discussion A New Arthritis Hell

[davecov]

I have been suffering from Osteoarthritis since the late 80's and it causes pain in my back, knees and hands. Unfortunately, over the past few months I have been struggling more than usual and it was confirmed today at hospital that I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is playing havoc with my joints, especially my hands. On top of that, five weeks ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes so bit of a double whammy, although both my GP and Consultant are happy on that score and as long as I continue the progress I am making.

I now face having to take immune-suppressors to prevent my body's immune system from attacking my joints. It isn't going to be easy for the next three months as I adjust to the new medication but I hope it will bring some normality back to my body, although my brain is beyond help (joke) and what you have seen in that regard in the past is what you will see in the future! Poor you!

That is my main reason for knocking out models OOB, recently, without lots of bells and whistles - including rigging - as it is not easy modelling with sausage fingers and hands that feel like I am wearing gloves. I know some of you have or know somebody with RA so you will know what I am going through. I have signed up to various forums specific to these ailments for help and advice but I am posting here too where I have many friends who I am sure will continue to keep me grounded.

Thanks for listening.

Dave

 

[The Smythe Meister]

Really sorry to hear this Dave...
.... you certainly have been in the wars eh?!!:flushed:
I don't have any experience of the arthritis problems, However, diabetes is something i can relate to,so,as you say,the "double whammy" is all the more unlucky :sad-face:,
I hope you continue with your builds,OOTB or not, they're always a pleasure to follow :thumb2:
All the best mate,
Andy

 

[Jim R]

Very sorry to hear of your problems Dave. It's a very difficult condition to live with especially given the hobby we enjoy. I really hope the new meds help and you feel more able to get back to the bench and model away.

although my brain is beyond help (joke) and what you have seen in that regard in the past is what you will see in the future!

No worries on that score. Most here are not exactly sane so appreciate daftness in others :tongue-out3:

 

[Andy the Sheep]

Sorry to hear about your health, Dave. Hope you'll rapidly find the right balance in medications and get better soon.

 

[boatman]

Yes VERY SORRY to hear that dave AN HOPE you will feel better soon as you made that fantastic carrier for airfix so we know you are a fantastic modeler but if the body wont obey you than OOTB is better than nothing
ATB
chrisb

 

[Andy T]

So sorry to hear this Dave.

If I can offer a glimmer of light, my wife is a different woman after 8 months on her meds. I know she was pretty lucky that they hit on a good combination of drugs quickly, and I know it's not like that for everyone, but let's hope you have similar good fortune.

Regular progress checks for the meds effectiveness and to monitor the possible damage from their side effects on her liver, lungs, and eyesight are things she's accepted given the huge improvement in her condition.

 

[Tim Marlow]

Very sorry to hear this Dave. I have this so know how annoying it is. As Andy says, the meds really help, and the monthly bloods are not too much of an imposition. You should have had a steroid injection as a symptom suppressor while the methotrexate kicks in, so hopefully things will improve quickly. There are very many treatment options, so if the first one doesn’t work don’t get disheartened. If you get the option, go for the subcutaneous injection form of methotrexat. It’s much easier than handling the stupidly small yellow tablets and the gastrointestinal side effects are much less.
Keeping active is a definite help. I have recently started regular swimming sessions, and find they certainly help with flexibility and rebuilding my strength. They also minimise the tiredness that goes with the condition.

 

[stillp]

Sorry to hear that Dave.
Pete

 

[davecov]

Thank you everybody for your kind words of support and advice. It is just the thing that I need at the moment.

Two things to note. Firstly, some people have expressed alarm (not on this forum) that I may lose some hair. I am 65 in December and if you look at my avatar you will see I have a good head of hair at the moment and what will be, will be. Any sort of hair loss wouldn't matter a jot. Having joined the Royal Navy in 1976 and suffered the HMS Raleigh NAAFI barber during New Entry training, that was probably the most traumatic thing that ever happened to my hair, especially as the whole country had long hair then.

Secondly, I now think my brain may have been affected after all because yesterday I recommenced a stalled build (Airfix Graf Spee) that has sat on my Shelf of Doom since before I created The Airfix Tribute Forum in April 2006!

Thanks again.

Dave

 

[Nicko]

Really feel for you Dave and hope you get some improvement soonest...

Nick

 

[Tim Marlow]

Thank you everybody for your kind words of support and advice. It is just the thing that I need at the moment.

Two things to note. Firstly, some people have expressed alarm (not on this forum) that I may lose some hair. I am 65 in December and if you look at my avatar you will see I have a good head of hair at the moment and what will be, will be. Any sort of hair loss wouldn't matter a jot. Having joined the Royal Navy in 1976 and suffered the HMS Raleigh NAAFI barber during New Entry training, that was probably the most traumatic thing that ever happened to my hair, especially as the whole country had long hair then.

