What Is Joint Protection for Rheumatoid Arthritis

How can we protect our joints?

As soon as the initial shock of a Rheumatoid Arthritis diagnosis wore off, I began to search for ways to make my life as good as it could be. I was ready to fight. One of the things that we fight off is the deformity that is part of the RA package. We have talked about fighting medically. But I also learned very early in my searching that we can do other things to protect and preserve our joints.

I was so glad that I found an article on the Mayo Clinic’s web site about joint protection techniques. That led me to search for even more on the subject. I was shocked that my doctor had not told me that there were actually things that I could do that might help avoid some deformities caused by Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Many of the things on the list are actually things to avoid doing. I remember my own grandfather’s hands. He also had the RA genes. He is the reason that I understood easily what was meant when I read about “ulnar deviation.” I remember how his fingers all leaned out toward the ulnar / pinky side. What’s more, I even remember him doing some of the motions that are warned against in the articles I read!

When Granddaddy stood up, he pushed off using the backs of his fingers. That is a big no-no! He broke 2 rules at once:

(1) Don’t ever use small joints when you can use large ones. For example, he could use an elbow. Or better yet, a forearm and no joint at all.

(2) Don’t ever use the backs of the fingers to push because it drives them in the ulnar direction, encouraging that deformity.

I get plenty of funny looks, but when I stand up, I push off with my arms and let my fragile little hands and wrists alone.

Another one that has been a life saver for me is this: Never tightly grip anything. Do not pinch or squeeze or twist. Ever. Use a light touch. I use all my fingers together as one, avoiding any twisting motion whenever possible. This might mean I get a tool or get help. Often, it just means I’m slow and funny-looking. Whatever it takes.

Here is another basic principle that you can apply lots of ways: Use the largest joint you can to do any motion or no joint at all if possible. Sometimes, I will also go to a lesser used joint or one that does not hurt. You might use your whole hand or arm instead of fingers to carry something, for example. All of this requires that you think before you move. At first this seems awkward, but you can develop your own joint protecting habits pretty quickly and then it becomes more routine.


Here is one more technique I figured out: In describing ulnar deviation, an article stated that the movement to avoid is the motion that is like turning a key. I determined never to do that. At times, my hand was unable to turn a key anyway, so I had my kids turn the key in the car ignition – big thrill for them. Here is what I did: I got a huge key. (You can also get yours wrapped in rubber bands or tape.)Then, I grasp the key like an overhand baseball grip only more relaxed. I use my whole hand to turn the car key away from me. It does not use my fingers at all.

I recommend that you read the whole Mayo guide to joint protection, and Cleveland Clinic’s joint protection strategies for Rheumatoid Arthritis, too.

PS: If you are a “no pain no gain” advocate or believe in “use it or lose it,” you may be in for a surprise. The Mayo Clinic regards pain as a warning for Rheumatoid Arthritis patients to use caution and protect their joints: “Though you may want to work through your rheumatoid arthritis pain, doing so can aggravate the situation.” Similarly, Cleveland Clinic’s article states: “Respect pain. It is a body signal that is telling you something is wrong. Don't try an activity that puts strain on joints that are already painful or stiff.”

Tomorrow, see me in action doing joint protection 24/7.

Weathering Rheumatoid Arthritis

I love brisk frosty mornings. They seem to make you step brighter. I feel like I can do anything on a day that begins that way.

I love cool crispy evenings when you can wear soft fuzzy socks. They say comfort is possible; the world is a cozy place.

I love wind. And clouds. They speak of movement, freedom, transformation.

I love all kinds of storms because they are unpredictable and strong. They remind me that the world is powerful and thrilling.

Snow is one of my favorite things on the earth. Snowflakes are evidence that God delights in making us each unique. And that He renews all things; a little coat of snow makes the world entirely new!

It’s funny how anything – even the weather – can influence our attitude. We have expectations, whatever they are, and we are disappointed when they are not met: Rainouts are disturbing.

And a diagnosis of Rheumatoid Arthritis can be seen as an immense rainout.

What we need is a plan to weather the storm. What will we do if things get worse? How will we endure living with Rheumatoid Arthritis for a few more decades?

