I'm going to see if I can get back in to see my PCP today to get something for this joint pain and swelling. It has kept me up for most of the night, and I've lost the ability to use my hands beyond small, light pressure movements; to the point where taking care of "necessities" in the bathroom has become a problem. I don't even know if I'll be able to drive today, so may have to ask my friend to take me.

I don't want to wait until my scheduled appointment on Thursday because I'm concerned that some damage is occurring in the joints; especially in the wrists and a couple of fingers. They feel like the bones are broken or are displaced (really sharp pain and a cracking sound on movement), and the swelling has gotten worse since Friday.

I'm willing to do steroids at this point, even if it means being admitted to hospital.

With love, Erika

Oh dear, Erika! That sounds painful. I hope the doctor can prescribe something to help. Let us know how you're doing.

Hope you can get an appointment and your pcp can figure out what is going on and find something to help. Thinking about you.

Keep us posted Erika. I wonder if you have been overdoing it with all of the cooking you've been doing lately. That can be hard on the hands and wrists. I hope it isn't serious but easily treated.

Erika, I posted on a separate thread a naturopathic remedy duo for joint pain. Might be worth a try. With your hands the way they are it would be hard for you to even get the remedies out of their jars, but you can easily order them from Amazon, at least. I ordered one of these last night when I was up asomnolent.

Prayers for an answer…and for relief...

Erika - I was wondering where you are. I hope that you have gotten some help by now.
ANN

Other than those of you who were ill or recouperating from surgery or something,
did any of you, besides me, have a complete breakdown of strength and energy,
after the holidays? I am just now, beginning to get my strength back. I thought
maybe, it was a flare, but now, I believe it was a fatigue attack, from trying to
be and celebrate the festivities, as a normal well person.

Now that I'm beginning to feel better, I can complain about it, with a clear
conscience.

Sal, it's amazing how much the stress of just being around people for a change takes it's toll…I think we forget the various triggers that can put us in a day-long snooze fest…

Glad you're feeling a bit better

Worried about Erika.

The hug had me gasping in pain yesterday. Not only was it tighter but I was also having intense muscle spasms in lower back. Usually when I lie down it is not as bad, but I just could not relax last night. I always have a uncomfortable girdle feeling on my left side (rib cage and back) but it definitely seems to be worse when it is cold out.