Shoulder/wrist pain

[RobinBat]

Ok, I am new at this flare thing, this past month+ has been the worst since I was diagnosed close to 10 yrs ago. I have been on pred. first medrol packs, for two weeks, then Pred, 20 mg a day for a week, 15mg per day for a week and so on, now down to 5 mg. I was also started on Methotrexate 4 weeks ago. Alot of the joint pain swelling has improved(hips,knees, feet, ) But still can't sleep well as wake myself up every time I move. Cannot lay on either shoulder, pain in shoulder and bicep area, when I move arm. When I  get up in am pain lasts for several hours(never really goes away just improves some, maybe the antiinflamatori es??)My wrists also hurt and hands and joints ache. Have not been able to get my rings on for over a month. Wrist pain really bad from thumb into wrist on right hand.

Ok, that was the backround, now my question is this, Has anyone had this problem and is there anything else I can do for it? Would sleeping in a wrist brace help? Hate to spend the $$$ if it won't work, but if it does then will gladly.

thank you for letting me vent. I just hate, feeling like this!!!! As do all of you! Ending now as typing hurts too!

Thanks again, Big cyper Hugs,(gently)
RobinBat

*never noticed how much people shake hands till it hurts! LOL!

[Joe S.]

RobinBat, To me it sounds like it is not Sjs. It sounds like your should is hunched forward and pinching a nerve. I am not a doctor so you should see one and maybe be referred for physical therapy to open your shoulder up. There are also some trigger points that could be used with the same effect.

I sleep most of the time in my recliner. If I am on my side I sleep on the couch with my back on the back of the couch. It is almost like sleeping on my back but not quite.

When I can not sleep I meditate which is almost as good.

[Joy Cox]

Have had carpal tunnel surgery on both writs in last 10 years. Have, like you, have flares in shoulders , elbows, hands and fingers... sometimes, goes to through medial nerve to middle finger and also whatever other nerve that goes to thumb and pointer finger(triger finger syndrome). Believe me from yrs. of experience, it can initially start in either hand or shoulder and end up irrating shoulder, elbow, wrist, hand and all 5 fingers.

Here's what I learned exercise wise: If you can clasp you hands behind your back at waist level and squeeze your shoulder blades toward each other, hold for count of at least 10.

Another one is to lean over at waist and let arms hang loosely from shoulder and rotate both arms at same time in a small circular motion one way, then change directions and let them swing loosely the other way. Relax as you do this one and don't forget to breathe and 'think the pain run out your finger tips.' I love this one as it shifts m-u-c-h of the shoulder joint weight downward away from neck area... it will, I promise, if you can get the 'hang' of how to offer relief of pain. If your time permits, do again as you begin to feel pain sensation trying to re-occur.

Last, which is also approved and we do in Arthritis Keep Moving class is the finger expercises. Goggle in National Arthritis Foundation and see if you can find them. If not give me a (((((shout))))) and I'll try to explain them to you.  Am again using hand braces as have been told by doctors that 75% of hand problems are created in your sleeptime. Will go away when holdiays are over, you know using scissors, sewing, bow tying, stirring, all those simple daily chores add up and using computer also. Bought me a padded arm rest for computer since joining Sjoggie World at few months ago. Lean on it when reading posts...it helps... small things accomplish BIG fixes when calculated into our 24 hr. day.


Good luck and warm bath with cup of Epson salts will  alsocertainly help...relax, relax, relax, and breathe as Epson says...
Tip: Lock the bathroom door and put a sign on it that says, do not disturb for at least 30 minutes.

  Wordy, but trust you find something that will help!

Take time for yourself in this busy holiday season..............  LOL, J    y