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Barbara Schwefel
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 2:00 PM


 

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Hi all.I'm hoping that all of us have been here at least one time or another.By that I mean frustrated.Let me explain.As long as I can remember I've always had a problem with people trying to help me.I am a very independent and headstrong person.This arthritis thing just has me RILED!!!My arthritis is mainly in my shoulders,so trying to get dressed,comb my hair put on a bra(sorry guys) or pull my pants up by myself is virtually impossible.Everyone I know says well,buy a front closed bra,but us ladies need to "adjust" in order for it to be comfortable.I can't seem to get my arms back far enough to do this.For the last 3 months I have been using a wooden back scratcher to try and get dressed by myself.If my husband and I are out he needs to either go in with me or I need to come out with my pants only partially up because I can't get them up myself.I am learning through all of this and am getting better at it but this is the last straw.Half the time I sit here in my p.j.s until my husband gets home and by that time it's time to put them back on for bed.Don't get me wrong my husband does not mind doing this for me,it just makes me angry that something so personal as getting dressed I cannot do!!!Does this get better with time or is this as good as it gets?

A SMILE IS THE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW OF YOUR FACE...IT LETS PEOPLE KNOW YOU'RE HOME.

Author unknown



Diagnosed 08/09 Am currently on Methotrexate,Folic Acid,Nebumetone,And Hydrocodone for pain.
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MaryFran
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 2:16 PM


 

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Barbara - I reviewed your profile and noticed that you were only recently diagnosed with RA. That means you have only been on your meds for a short time. Many of the RA drugs can take two or three or more months before they really kick in. You might ask you rheumy if you can have prednisone to tide you over. That works wonders and doesn't cause problems unless you are on it for a long time at very high doses - and even then sometimes it's better than the alternative. I can't imagine your frustration in not being able to do the simplest things. Another idea might be to ask the doc if you could have a cortisone shot in your shoulders. Let us know how you are doing! Hope this helps!

Mary H.



Plaquenil, Medrol, soon to be Orencia, Folic Acid, Vit. D, B12, Calcium, + others unrelated to RA
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Ladybugz
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 2:40 PM


 

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Hi Barbara,

I know that frustration you are talking about. When i'm flaring, and it is bad enough that i can't dress or undress myself, it completely frustrates me. I remember last December, my parents were celebrating their 50th wedding anniversary at a party my brother and I had put together for them. I had spent all day in the kitchen at the church helping. When most of the people had left, I went to change into more comfy clothes and shoes. I came out of the bathroom in tears because I couldn't tie my shoes! My husband tied them for me, and wiped away my tears. It was awful to be in that condition in front of others.
He also at times has to help me with my bra too. But being the pervert that he is, LOL, he doesn't mind a bit.
Sometimes my flares are not bad enough to need help but it's great to know that it is there if I need it. I too have spent the day in my pj's because I couldn't get dressed by myself. I have often teased my husband (even though it truly isn't funny) about the day coming that I may need his help in the bathroom. His reply is that he will just take me outside and hose me down with the waterhose, lol.
I don't mean to make light of this, it is a very serious thing, but just wanted to let you know it gets better, and you are never alone.
Take Care,
Brenda
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Gramma
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 2:48 PM


 

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Hi Barbara,

Don't despair, there are solutions to this problem.

First, put your bra on backwards, with the hooks in the front. Hook up, then slide it around to the front, and put your arms through the straps. Someone explained this to me when I first developed RA and it made a huge difference. I can't imagine why I never thought of it before.

Second, go to your hairdresser and explain that you can't lift your arms and you need a totally carefree hair style. I got one that was just sort of wavy and short, and I could spritz it with water and smoosh it into place. I could lift my arms long enough to stick in a pretty comb, or smooth the back with an electric blow dryer brush. Or get a perm that doesn't need any care.

Get slacks with elastic in the waist and slip on shoes that don't need to be tied. Sit on a chair or your bed and put your pants on or lie down and put them on. Get comfortable shirts that button in the front, if you can't slip anything over your head.

And remember, this is absolutely temporary! You will be doing things for yourself before you know it.

Good Luck!

Hugs,

Gramma Ellie
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Joy125
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 3:09 PM


 

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I've had RA for 32 years. Having many range of motion issues, I've found tools/aids that have helped. Below are links to some aids that I have tired and may be of help to you. I hope they may be helpful.

