Have a great idea to help simplify your life? Share it here!
Maybe you’ve found a nifty new product or developed an ingenious technique that has helped you immensely with everyday tasks. Arthritis Today wants to know. Share your ideas with fellow readers in the space below so they can try them too.
Also, be sure to keep reading to see what great solutions other people have found. Perhaps you'll find a tip to make your life easier today!
I’m very happy to report that lifting light weights with high reps (3 lbs. for 40-50 reps) completely cured my nagging arthritic condition in my elbow. I endured the terrible on and off pain for almost 7 years. Finally, in desperation, I started lifting very light weights with high reps for relief. It became my medicine for a couple of years. The big surprise was that it eventually, TOTALLY CURED the condition! It has been almost three years since I “lifted for relief” and my right elbow has been 100% pain free since then. This was a most welcomed surprise, as I thought I would have to live with the intermittent pain for the rest of my life.
Once again….it’s almost three years since i’ve experienced any pain whatsoever. After a couple of years of lifting, my elbow continues to be completely PAIN FREE. Just thought I’d share this great news with anyone who is despondent.
I started going to my rheumatologist, who put me on mobic and methotrexate. Well, the methotrexate made me sick as a dog, so she prescribed me Phenergen to counteract, but even that didn't help, and even when she prescribed the maximum dosage, I was still nauseous, coupled with the fact that I could barely move. So, I took it upon myself to find a combination of natural things to help. That, and I hate prescription medications.
So, after extensive research, I now have a combination that works:
L-carnitine for my chronic fatigue
Turmeric for my inflammation
Iron for my near anemia
B-complex for my nerves (more like mild depression for having to deal with this!)
2 Alleve, twice a day every twelve hours (I take it at 5 am and 5 pm - plus they have an arthritis friendly cap!!)
I plan on adding more supplements as my research continues, but so far so good, even during my period when it gets REALLY bad, so I hope this helps someone out there that is tired of all the nasty side effects prescriptions have! Good luck, and I'll keep you posted!
I just wanted to pass on a simple exercise that I have developed that has helped my conditioning and mobility greatly.
First the background. I have arthritis and bone spurs in both hips, arthritis in both knees, back, neck and two left toes, undiagnosed pain in the right wrist and feet. Due to these issues I have struggled to find an exercise that I can sustain that also offers sufficient cardio-vascular stress to maintain a healthy heart. Throw into this mix the fact that my father and uncle died of heart disease in their early 50's and my brother is now suffering from arithmia also in his fifties, I am 56. My main concern wasn't comfort, but survival.
In considering the problem that most exercises require a minimum of health in the legs or the back, which contain the major muscles that can tax the heart and lungs, and since these muscles were attatched to joints, on their own, were unable to endure the stress of sufficiently vigorous activity to push my heart and lungs anywhere near capacity, I determined that they must all share the lode. So, one day after work I layed a folded towel on my desk, placed my fists on the towel (this is because my wrist won't bend to allow me to lay my palms on the desk) and did my first set of standing pushups, by bending at my knees and waste until my head touched the towel then springing upward straightening my knees, ankles and waist (I can't straighten my waist completely. Doing so can cause me pain for several days.) till I was on tip toes and then back down again, my; hands, arms, feet and legs absorbing the enrgy as I returned to the crouching position. The first day I did 3 sets of 50 and soon I was up to 3 sets of 150. But my several timeouts for hip irritation forced me to make some adjustments, which have proved successful and I am currently getting between 1,000 and 2,000 reps a day, 6 days a week. I try to get 1 set af reps of 50-100 (takes about 1 min.) every hour or so, to maintain flexibility and alertness and 1,000-1,500 reps at the end of work. That takes 20-25 min. for my cardio. My wind, endurance and mobility have improved dramatically in the last few weeks and I am so enthused about my progress (I can actully run and jump again, although quite modestly.) I wanted to share my experience with others and also get feedback from medical experts. The great thing is no special equipment is requied. However I have made a pair of handles I hung from my carport rafters so I can do pull ups too.
