Need advice please
In the early days with Rheumatoid. Pains in feet plus hands 4 to 5 out of ten pain wise. What should I be doing to help this illness, what aids might I need and how bad does this become . Not had any advice. I also have arthritis and spondylosis,
Hello and welcome,
!
I am so sorry you are dealing with yet another diagnosis and I know it must be a little disheartening. And, since you already deal with arthritis and spondylosis, I know you are probably already quite familiar with pain and have a high pain tolerance.
So, your pain may become much more manageable as you get on a treatment that works for you. Have you seen a rheumatologist? A good doctor can listen to you and partner with you to manage all of your conditions and treatments as well as possible. So, here's some information from our community leaders about being newly diagnosed that I thought you might find helpful -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/advice-for-newly-diagnosed. And, when it comes to treatments, there are LOTS of option, which is a good thing, but can be pretty overwhelming when you are trying to research your treatment choices. So, that is really something you can look into with your physician. Just know that most treatments are focused on treating your RA symptoms (inflammation) in the hopes that it will help with your pain as well. Many doctors will prescribe steroids to help with pain and inflammation and that is definitely a route you can go down, just know that longterm steroid usage does come with some risks and steroids can have some strong side effects.
I am trying (and failing) not to overwhelm you with info, but I wanted to share this article on what to expect at your first rheumatology appointment. Maybe you have already had that first appointment, but the info is pretty useful either way -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/what-to-expect-at-your-first-rheumatologist-appointment. Also, here's some basic information on ways to manage RA related hand pain and stiffness -- https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/symptoms/hand-pain-swelling-and-inflammation. Keep in mind, this information is pretty basic and if you need more detailed information, I may be able to dig it up for you.
Just know that often this time of being newly diagnosed is the hardest and scariest. I won't say that things always get easier, but they often become more manageable.
Please know you are not alone in this and I hope you get more feedback from other community members that have been where you are right now.
Best, Erin, Team Member.