It is one thing to tolerate bad circumstances. We have all had a time when we had to “stick it out.” That is resignation.

But, it is another thing to actually persevere. That is to continue on with an attitude of persistence and resilience. That is the spirit of survival that is so prevalent in the breast cancer awareness movement.

It is toughness, but it is more than that. What I am describing is buoyancy. Weather buoys are built to weather the weather. Yes, they are bounced around, but they still send out signals defiantly. Our goal is to be like that.

My best friend is always reminding me, “You are the beach ball.” Yes, I get pushed under, but I am buoyant. So I push back up. You do get wet in the storm, but you are not shipwrecked. You don’t stay down.

As RA-ers, most of our days are filled with difficulties. Sometimes, we find shelter in God’s love. Other times, we huddle together and weather the weather with one another.

Nevertheless, I am praying for lots more of those days that I call “no weather” days. You know the kind of day? You can do whatever you feel like doing and you don’t sweat it.

There is no season such delight can bring
As summer, autumn, winter and the spring. ~William Browne

Can I Delay Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis? part 2

Is it safe to delay treating Rheumatoid Arthritis?

If you re-phrase this question six different ways, and search using Google, you will get a lot of good information about why Rheumatoid Arthritis treatment should NOT be delayed. So, I guess that’s the Google-vote. But most of us do not make decisions based upon a Google-vote. We need more rationale than that.

So, why do some delay treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis? Let’s examine a few reasons.

Fear:

The side effects to RA medications are startling to behold. Perhaps there is fear that the medication will be worse that the Rheumatoid Arthritis. There may also be a misconception that RA medications are all addicting and will cause lifelong dependence.

Most of the time, the best therapy for fear is information. For example, medicines prescribed for disease control (DMARDs) for RA are not considered addictive. And learning about what Rheumatoid Arthritis can do to a body goes a long way toward making the medicines sound downright safe.

Of course they are not completely safe; but neither is driving a car, walking across the street, or eating rare meat. However, all of them are safer that living with untreated Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Uncertainty:

Not knowing what to do can make any problem worse. So much is unknown when it comes to Rheumatoid Arthritis. We don’t know what causes it. And we can’t say why some fare so much better than others.

However, evidence is piling up that early and aggressive treatment of Rheumatoid Arthritis may be our only hope to reduce future disability. Listen to the doctors at the University of Kansas Hospital: “Early treatment may significantly control the course of the disease…” And NIH says: “Early, aggressive treatment for RA can delay joint destruction.”

No, they can’t tell you why you have RA. They can’t tell you how bad it will get. The cause and the cure are both uncertain. The only thing that is certain is that studies have shown that for some RA-ers, early treatment can slow damage.

Remitting RA:

Rheumatoid Arthritis that remits is more difficult to track. For those who have remitting RA, the disease can lessen at times so that life seems normal. Palindromic Rheumatism (or Palindromic RA) can remit for even long periods. One can go crazy trying to figure out what brings on flares or remissions. However, if Rheumatoid Arthritis symptoms are recurrent, it is important to get thorough exams to determine whether damage is occurring.

Hopelessness:

Sometimes it seems like relief is an impossible dream. Going on the RA meds is akin to wrestling with windmills. Even the folks we know who are using DMARDs have not gotten well. Why take all the risks if it might not even help?

That’s a really tough one. There is NO promise that the medicines will even work! But, some things are sure: Hope can grow stronger if we work at it. And it is worth the trouble because God has a purpose for each of us. Your loved ones need you to survive. Every life is worth living.

Denial:

As I explained in yesterday’s post, it is actually very easy to convince yourself that you are not sick enough to need treatment. Of course, nobody really wants to believe that they are sick enough to need chemotherapy. Actually, you can get a lot of help in this: others would also prefer to believe that you are not that sick.

Denial is useful as a mechanism for managing crises. It is an excellent temporary help in times of tragedy. However, it tends to wear out its welcome… When the time has come to deal with a problem, we might have to throw denial out like bad food.

More?

Maybe you know other reasons. Please use the comment box to tell us about them.

