1. Listen to your body! The number thing I am trying to learn is balance. On my good days I would try to get as much done as I could then pay for it for days afterwards. So be patient with yourself and don't over do it.
2. Try to avoid wearing clothing and shoes that require you to button, zip, or tie. Normally on flare days I wear either pj's or sweats, it has nothing to with being lazy its just easier on your hands.
3. My all time favorite hot baths! I have found those to be really helpful that is on the days that I can get in the tub. I use Epsom salts (always ask your dr) in super hot water. I have found that that's the only thing that's brought me close to being pain free. When I was waiting tables I never minded doing dishes cause I could get the water super hot and soak my hands in it, my co-workers were always teasing me that they were going to come in and find me in the sink.
4. Icy hot extra strength and biofreeze. I swear by this stuff. I keep it in purse, by my bed, pretty much within reach. It comes in a stick form if you don't like the smell to be on your hands or a cream. I don't mind it getting on my hands but I do have both.
5. I tend to freeze especially when I am flaring (the fevers don't help), so I try to keep extra blankets around. Since I also have Raynaud's my feet are always cold so I wear at least two pairs of socks.
6. When you're flaring you often lose your appetite, but also your meds can do a number on your stomach. I have found that crackers help. Also ginger candies help with the nausea, ginger ale and mints are helpful too.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help! I know how frustrating it can be to not be able to do things you normally could do. My mom had invited me to eat lunch with her when I got my food I wasnt able to cut it because my hands hurt bad I was even having trouble holding my fork. After watching me struggle she asked if I needed her to cut it for me. She told me that know matter how old I get I'll always be her baby and she has no problem helping. That helped me realize that yes there are a lot of people who don't understand us but there are plenty more that are willing to help. So I now have no problem asking for help to open things, do my hair or to climb the steps.
8. RA causes you to be very fatigued. So in order to help you save spoons try sitting down to do your hair and makeup. For those who haven't heard of the spoon theory I'll write about it later.
9. Try to buy your shampoo etc in bottles that have pumps. These are very easy on your hands.
10. Find the humor in things. I have found laughter to be very therapeutic.
2. Try to avoid wearing clothing and shoes that require you to button, zip, or tie. Normally on flare days I wear either pj's or sweats, it has nothing to with being lazy its just easier on your hands.
3. My all time favorite hot baths! I have found those to be really helpful that is on the days that I can get in the tub. I use Epsom salts (always ask your dr) in super hot water. I have found that that's the only thing that's brought me close to being pain free. When I was waiting tables I never minded doing dishes cause I could get the water super hot and soak my hands in it, my co-workers were always teasing me that they were going to come in and find me in the sink.
4. Icy hot extra strength and biofreeze. I swear by this stuff. I keep it in purse, by my bed, pretty much within reach. It comes in a stick form if you don't like the smell to be on your hands or a cream. I don't mind it getting on my hands but I do have both.
5. I tend to freeze especially when I am flaring (the fevers don't help), so I try to keep extra blankets around. Since I also have Raynaud's my feet are always cold so I wear at least two pairs of socks.
6. When you're flaring you often lose your appetite, but also your meds can do a number on your stomach. I have found that crackers help. Also ginger candies help with the nausea, ginger ale and mints are helpful too.
7. Don't be afraid to ask for help! I know how frustrating it can be to not be able to do things you normally could do. My mom had invited me to eat lunch with her when I got my food I wasnt able to cut it because my hands hurt bad I was even having trouble holding my fork. After watching me struggle she asked if I needed her to cut it for me. She told me that know matter how old I get I'll always be her baby and she has no problem helping. That helped me realize that yes there are a lot of people who don't understand us but there are plenty more that are willing to help. So I now have no problem asking for help to open things, do my hair or to climb the steps.
8. RA causes you to be very fatigued. So in order to help you save spoons try sitting down to do your hair and makeup. For those who haven't heard of the spoon theory I'll write about it later.
9. Try to buy your shampoo etc in bottles that have pumps. These are very easy on your hands.
10. Find the humor in things. I have found laughter to be very therapeutic.
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