I am almost in tears as I type this, could use some advice...I have always loved to work in my yard and my favorite thing to do is to take out my frustration with this disease against the dollar weed and sandspurs of this world. I have loved this for most of my 43 years, well as fate would have it, the PSA fairy has decided to camp out in two fingers on my left hand and it is the knuckles in the middle that are so painful. My pain meds don't do a thing for my hands. I also have Reynaud's so ice is a bit tricky, does anyone use coompression gloves or splints, and do they help. I feel like so much of what I used to love has been taken already, so I am really struggling with this. We just don't realize how much our little fingers do for us, until they can't.
I understand completely, I've had a lot of problems with my fingers and hands. When my hands as a whole are achy and hurting, I will use compression gloves. They help to keep my hands warm and provide some support. However, when it is "just" a few fingers I don't like to use the compression gloves. For me, it's usually my PIP joints, although sometimes the DIP joints. I use a few different things, depending on the nature of the pain. I've developed swan neck deformities that lock in a few fingers, so I use ring splints for those. The cheaper version of this is the Oval 8 ring splints, that are made of plastic. I am considering investing in a few ring splints for long term wear. I have some that I've made for myself, but would like to have the Siris ones, at least for my pointers, and possibly my pinkies.
I do ice when it's really bad, and I also have Reynauds. When I was icing my feet, that's what convinced my rheumy that I needed a change in meds.
If you want to talk more, private message me, and we can even talk over the phone.
Go the opposite direction...
Hot paraffin bath (both hands and feet) does amazing things. Also there are creams (mine is custom made by the pharmacy) that contain NSAIDS and even lidocaine. Mixed with DMSO they penetrate deep...
"Arthritis gloves" are a good buy. but better yard tools are an even better buy. more cushioning, bette/differentr grips etc make them work better and easier on you.....
I know how you feel. Seven of my fingers are swollen and bent. My pain meds don't do much for me either. Sometimes heat helps me. You could try a heating pad or even soaking them in hot water.
I use compression gloves (just wore mine all day yesterday). For me, they are a lifesaver. A paraffin bath also gives amazing relief.
I like the paraffin bath and compression gloves too. But be careful using splints while working with your hands. If you are pushing against the splint it increases tendonitis and pain afterwards. For gardening I use well padded gloves and Crocs with memory foam in them. I wrap my tools with pipe insulation from the hardware store to pad them. I bought a Gardenway cart that turns on a dime and my husband dumps it for me. My husband built me large planters or raised beds to minimize my bending. I have a very good husband! Hope these help to keep you busy in your garden. It is so important to have something that keeps you active and boosts your spirit when doing battle with a foe like PsA!
Thanks everyone for the words of advice and encouragment, I will try them all. Flowers for everyone!
I can relate--and outside of the ring splints, paraffin baths and ergonomic tools, I don't have a lot to offer. I can say, though, that my best friend when I'm gardening is my Ames Lawn Buddy. It's a little cart that you pull behind you. It has large wheels so it easily pulls through grass. And it has a lid that folds over the back that you can sit on while you garden. It's been the difference for me between sitting in the house thinking about gardening and actually getting out there and doing it! No more bending. And it has places for tools,plants, fertilizers, rakes, shovels and even drinks. It's a wonderful tool for me. Very light weight and easy to get out and put away. Very often I've picked up tools and even watering cans that are ergonomically designed at TJ Maxx. Surprised me, too. :-) I've gotten ergonomic spades, trowels, rakes, watering cans, small rakes that I can use from the lawn buddy (sitting down). It's worth looking--especially at this time of year. I also usually wear an apron with pockets (stylin'!) so I can keep small things where I can get to them easily. (scissors, shears, string, tape, plant tags). Gardening can be difficult for us, and I certainly relate to what you're talking about. Hang in there with it and keep looking for things that will help you continue your activity. We give up too much because of this disease!!! We shouldn't have to also give up the things that help us stay sane!!
Byrd feeder, I love the idea of an apron with pockets! I am going to steal it! I guess I am styling too! I use a padded garden kneeler too. I have a feeling my cart and your Lawn Buddy are similar, makes a big difference!
Careful. Do not use if you are diabetic. I bought it and had to return it when I saw the warnings. Dr. that recommended it retracted himself. (Prednisone caused my diabetes)
tntlamb said:
Go the opposite direction...
Hot paraffin bath (both hands and feet) does amazing things. Also there are creams (mine is custom made by the pharmacy) that contain NSAIDS and even lidocaine. Mixed with DMSO they penetrate deep...
"Arthritis gloves" are a good buy. but better yard tools are an even better buy. more cushioning, bette/differentr grips etc make them work better and easier on you.....