Also Recommended:
What Makes Diagnosing RA So Difficult?
How Is RA Diagnosed?
Hope in a Spray Can

Remember: 60-2-3. That’s 60%; 2 years; 3 months
“Studies have shown that damage to joints occurs in 60% of people with rheumatoid arthritis within 2 years. Because irreversible joint damage, chronic pain, and long-term disability can occur if rheumatoid arthritis is not diagnosed and treated early, it is now recommended that a person with rheumatoid arthritis see a …rheumatologist within the first 3 months after symptoms appear. As soon as rheumatoid arthritis is diagnosed, early treatment includes medications known as …DMARDs.” (University of Kansas Hospital)

Can I Delay Treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis? part 1

That depends, can an ostrich heal thyroid disease?

One of the things that makes us warriors is our desire to survive. We fight Rheumatoid Arthritis because we want to outlive every scheme which RA has in store for us. We are determined to live the fullest and longest and happiest life that we can! That is what drives me to write this blog.

Recent posts have examined the role of doctors in enabling RA-ers to get proper diagnosis and begin treatment. Doctors do have a critical role. However, so do patients.

Can we talk about delaying treatment for Rheumatoid Arthritis intentionally?

If you or someone you love is delaying treatment, I hope something I say will help you to consider the decision carefully. First, let me tell you a story…

When I was 15 years old, I became ill with a type of autoimmune thyroiditis. It causes acute swings of thyroid hormone in the bloodstream. Alternately, it is extremely low or extremely high.

Lots of entertaining trips to hospitals to meet doctors with cool names finally brought an answer. Careful monitoring of medication finally brought stabilization. However, when you are young, you are invincible.

You have probably guessed it by now – I did go off the reservation, medically speaking. I was convinced that I could be healthier without medication in my body. I would remain healthy by dedication – mainly eating well, clean living, and exercising. I was determined.

I did not understand all that the thyroid does for basic existence. I did not understand how the disease worked either. For example, there were remissions or lulls in the activity of the disease during which I would seem perfectly fine.

But I was not fine. I ignored symptoms because I did not want to be a sick person, dependent upon medication for the rest of my life. I also did not like the look on people’s faces when I tried to tell them about thyroid disease.

Eventually, I broke down and saw an endocrinologist when I wanted to have a baby. I wanted to avoid a miscarriage, which is common with thyroid disorders. Until then, I had carefully ignored symptoms and skillfully managed them since they had not been severe.

However, the doc did not deem my story credible and he proclaimed my thyroid to be fine. I really wanted to hear that, so I tried to believe it. Maybe the military doctors at Bethesda Navy Medical Center and Walter Reed Army Hospital were all wrong. Only the President of the United States is treated there – probably inferior doctors…

The next ten years brought me 3 children and a few miscarriages in between. By now, it was fear and lack of finances which motivated my denial more than stubbornness. Then, my fourth child was born.

I never regained strength after the birth. Instead, I slipped more every day. Friends helped me a great deal. And I made my most valiant effort to be healed with nutrition. But even healthy food does not contain thyroid hormone! And no vitamin will make your body produce it!

Over months, I became extremely weak. All of this determination that I have - I was using every last bit of it to do the bare minimum to take care of my kids. Some people close to me were telling me to snap out of it. If resolve could cure, I would have been fine.

I am including very few details here of the hell of that year. My thinking became so slow that I could not read. I was trying to read a stack of thyroid abstracts that my dad had printed out. I sat for hours every night with a highlighter. By the time I would finish a line, I would have forgotten the previous one and go back.

Finally, I was convinced my illness had to be thyroid and I got myself to the health department – about an hour from home. I sat for hours in the hallway with my 4 little ones. I was still determined as ever, just determined to get treated this time.

My TSH was 478 by then - normal is about 2. (They put it in the record books!)I remember them telling me I should have been in a coma and marveling that I had been driving. My organs had begun to shut down. My cholesterol was 240.

After about a year, I recovered fully.

Some things changed after that:

1) I know an awful lot about thyroid topics now.

2) I know I had looked at the medicine the wrong way. I am not sad that I will need it for the rest of my life. I am glad that I have it so that I CAN HAVE THE REST OF MY LIFE.

My mother used to tell me never to be an ostrich. An ostrich buries its head in the sand when danger is near. That way the danger is gone. Not.