Long handled comb/brush:

http://www.aidsforarthritis.com/catalog/long-handled-brush.html

Dressing sticks:

http://www.activeforever.com/p-252-dressing-stick.aspx

http://www.activeforever.com/p-253-shoehorn-dressing-combo-stick.aspx

Sock aids:

http://independentcareproducts.com/product/DL1207?gdftrk=gdfV2586_a_7c699_a_7c2592_a_7cDL1207

There are many websites that provide a variety of such aids. Just try googling "arthritis aids" and see what pops us.

________________________________________________________________________

I have learned that the greater part of our misery or unhappiness is determined not by our circumstance but by our disposition. MARTHA WASHINGTON


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Barbara Schwefel
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 3:52 PM


 

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Thank you all for your advice.

Mary. gramma and ladybugz thanks for always for understanding!!!!!! To hook the bra in front still need to grab to get other end in back.

Joy125

These items are wonderful and being new to this isn't helping.I most certainly am going to check these out.

A SMILE IS THE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW OF YOUR FACE...IT LETS PEOPLE KNOW YOU'RE HOME.

Author unknown



Diagnosed 08/09 Am currently on Methotrexate,Folic Acid,Nebumetone,And Hydrocodone for pain.
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mammakc
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 5:09 PM


 

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BARBARA DEFINTLY CALL YOUR DR ABOUT THE PREDISONE FOR AT LEAST TEMPORARY, IT WILL HELP.

I GO THRU ALL OF THAT AND ALOT OF TIMES I JUST DONT WHERE A BRA AND WEAR SWEATS EVERYWHERE. WHAT I HAVE DONE IS WEAR A TANK TOP UNDER A SHIRT ,ITS NOT EXACTLY THE SAME BUT ITS SOMETHING. AS FAR AS IF YOU CANT LIFT OVER YOUR HEAD I TRY TO LEAN MY HEAD DOWN AND SCOOTCH THE ARMS IN FIRST THEN EASE OVER MY HEAD WHILE SORT OF BENDING OVER. I DONT KNOW IF THAT MADE SENSE ITS HARD TO EXPLAIN.

AND I HAVE HAD TO HAVE MY HUSBAND HELP ME IN THE BATHROOM, HE HAS HAD TO HELP ME WITH MY PANTS AND HE HAS HAD TO GET UP IN THE NIGHT TO PULL THEM DOWN AND BACK UP AGAIN WHEN IM DONE, ITS HUMILIATIING. BUT OVER TIME I HAVE GOTTEN USE TO IT, DONT LIKE IT.

I THINK GRAMMA IS RIGHT ABOUT YOUR HAIR ,A MORE PRATCIAL STYLE FOR THE CIRCUMSTANCES MAYBE, I KEEP MINE MEDIUM AND ONE LENGTH SO IT CAN ALWAYS GO IN A PONY TAIL OR HEADBAND AND FORTUNATLY I HAVE A 11 YR OLD WHO LOVES TO BRUSH MY HAIR FOR ME WELL MOST OF THE TIME


I ALSO USE A BACK SCRATCHER IT WAS WEIRD HOW ALTHOUGH I KNOW THE SUFFERING YOUR GOING THRU IT WAS INTERESTING THAT AT THE SUPRISE I GOT KNOWING SOMEONE ELSE DOES THAT. I HAVE ONE IN EVERYROOM AND THE CAR AND CANES ALSO

I HAVE HAD THIS FOR ALMOST 21 YRS AND IT IS MY EXPERIENCE THAT I GO THRU PERIODS WHERE ITS EASIER AND THEN ITS NOT AND ALTHOUGH IT ALWAYS FEELS LIKE ITS NEVER GONNA END I EVENTUALLY GET A BRIEF RELIEF.

PLEASE TALK TO YOUR DR, MAYBE PT OR OT WOULD BE OF GREAT HELP TO YOU. WHEN I HAD OT THEY WERE FILLED WITH GREAT INFO AND TIPS

I HOPE SOON YOU GET A GROUP OF MEDS THAT GIVE YOU MORE RELIEF AND THAT YOU BETTER SOON AND YOU KNOW SCREAMING SOMETIMES HELP!




*STOP THE WORLD NOW, IM READY TO GET OFF!*
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Barbara Schwefel
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 8:24 PM


 

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Thanks again all for your experiences.The reason I am not on prednisone is because of diabetes.I was on it for a couple of months to start but I didn't really notice any difference as far as the pain went also,it tripled the amount of insulin I was taking and throwing my blood sugars way off base.Otherwise it would be good.Anyway....Thank you all. Love everyone of you!!!!