Secondly, I now think my brain may have been affected because yesterday I recommenced a stalled build (Airfix Graf Spee) that has sat on my Shelf of Doom since before I created The Airfix Tribute Forum in April 2006!

Thanks again.

Dave

Haven’t noticed any hair loss from the meds myself….and I’ve tried most of ‘em LOL….you will get a bit of tiredness though (sometimes it’s like you are permanently getting over flue) so be kind to yourself.

 

[Andy T]

My wife also heard about possible hair loss but neither her, nor her hairdresser of 20+ years have noticed any difference yet.

She does have bouts of fatigue though, which come over her suddenly but don't last for long.

 

[Dave Ward]

I have been suffering from Osteoarthritis since the late 80's and it causes pain in my back, knees and hands. Unfortunately, over the past few months I have been struggling more than usual and it was confirmed today at hospital that I also have Rheumatoid Arthritis which is playing havoc with my joints, especially my hands. On top of that, five weeks ago I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes so bit of a double whammy, although both my GP and Consultant are happy on that score and as long as I continue the progress I am making.

I now face having to take immune-suppressors to prevent my body's immune system from attacking my joints. It isn't going to be easy for the next three months as I adjust to the new medication but I hope it will bring some normality back to my body, although my brain is beyond help (joke) and what you have seen in that regard in the past is what you will see in the future! Poor you!

That is my main reason for knocking out models OOB, recently, without lots of bells and whistles - including rigging - as it is not easy modelling with sausage fingers and hands that feel like I am wearing gloves. I know some of you have or know somebody with RA so you will know what I am going through. I have signed up to various forums specific to these ailments for help and advice but I am posting here too where I have many friends who I am sure will continue to keep me grounded.

Thanks for listening.

Dave

Dave,
really sorry to hear of your troubles - I was diagnosed with Type 2 Diabetes in 2000, and it can be a real bugger to come to terms with. Even now 20+ years on, I still have to take care - 2 blood tests a day & 2 insulin shots. Just accepting it & being aware of the dangers is important. Letting your friends & family know really helps. I did tell my employers, and they were very good, accepting that hosptal visits were pretty frequent at first. Oddly enough I couldn't drive any company cars, as the blanket insurance didn't cover me! I circulated one of the Diabetes UK booklets in my office, so my fellow workers would know what to do, if I showed odd symptoms. You can lead a normal life!!
I have periodic flare ups of OA in my right hand, no particular cause, it just seems to happen! I just take painkillers & wait till it subsides.
Medicines are improving - and it may be that Diabetes will be eliminated - in the meantime, just take care, be aware, and do everything in moderation. PM me if you have any questions - the more you know, the better your chances of avoiding problems
Dave Ward

 

[Tworrs]

Dave I wish you all the best in your quest for the perfect med combination, I too take a bunch of different pills,
I mostly control my Type2 with Metformin and diet, which seems to be keeping it under control. My arthritis is flaring up more these days too, but am having some relief by regular visits to an Osteopath.
Regular targeted exercises seem to help as well.
Garry

 

[Airborne01]

Sorry to hear that mate - in your line of work hair loss can be attributed to low bulkheads or the search for the elusive Golden Rivet I'm reliably informed
Steve

 

[Guest]

Chin up Dave, the three months will soon pass.
And if your sausage fingers get in the way use two sets of tweezers to do the delicate work, that is what I use, but c/a some 240 wet n dry about 10mm long onto the tips to aid grip.

 

[Tim Marlow]

If your hands are really starting to stiffen up and swell gloves like this really help Dave
https://www.arthritis.org/partnership/ease-of-use-products/imak-arthritis-gloves
You can wear them overnight and your hands will be much better in the morning. Your physiotherapist should also be able to give you an exercise regime that helps improve flexibility as well.

 

[Guest]

Dave , sorry to read this.
Hope you manage to find relief in the meds .

 

[Tim Marlow]

Hi Dave. It’s been a few weeks now…..how are you doing on the meds?

 

[davecov]

Hi Tim,

Things got a lot worse for a while but my condition has stabilised although doing modelling right now is proving to be a challenge. A nice challenge though because it keeps me occupied. It is much more manageable now but I have still to start on Immunosuppressor medication in two weeks time. I am having a Pneumococcal vaccination tomorrow which will be followed by a blood test on Tuesday in readiness for the Immunosuppressors. The dosage for that will be increased incrementally every two weeks with blood tests being taken prior to the increases. Hopefully, by twelve weeks from starting on these tablets, I will be on the maximum dosage and things will have started improving. We will see.

Thanks for asking.

Dave