Tomorrow’s question: Should we wait to treat Rheumatoid Arthritis?

The Rheumatoid Arthritis Self-definition Fairy

Does Rheumatoid Arthritis define us?

Recently on the blog, Noelle wrote about a warning from her nurse friends to not allow Rheumatoid Arthritis to “define” her. I could not respond to Noelle adequately in the little comment box. Don’t you feel cramped in there?

Here’s Noelle:

"A couple of my nurse friends have told me to not allow the RA to define me. I haven't totally wrapped my head around that concept and how I go about doing that, but this week I think the RA is calling the shots."

Actually, I already had an outline for a post on “defining ourselves” squirreled away in my files. So, change of plans for today. Let’s go ahead and face down one more phantom!

What or who defines us? Does RA hinder or help the matter?

Let’s look at it.

Defining oneself is a primary psychological occupation during youth. I have loved watching my own nineteen year-old to do that. Even her mundane choices are important as she is defining herself. She picks out everything from favorite foods and clothing styles and music to Bible verses to help her identify herself. Yes, her values are reflected by her choices. But she is also marking out a plan for who she wants to be and how she will be identified by others.

When we are young, we explore and choose what we want to use to define ourselves. I have enjoyed watching my daughter do it because it triggered memories in me of making those choices. It is an empowering feeling of youth: that you can define who you will be. It is an enjoyable time. Our goals tend to be ambitious and fearless.

During the next stage of life, the wonderfully productive middle years, mostly we define ourselves by what we do. Our occupations and responsibilities and our influence equal who we are. At least we think so. This is legitimate, too, in some ways.

But there are drawbacks. Eventually, as we near retirement, most of us must re-evaluate those definitions once again. Ever heard of a mid-life crisis? Or empty-nest syndrome? What are we apart from our accomplishments and qualifications?

If things go well, we generate more significant ways to define ourselves when we are older. Life eventually forces us into that. We learn to emphasize more mature aspects of our character and preferences. I think it is similar in some ways to the first stage because there is less focus on performance.

RA-ers are blessed. We get a shortcut to the subsequent stage of self definition. It’s like the self-definition fairy comes one night and makes a trade. You know how the tooth fairy trades baby teeth for a quarter? Well, the RA fairy just takes away many of those things which we do that we think best define us. One day we are running our lives just fine and then… poof! Gone.

What are we when we no longer do the things that defined us? When there are no more masks or props to help us define ourselves? We are whatever it is that we truly value. We are whatever it was that motivated us to do the things that we did when we could do them. We are our character and our spirit.

Actually, Noelle, a woman said that to me too once. It was when I was first diagnosed. And it has haunted me, too – until today. Next time someone tells you not to let Rheumatoid Arthritis define you, tell him about the RA self-definition fairy.

6 Ways to Get Hard Projects Done With RA

How to Scheme to Get Something Done in Spite of Rheumatoid Arthritis

Remember the old movie “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids”? Sometimes I think I am living in it! Everything in my world is too large for me now. Cups of coffee are too heavy to lift; dishes are too heavy to wash; pulling on a gas pump feels like wrestling a python.

I feel a bit helpless most days… but I like to look on the bright side. So, I am repeatedly thinking, “Is there any way for the new me to ever tackle a big project again?” Of course, for some of them, the answer is clearly, “NO.”

No, I can no longer lift 50lb. bags of concrete. No, I cannot move a ton of fill dirt with a wheelbarrow. And, NO, I will not be planting trees or trimming them 15 feet above my head.

However, I have amazed even myself with some of the things that I have gotten accomplished over the last few years. Every day is different, as many of you know. So, I always hold out hope that there will be more good days coming and I still keep a list of projects I wish to accomplish “someday.”

After yesterday’s post, I thought we could all use a little encouragement as to how to approach those “larger than life” sized tasks with our new “reduced” abilities. For the things we still keep on our lists, here are my suggestions:

How to do big things with undersized ability:

1) Plan. Plan out the details and study the process to mentally prepare. Get an accurate view of what steps you will need to take.

2) Find different tools. Take time to gather tools which will be more appropriate for you: smaller, lighter weight, and higher quality. Examples include child-sized garden tools, smaller sized professional paint brushes, and soft rubber mats to kneel on.

