. HEAT HEAT HEAT..................................And a little Ice
I have some fabric ice packs that live in the freezer for emergencies. I have a heated blanket (worth every penny) and a heating pad. These are life savers!
2. Epsom salts..................especially in Lavender
I am not a bath person, I can hardly sit still in there. But when I am chilled to the bone and in pain and Epsom salt bath is reinvigorating. Try it!
3. Capsaicin cream..............Use gloves
I love this stuff, you can buy it any drug store. Warning: Use gloves or you risk places feeling spicy that shouldn’t;)
4. Cannabis.....................CBD vs THC
This requires a page of its own (I am working on that and my own CBD line). In most states you can find CBD, otherwise I say order online. If you are lucky enough to be in a state that has recreational cannabis (THC) I HIGHLY suggest mirco-dosing. Lots more to come on this topic. STAY TUNED!
5. Exercise........................Any kind will do
When I see 90 year old patients who look 70 and are still totally independent they all tell me the same thing...........NEVER STOP MOVING. Find any kind of exercise you like and do it every day. It does not have to be cross fit, it can be 30 minutes of walking in place while you watch TV. Just do it!
6. Rest.....................It is ok to take a break
I feel like we get so focused on being busy that just resting and doing nothing comes with an unnecessary dose of guilt. Listen to your body, if you need to stay in bed all day and binge on Handmaidens Tale, go for it!!!
7. Compression..............................it is like a hug
I have compression gloves and ace wraps of multiple sizes. I wear the gloves whenever my hands ache. Add a little capsaicin cream before you put them on for extra relief. I also have a few ace wraps. If a wrist or knee is hurting they provide so much relief. REST.......Rest, Ice, Compress, Elevate (if you have swelling)