I greatly hope that this exercise can help others. Thanks for the opportunity to share my experience.
Sincerely,
Lou Burbach
Hope this helps someone.
At any rate, I am finding that many people with RA feel extremely isolated both with the disease itself and the emotional aspects as well so links like these can serve a significantly positive purpose. Thanks. Nan Hart, Rutland, VT
After researching and learning as much about arthritis as we could, trying to educate our peers was quite easy. Proposing these new ideas with a connection right in our school district was a real eye opener to the ones around us.
On May 1, we participated in the National Arthritis Walk right here in our city. Neither of us had experienced something like this before, so not only was it a chance to witness the intensity and power that a single group of people could have, but it was also a major learning experience for us. As we prepare to leave home soon and become independent, we have realized that teenagers may not be able to find a cure for a condition like this, but they can certainly apply their old and new knowledge to help contribute to something larger than what most people think.
Once I took 'Jointex' I found I could touch the joints and the pain had eased.
Best of Luck everyone.
Terrie
I am a 30 year old woman n had been suffering from rheumatoid arthritis for last three years. This autoimmune disorder started almost three months after the birth of my son and very soon led me to a bed ridden condition. In these three years i’ve gone through different medication (DMARTS, painkillers, steroids, ayurvedic, homeopathic) but nothing really worked. Then by god’s grace i came across this very recently developed and a unique therapy which helps u revive ur body systems. It is based on spiritual science and yogic practices and is very simple to follow. You are satisfied by all kind of reasoning to how and why will this therapy work. I went through this easy to follow therapy and in a very short period of time i had visible improvement, I have survived my last winter without any steroids and painkillers very comfortably. All of my lab reports are normal now. This therapy ensures 100% cure because it revives our own system to work in its original and optimum manner. And this is equally applicable for any other disease or ailment as i have seen co patients recover from dialysis, cancer, asthma and other chronic disorders. For any personal queries u can contact me on uniyalsneha@yahoo.com
To know more on this therapy u can explore the contacts and information provided in the link https://sites.google.com/site/shubaarambh/how-to-help
I heard about this new product at a leather goods trade show recently and though i would share it with those unaware of it.
Its called the Carry-All-Clutch, from CarryIt Co. This wallet is a clutch wallet designed for easier use for those with arthritis and other impairments in their hands.
The wallet is ergonimically designed to relieve stress and make retrieving everything from cards, to bill, to coins a breeze.
As someone who struggles at checkouts due to the decreased mobility i suffer from, this wallet greatly relieved stress and pain. Check out their website for full details.
http://www.f10a02t05.info/
The vest is slim cut not bulky, has just the right amount of weight , also I can wear it under my jacket to weight walk.
After a yr of walking in my nyk weight vest
i am starting to see and feel much stronger bone and doctor said density is improved.
I dont take any drugs just do the weight vest by nyknyc company , that seems to work for me.
As an arthritis-plagued engineer-with no medical training - here’s a little brain-storm regarding arthritis surgical research:
How about a minimally-invasive method to install a small adhesive coated firm film, say silicone, patch between two otherwise rubbing bones of an arthritic joint?
The patch with its adhesive side - somehow initially protected- would be extruded or somehow deposited into the joint and then somehow tamped down to adhere to one joint surface.
Patient candidates would of course have to have strong bones at the joint. The pain from raw bone-to-bone rubbing would possibly disappear. Synovial fluid should provide lubrication.
Comments appreciated.
Herbr
I have just started a natural supplement project with a research group here in the Seattle area, it is starting with capsules and may go on to a powdered supplement. I have also looked into alternative ways with an overlight metaphyscian, hypnotherapy, acupuncture, gentle chiropractic, singing bowls, etc. I am going to see a medical intuitive to see what the core issue is. There is a purpose in here somewhere.
