Arthritis

Can you guess what these snazzy little doo-dads are?
Pretty strange looking aren't they? LOL

I see a rheumatologist regularly for my fibromyalgia. When I went to see her about 6 months ago I told her my hands/thumbs were really bothering me a lot. She took xrays of my hands and gave me some medicine to help with the pain and inflammation. She told me I have moderate to severe arthritis in my thumbs - called Basal Joint Arthritis.

When I went back to see her last week we discussed my xrays and my options - surgery (CMC Joint Arthroplasty), cortisone shots or physical therapy and wearing splints.
I chose physical therapy & splints -
I went to the physical therapist last Thursday. My insurance doesn't cover physical therapy. The PT I saw is the only hand therapist in town and he feels sorry for patients like me for two reasons 1)the pain is debilitating and our thumbs have to do 80% of the work of our hands and 2)we pay a lot for our monthly insurance and for them not to cover PT is crazy!

So this wonderful PT didn't charge me for the splints he made me AND he spent 2 hours with me going over all the things I can do at home to help this problem - paraffin wax treatments, hand exercises, and using assistive devices for buttoning, zipping, opening jars, etc. He also explained the surgery thoroughly and encouraged me to really consider having the surgery - he said everyone he has worked with that has had the surgery has come back and said "why didn't I do this sooner!?"

I left there so thankful for his time, directions and explanations! I also left there with strict orders to wear these handy dandy splints when I sleep, drive, type and write. LOL They keep my thumb from moving around and force me to use my other fingers more. I have to say though they really do the job - I've been virtually pain free since I started wearing them!

Fibromyalgia

I have fibromyalgia. I'm learning to deal with it and know my limitations. In addition to my fibromyalgia I have osteoarthritis throughout my body...it's becoming obvious in more and more locations. :-)

I go see my rheumatologist regularly for bloodwork and xrays to keep a check on things. I've also signed up with Quality Health...
There is a ton of useful information on this website. They email me articles all about diet help, exercise tips, emotional needs etc pertaining to my fibromyalgia and arthritis. I also regularly receive samples from Quality Health - an extra bonus!

FYI for those with Diabetes
Even though I don't suffer from Diabetic Nerve Pain there is a special offer available for those of you who do if you sign up to receive emails from Quality Health right now.