3) Ready, set, wait. Gather all of your supplies and wait for a good time. That might mean a good shoulder day or a good hand day. It might mean a week with no doctor’s appointments. If you plan ahead, when a good moment comes, you will be able to seize it.

4) Enlist help. Find someone to partner with you, even if you are a big DIY-er. He / she can help with little tasks like opening cans, carrying tools to the site and setting them up, and cleaning up the utensils or trash. This allows you to preserve your strength for the actual task. Also, helpers are your back-up when you need a break. (I cook this way with my kids almost daily.)

5) Work in bytes. Take frequent breaks. I have painted a room this way: paint for 15 minutes… lie on the floor 15 minutes… Rinse. Repeat. Your new motto is “PATIENCE MAKES PERFECT.”

6) Do something else. No, I don’t mean give up! But think outside the box. When I bought a $10 chair at the Salvation Army, I thought I would just re-upholster it as always. What was I thinking? I don’t have the strength to pull and staple!

After I thought about it a while (only one year!), I realized I might be able to sew a sloppy slipcover instead. Maybe you can think of something different which will be just as good, but more feasible for you to undertake.

By the way, I used every step on this list to accomplish my chair.
So, what is on your list? Is it making jelly or homemade pizza? Writing a blog? Planting flowers? Taking a road trip? Sewing a baby quilt? Teaching a class? Building a snowman? (Still on mine!) Don’t just do something; sit there. Sit, but scheme.

Rheumatoid Arthritis and Depression

New Depression / RA Study Is Not Surprising
Rheumatoid Arthritis is in the news this week. It seems researchers have found that most RA patients battle depression. The study was done with 75 RA patients, mostly women.

Was anyone surprised? I have never met anyone diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis who did not experience at least some depressing thoughts over the diagnosis. It is a normal reaction to news of such horrifying proportions.

For me, it was like a sentence without a crime. Of course I grieved! I grieved the myriad things which I had planned but would never do. I grieved my future. I grieved the delight of running on the beach. I grieved the pleasure of being able-bodied.

There is a normal grief process with several stages. Psychologists call it the normal grief process for a reason. It is considered healthy to encounter and process grief in each of those ways. And then it can be put aside.

Clinical depression is a more lasting sadness. It is like getting stuck. Often, counseling or even medication is needed to become un-stuck.

That’s the catch. Most things in life tend to cycle around: We have hard times, but they usually pass. Then there are some better days. There is an opportunity during a stronger period to process what has occurred.

But Rheumatoid Arthritis never reads the rule book. It tends to only progress. (That means “get worse.”) So, there may never be a period of lower stress during which you can process the feelings and move forward. Instead, there are often more shocking developments and more losses to grieve as the days go on.

It is pretty difficult to avoid getting stuck. Remember the diagram of the 4 courses of RA? Who could scale those peaks and not fall into a pit?

What can we do?

We can allow ourselves to grieve. We can purposely move through the normal stages, even if we must do it repeatedly (since the onslaughts of the Rheumatoid Arthritis are repeated). We can even welcome the grieving as healthy since we have honestly lost much.

Second, we can connect with others who understand and validate our grief. Often, those close to us do not understand what Rheumatoid Arthritis is or have denial issues about RA. Imagine trying to process grief over the death of a friend while folks are telling you “It’s not so bad.” As if it really is not. As if there had not been a death. That denial would not help the grief process.

Third, we can examine our medications and supplements. The study in the news today found that RA patients who use steroids are more likely to become depressed. Some supplements like Omega fatty acids are good for the RA symptoms and for our brains. Discuss depression with a doctor and consider what might be changed.

Fourth, of course, if we become truly stuck, we should ask for help. Sometimes, as mentioned, this means counseling or medication. At least for a spell.

Once in a Bible study on I Peter, I was taught something that really helped me: Stop being surprised at the trial you are enduring. You have brothers who are enduring the same suffering all around the world.

Peter was referring to persecution. But, it helps so much to stop being surprised at our suffering. No one is surprised at the grief of a cancer patient. Getting diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis is bad news. We ought to grieve.