I have started a blog called giftofra.wordpress.com as I journey through finding the gift and positives in having RA. it is long past time to see where I have benefited from RA, how I can be of help to others. When I was diagnosed, I didn't know anyone who had it so there was no one to ask or help me with the fear. I hope the blog can be of use to others, our stories may be a bit different but there is a lot we all have in common. I have seen RA as a negative so long, fighting and resisting it - it's still here. But I have begun to see it differently, finding the gift in it rather than "Why me?", "Poor me", etc. Why not me? Why not any of us?
I did speaking for the Arthritis Foundation in the 80's and taught Self Help courses as well as trained new instructors. At last, something positive coming out of something that felt so negative. I found those more satisfying than a support group because it focused on others and how I can help - whether I know I did or not. So often we help other people when we are going about our own business - though it is gratifying to hear someone tell my I am their inspiration or that it helped to hear it from someone who has it.
The best of everything to all of you.
I also avoid eating members of the nightshade family (tomatoes, potatoes, eggplants, peppers) as well as processed foods except in small amounts and drink lots of ginger and use tumeric in my cooking whenever possible. I was incredulous at first but willing to try ANYthing to get relief and I must say it seems to be working!
I really enjoy your magazine and website. I have learned alot on many subjects. I have osteoarthritis and am putting off knee replacement and wrist/thumb surgery because of age. I have difficulty taking alot of pain meds, so your information is especially helpful to me. Thank you so much.
My heart goes out to all of you for the pain you experience daily. I must say, that in reading your responses, you seem to be a resilient and very creative group (finding solutions and ways to cope). Well wishes to all of you.
I have a rollator that I originally got to use when shopping and errands. Now I use it everywhere in the house to carry things from room to room, and especially in the kitchen to carry pots of water from sink to stove, assemble ingredients from the refrigerator, etc.
I also have a collection of "flaxpacks," which are different size rectangular fabric packs containing flaxseed. They can be heated in the microwave and conform to any part of the body better than rice or bean sacks. They can also be put in the freezer if you can stand coldpacks. I had mine made, but if you have a sewing machine they would be very easy to make. I use them for 10-15 minutes before I need to do any "strenuous" work - like cooking a simple meal!
What kind of questions they ask?
What they do to help?
How to make it easier for you and them?
Thanks :)
THANKYOU,
SINCERLY NESSA.! =]
My rheum suggested a parrafin (sp?) wax bath for dipping my hands and feet into when they ache. It is great! I think it was less than $50 at the large discount stores. You can also get the treatment at nail salons, but its nice to have at home esp in the winter!
I still have some trouble writing after a paragraph and have tried many types of pens & aids. Any ideas?
I also have trouble turning the key in the ignition of my car. My husband bought something that was $50, but it won't go over the new keys with the chips inside. Any ideas?
Hand exercises help with the above, but....
At first, sorry for my English.
I would be very happy if my history helps just only one person.
I learned walking, speaking and smoking at the same age. But it doesn’t matter.
Now I am over 65 and suffer from arthritis. No one diagnose that but I think so by symptoms.
Beginning from about 25 years of age from time to time I was ill with lumbosacral ridiculitis or something like this. But at the age of about 30 once I tried to lift a pack. It was not very heavy in looks but actually very heavy. And my muscles wasn’t prepared to lift it and I fell near it immovable. After that I spend about 2 weeks in bed with lumbosacral ridiculitis or something like this attack.