A SMILE IS THE LIGHT IN THE WINDOW OF YOUR FACE...IT LETS PEOPLE KNOW YOU'RE HOME.

Author unknown



Diagnosed 08/09 Am currently on Methotrexate,Folic Acid,Nebumetone,And Hydrocodone for pain.
Post #4256341
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Great Granny
Posted Wednesday, November 04, 2009 9:17 PM


 

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Barbara,

Trust me, it does get better. I've been where you are. There were times when lifting a toothbrush felt like lifting a sledge hammer. Sometimes, I would just lie in bed and cry. As a very independent woman, the inability to do the most basic things was shocking and new to me. I thought my world was ending.

Most of the time, I wear sweat pants or plaid pajama bottoms. I never thought I'd leave my house in a pair of pj's, but I've gone to the grocery store, to the doctor, and to the pharmacy in pajamas and a t-shirt. Nobody who knew me 15 years ago would ever believe that, but it's true. I have a fairly comfortable pair of gym shoes, but I most of the time I don't tie them. I just tuck the shoestrings in the sides. My hair is very thick, so I keep in very short. I can brush it with my left hand. If I decide to let it grow, I'll have my daughter put a couple of French braids in it other day.

I've had to change meds about three times, and am prepping to take Orencia. Most of the meds work, but a side effect is extremely low white cell count. I'm praying that your doctor finds the right course of treatment soon. Don't be too surprised if you're unable to do some of the things you used to do, or if you have to be creative about doing some things. Trust me when I say you won't always hurt this bad or feel this frustrated.

Gramma Ellie, I've been putting my bra on as you describe since I started wearing a bra years ago. I've never been able to hook that contraption in the back.
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Meridith
Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 4:33 AM


 

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Boy oh Boy do I know this one. Ugh! It is really hard to deal with. I was in the same boat for a while. I know how hard simple task can be. I'm with the others talk to your Doctor and ask about Predisone! It helps a lot. I was amazed at how soon I was able to move my shoulders and wrist and well everything again. My heart goes out to you. I remember well how that was. My hubby had to dress me and help me with showers and pretty much everything. Def. Please talk to you Doctor today if you haven't already. They know that you have RA so I would think they would get you in fast. There is no need for you to suffer much longer. I wish you health and peace. Let us know how it goes with the Doctor.

Love, Happiness, and a Less Painful Day
Meridith
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Bekah M
Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 5:49 AM


 

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Barbara my dear friend, for the first three months or so until the plaquenil started giving me some freedom again, I had a hard time dressing. I stayed inside a lot as a result. I sent Ken out on the grocery runs and to pay bills. I reserved most of my strength for dressing for doctor appointments. I had to have him put my bra on for me, because some how that putting in front and swinging it around don't work on my size...We tried! I spent 45 bucks on a front hook bra and couldn't use it as it was harder to do than the other. I wear a 42F and as large as that is, I was blessed with firmness and I can go without and it's not vulgar or obscene. It's hard to tell one way or the other if I have a bra on.(if you can go without a bit, give yourself that break) So I opted none at home even with company because no one could really tell much difference. I assume that will change in time, but for now I am lucky enough for that to be helpful...

I wore lose fitting t-shirt pants of soft material and easy to pull up and down. I wore a size larger than normal panties and my shirts a little longer and baggier those crucial first months. Now I can wear my bra's with pride and wear my cute clothes again..I wore denim capris and olive capris with cool t shirts all summer and I was so happy to feel normal again. I am looking forward to blue jeans and nice sweaters all winter...I wore very cute flip flops all summer with sequins and decorations to feel better, and I am going to get some Nike Spring Tennis Shoes soon....Accomodate yourself with the loose fitting and soft clothing and in no time you'll be back to your favorite fashions..I promise! It just takes some time....

HUGS BARB...IT gets better honey!

LOVE
BEKAH


Plaquenil 600mg., Metoprolol 200mg.,, Hydrocodone 10/500, Elavil 100mg, Lisinopril 20mg,Ativan, Omega Complex, Milk Thistle
Primary Lupus and SecondaryRA, Fibromyalgia/CFS, Raynauds, Sjogrens...
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KarenPal
Posted Thursday, November 05, 2009 8:22 AM


 

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In addition to the aides that Joie mentioned there are also long handled shoe horns and elastic shoe laces. I could not get dressed without my dressing stick. It also helps get shirts over the head.

You might also consider getting a script for occupational therapy. The OT's can help you learn how to work around gimpy joints

Karen
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