RA / Depression study: Science Daily article UPI article Pysch central

Rheumatoid Arthritis Tips Book Review

This is my review of 250 Tips for Making Life With Arthritis Easier.

Sounds like an amazing book. But actually, if you are an efficient homemaker, you may have heard some of them before – like cooking extra food and freezing the leftovers; and getting family members to participate in meal planning.

Hey, I actually get them to help cook. Or better yet, to take their own turn cooking!

Tips #77 and #65 suggest having someone put your various detergents into smaller, more manageable containers for you. If you have not done this, do it as soon as you are able. It is a good idea. I had to do that a few years ago.

Changing doorknobs or other hardware is another good idea. But, it does require help to do. I like #161 and I had done it right away: replace dishes and cookware that is too heavy.

Another one that I have already adopted is using a jelly-roll type pan underneath of baking dishes which are difficult to handle, like pie pans. Personally, I have taken to avoiding the big oven entirely so that I will not have to bend down and try to lift heavy pans. I bought a large toaster oven and that can do most of my everyday baking. And I have 5 kids!

Other good tips are related to making use of certain tools like utility carts, grabbers, and Lazy Susan turntables. There are a few good suggestions for adapting to life in a wheelchair. Similarly, I like the ones which address being confined to bed.

The most creative tip is #214: avoid any pressure on your feet from bedding. Build up a footboard and lay the covers across it so they will not even touch your feet. Now that would have helped me when my feet were doubled in size from RA swelling. Hope I never need to use it!

My very favorite tip in this book is to get a lightweight vacuum (#71). This is very important unless you have a maid. I searched for a couple of years and finally got the best lightweight vacuum in the world. It is a Simplicity Freedom. I have been through 7 vacuums and now I am have died and gone to vacuum heaven. It is the lightest and the strongest - and it may be my last vacuum. For the first time in over 3 years, I can actually vacuum. But only if I really want to!

For the most part, the book is common sense; we all need that. However, I did find many of the tips had to do with getting organized or cleaning. Maybe this would be good for someone who has issues with feeling organizationally-challenged. My problem centers more on a sudden and extreme disability.

While I feel apologetic to be negative about something done by the Arthritis Foundation, I did not feel that the editors understood what living with RA is like (the book is for both RA and OA). Tip #70 says, “Use permanent marker to mark quart, half-gallon, and gallon lines on your cleaning bucket. The markings will make it easy to mix the right amount of cleaning solutions.” There is NO WAY I am using a cleaning bucket! But that’s me.

There were several other examples of this though, like cleaning out the lint trap of the dryer with a dryer sheet. Ouch.

I was so excited when I saw this book at the library. Finally, I would find out how to make life with Rheumatoid Arthritis come easier. But, not so much. I was mostly disappointed because I could see that the editors did not relate to my actual difficulties in living with RA.

Most of the tips are not specifically appropriate for Rheumatoid Arthritis. And some others are just plain not feasible if you have RA. I recommend that you save money and get the book from the library. You can read it casually while watching a baseball game this summer. Find a few good ideas, and laugh off the rest.

I also have a tip for the Arthritis Foundation: perhaps one day you can update the book using contributions sent in by actual RA patients. And then, have someone with Rheumatoid Arthritis edit the new book, too.

Preventative First Aid for Rheumatoid Arthritis

Practice "Preventative First Aid"

Many Rheumatoid Arthritis drugs are immuno-suppressant. That means that they work by reducing immune cells or impairing the function of certain types to immune cells. While this usually helps to reduce RA symptoms, it leaves the RA patient with lowered ability to combat invading bacteria.

There are several steps that can be taken to reduce the chances of harm due to living with a suppressed immune system. I call this practice “Preventative First Aid.” Sometimes, there’s just not a convenient word to choose “off the racks.” So I made up this expression.

At first, Preventative First Aid sounds like an oxymoron. Regular first aid is usually used to provide immediate assistance after an injury occurs. Preventative First Aid is designed to prevent injury or illness.

It can be used to mean either preventing minor injuries from occurring or preventing them becoming more serious. Often, this means taking special care, the way a diabetic does with his feet. He cannot allow even the opportunity for infection.

Here is a list of some of the ways that I have learned to practice Preventative First Aid. I hope you will list more of your own in the comment window below.