And after that until age 40 I was at least OK. But at this age I started to feel a pain in my back which radiated to my left leg. The pain in the leg was nuisance. I was not able to sit. It seems to me it would be better if I stand up. But it wasn’t. It seems to me it would be better if I sit again and so on. And I was not able to find medicines for my illness. And I read or someone told me that Japanese cure people with lumbosacral ridiculitis or something like this by putting them in a freezer for about 30 sec. by temperature about minus 150◦C. I had no a freezer with such temperature so decided to swim in nearby store pond whole-year. There was a club of winter-swimmer and I jointed them. I started in September. In a month I was as well as a bull. Every day before swim I did a good exercise to warm myself very well. I stay in cold water about 1 or 1.5 minutes. Ice-hole was about 15 meters long. I swim forward and back. The lowest temperature at which I was swimming was minus 27 ◦C. I was happy as a child. For this procedures I spent one hour every day. It continued for 3 seasons. After that during 15 years I did not know what it means lumbosacral ridiculitis or arthritis. But at this time I was busy and abandon it. And I was working very hard manually (usually I work in office) and I think that I overused my hip, low back and legs lifting heavy items. Five years ago my left leg started to have a pain. If I sit my low back or leg do not pain. But it is very difficult to stand up and walk. Now it seems to me that my left leg is shorter then right. But after X-ray a doctor said me that my left hip joint need to be replaced. I was shocked. I was so shocked that I have even forgotten I have cured myself by exercises and by winter swimming 20 years ago. A month ago I started to do exercises and at once I feel myself much better. I also going to swim every day whole-year.
I am sure that exercises and winter swimming is one of the best treatments for lumbosacral ridiculitis and all forms of arthritis.
Best Regards.
David B
May I recommend an all natural, new technology way to assist in pain relief - and that is the use of the nanonutritional Pain Formula from Revive Health (www.revivehealth.net). The site gets into details about how this product is created, but in short, the water clusters in the formula are reconstructed to be smaller and to have a nutrient in the middle (nano-sized: the level that your cells work at). The combination is such that the formula starts to absorb in your mouth - the particles are so small! The hydration is terrific and individuals report great benefit and pain relief in as little as a couple of days. This is a great way to get off the NSAIDs and preserve your gut. Truth in advertising here: this is my company and it is a startup. However, individuals have been taking this formula for over three years with great results. Check it out. It might be right for you.
I know that this relief is temporary, but for now they really help.
I would like a more holistic approach to treating my pain. I fear the side effects
that come along with medications and will only take them when there are no other options.
After finding it hard to exercise and stay motivated, I knew there had to be a better way so I invented Jym which helps perform low impact isometric exercise and provide motivation as it is digital and you can keep track of your progress. I would love to hear how people in the arthritis community have gone with my product and benefitted. You can visit my international site www.jym.me for more information.
Also a very good investment is a quality bed. I love my latex mattress! Cannot sleep on any thing else except an air mattress.
Due to arthritis, my Mom has had hip and knee replacement surgery, but her neck and shoulders hurt so bad she could hardly get dressed. Continued use of this cream has allowed her not only to rest better at night, but she is also able to better care for herself. Bottomline, it has given her back a quality of life arthritis had stolen.
Mom's ankles were so swollen and painful she had to give up doing her own shopping and struggled to take care of her housework. Since using Physician's Pain Relief cream she has been able to do most of her shopping, go to the post office, and church, as well as take care of her housework. It has made an amazing difference in her ability to regain her independence.
I have recommended this product to so many people after seeing what it did for my Mom. All have had similar or better results. My daughter even used it after a 4-hour dance audition that left her so sore her walking was labored. It worked just as well for her muscle soreness and stiffness. I am a believer! It really is a great product and I wanted to get the word out there so it can possibly help you too. You can order online at www.realpainrelief.com or call their toll free number 1-866-510-7774.
Has anyone heard this? Tried this?
The orthosis/brace realigns the upper and lower leg so the patella can track correctly, relieves pain and helps to retrain and strengthen the muscles of the knee joint. It is light weight and comfortable to wear. My Dad wears it during normal activities and can now go up and downstairs, squat and is now walking for exercise.
If you would like more information on this orthosis/brace and to find out if it will work for you go to the website: www.inthegroovebrace.com. The website for In the Groove knee orthosis/brace has helpful knee tips and information on knee injury. I hope this information helps others suffering from knee pain.
Sincerely,
Lee Bourque
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