Coping with RA, Fibromyalgia, and Autoimmune Pain

By CommunityMembere8c13d

1 min read

I am diagnosed with many conditions, such as: rheumatoid arthritis, Raynaud's, Sjögren's, fibromyalgia, Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), and bone degeneration. Even MS, but that got ruled out a few years ago.

Searching for the source of my pain

RA has popped its ugly little head up and caused some havoc. But the truth is, I don't know who or what's causing the pain anymore. My hand swelled up to twice its size and is so painful. X-rays at first said RA, but an MRI found I actually had a sprain between my index and ring finger with a torn ligament. I'm looking at the doctor, asking how the heck I did that. I really don't know 🤨!

Looking for support

I'm confused by how things happened. I didn't remember or feel it—painful, just so painful everywhere. Sometimes the pain meds work, but mostly they don't. Even Tylenol doesn't touch it. At my age now, I'm not dealing too well with the pain like I did in my younger years. It just seems like everything is breaking down. To be honest, I'll try what others have had work for them, but my body laughs at me. So I'm still looking for ways to help me get through the worst days. Thanks.

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Lisa Emrich Moderator & Contributor
<inline-mention username="hoffaam1" user-id="3206774"/> - You are certainly dealing with a lot. And goodness, how did you tear the ligament. I can only imaging how shocking that was. I'm glad that it was diagnosed and hope that as it heals, you will experience less pain. RA itself can contribute to loosened ligaments and some medications might increase risk of ruptured tendons. I hope that your physicians can find ways to help you feel better and to protect your ligaments from future surprise tears. Big hugs, Lisa
CommunityMembere8c13d Member
At my last visit with my orthopedic doctor, my hand is healing well...no surgery! But signs of RA/Arthritis is progressing but it has been a slow process...which I thank God for. I will admit, I truly believe that because I have always been a physical person always moving. Being a contractor working in construction, painter, mechanic, Janitorial, body building...love lifting weights. Not to bulk up but just to keep my body in shape n strong as I age. At 70 years young my body is in great shape...I can still do many of the things I did in my 30's n 40's...my hands don't work as well but I manage. When Flare ups decide to take control, it drops me to my knees. And again I do my best to manage through the fatigue, pain n discomfort as best I can...it's all I can do. 🤗
1. Erin Rush Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembere8c13d" user-id="8898282"/>, that's good news, overall! I am glad you are doing well with your joint health and strength. I know when it comes to arthritis, doctors sometimes say, "motion is the lotion". Okay, besides the fact that the saying is borderline creepy sounding, it means that staying moderately active and moving every day can actually keep your joints lubricated and moving and impede any stiffness from setting up house, if that makes sense. So, yes! Keep moving each day, just like you always have! Best, Erin, Team Member.
yajtrt Member
 CommunityMembere8c13d, I am sorry you are having such a hard time particularly with pain. I can definitely relate as I also have a plethora of autoimmune diagnoses. I don't know where you live or your views on using cannabis.That said, I have found with Ibuprofen and a small dose of an indica gummy I can sort of not pay attention to the pain so that I can get to sleep. I do not use cannabis on a routine basis, but when I take it a couple of hours before bed with Ibuprofen when I am hurting so badly I can't sleep, I find it a life saver. When I wake up the next morning, I feel generally good and not "hung over." I also love my teak bench in the shower, my all down coat and gloves which are so light, and my polartech scarf and ear band. Heavy clothes wear me down! I am 9 weeks post knee replacement and doing great! During this time I found thigh high ted hose to be too rough on my skin, which is super sensitive. My sweet husband found me some very nice and soft compression hose and they were a life saver. (They were $40 dollars a pair, but well worth it. I loved also that they had closed toes.) I also got a pair of slip in sketchers and could always get my shoes on without help or bending down. I have a military grade case for my IPAD and phone because I drop things on a very routine basis. I can't live without my electric blanket and my down comforter. I heat the bed up before I get in it and then turn it off when I am warm. My skin gets too dry if I leave it on. My down comforter will hold the heat from the blanket all night and is not heavy. I also have two 5 foot down pillows that I use to flip side to side which supports me as I am a side sleeper. I bought those with a bonus I got one year at work. That is all I can come up with right now. If just one thing helps someone, it will be well worth all the typing!!!! Sending positive vibes and prayers for you and the rest of us!
CommunityMembere8c13d Member
Sounds pretty much like myself...lol. The sad part is I also have Essential Thrombocythemia which has progressed...in which case the pain is more extreme throughout my body and the fatigue along with many other symptoms can cross with the Lupus symptoms...and it just don't feel right. And now knowing what's going on more clearly helps...Enjoying each Day God gives me!
1. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembere8c13d" user-id="8898282"/> so sorry to hear that, in addition to everything else, you're dealing with the pain and fatigue from Essential Thrombocythemia. You certainly are managing a lot right now. Please know that our community is here for you and, I'm not sure if someone already mentioned this or not, but we do have a community dedicated to blood cancer, <a href='https://blood-cancer.com/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://blood-cancer.com/</a>, if you're interested. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)
2. Richard Faust Community Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="CommunityMembere8c13d" user-id="8898282"/>. On top of the excellent information from Christine, I want to ask if you have lupus or were you saying that your symptoms could be confused with lupus? If you do have a lupus diagnosis we also have a sister-site for that condition at <a href='https://lupus.net/' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>https://lupus.net/</a>. Best, Richard (Team Member)
CommunityMembere8c13d Member
Yes, Thank you
CommunityMembere8c13d Member
Yes I have Lupus...have had it since a small child... plus everything else on top of it and then we add the so called rare blood cancer...
1. CommunityMembere8c13d Member
 <inline-mention username="christine.laaksonen" user-id="3148879"/> I am my own medical team along with my partner Steve, who advocates for me like a fighting Bull on a mission...well, he is. He now understands there's really not much that can be done...he just wants to see me have a better quality of life rather than seeing me writher in pain not able to eat or do much of anything...so basically we fight for Quality...and I deal with the horrific days as best I can without tearing someone's head off...lol.
2. christine.laaksonen Community Admin
 <inline-mention username="CommunityMembere8c13d" user-id="8898282"/> oh how wonderful that Steve is there for you! I'm so glad that you have him to help support and advocate for you. How lovely that he is there for you and in your corner. Sending you gentle hugs! -- Warmly, Christine (Team Member)