* Wash your hands and keep your own clean towel, not a community towel.

* Wear gloves when using tools which could injure hands (rubber gloves, gardening gloves, or latex gloves – I love the blue ones sold at Sally made for hair coloring). Tight gloves do hurt to put on, so buy them large.

* Wear Band-Aids to protect a particular finger when using tools which are sharp like a sewing needle or a paring knife.

* Thimbles are nice, but they can be too difficult to use. It just depends upon the finger in question. I did find at a quilt store a new soft latex thimble that is much more comfortable.

* Minimize sores, infections, and decay in the mouth by using impeccable dental hygiene. Floss daily. Disinfect any mouth appliances with a good professional cleaning agent (I like Smile Again – you can buy it online). My dentist also cleans my night guard while I receive my regular check-ups, a must.

* Prevent cracks in the skin with the regular use of lotions, especially after frequent hand washings and before bed.

* Protect any small cracks in the skin from becoming infected. Keep antibiotic ointment and a Band-Aid handy (I keep some in my car or purse) to treat any minor scratch, burn, or pinprick before it gets infected. I have learned to inspect my hands at bedtime; it is amazing how many times I have awoken with finger infections that are hot and red because of a tiny cut which seemed barely visible before. This can be prevented.

* To prevent being cut, use whatever scissors are most comfortable to cut food in the kitchen - instead of using a knife.

* Take in lots of healthy foods and vitamins. Don’t cut corners on protein or vegetables. Your body needs them to rebuild tissue and you’ll feel stronger, too.

* Prevent dehydration. Hikers and scouts know that this helps to prevent illness or injury from becoming more serious. For RA-ers, it is important because water dilutes toxins and transports nutrients within the body.

* Eat pro-biotic foods like yogurt. These healthy bacteria may strengthen proper immune responses in a suppressed immune system. They also help the digestive system to deal with the stress of medications. Some researchers also think that pro-biotics may even have anti-inflammatory properties.

Be Your Own Counselor with RA

Fighting the Depression of Rheumatoid Arthritis

It is great to have a friend. And sometimes professional counsel is necessary. But today I was thinking that we can also be our own therapist.

Here are some ideas that I tried not to let get away...

1) TAKE NATURAL MEDICINE
No, the really natural kind: endorphins. Do something that releases endorphins. There are some foods, like dark chocolate, which can lift you up.
Laughter will rush them thru your blood So read the comics, or make a funny face, for pete's sake, just laugh.
Even crying, if it's needed, can release some relaxing chemicals.
Exercising, if you are able to, will give you an endorphin rush.
If you know more ways, please share!

2) MEDITATE ON A HOPEFUL TRUTH
This is not just think happy thoughts. It has to be true; it won't work if it's a false hope. But there is always some hopeful truth you can find. Here are just a few examples:
It may be science: They are looking for a cure.
It may be simple: Soon, I look forward to lunch with a friend.
It may be silly: My dog still loves me.
It may be scripture: God's mercy is great. Heaven will be awesome.
Repeat this truth quietly throughout your day. Ruminate upon it the way you usually do with your problems. Let it counsel you.

3) REFRESH THE PAGE
Changing your environment can change the picture and make you see things in a different way - or see something you did not notice before. For me this is going out and looking at the sky - day or night. Or seeing the ocean or some wildlife. It's more than just a distraction; it is regaining a perspective that is more accurate. Our problems are actually kind of small disruptions in perspective to the whole of the natural order of things.

4) USE MUSIC
Music is like an IV. Somehow God made most of us able to receive truth directly into our souls through music. It is a powerful resource we probably ignore because we think it takes too much time. But if we say we don't have time to listen to the music that we know will uplift us, maybe we should counsel ourselves about our time / priorities. Besides, there's time in the car, as we eat, while we dress, do chores...

5) CHALLENGE THE STATUS QUO
Ask yourself whether this is the person you want to be.
Maybe it is a habit that should be picked up or put down.
Maybe we can make a small course correction today. Or a big move.
Maybe we can reconsider something we once set aside: like faith in God; or a certain friendship.
Whatever it is, we can question the status quo and encourage ourselves to move on down the road.