Irritable Bowel Syndrome Message Boards | Anyone with arthritis in their hands?

I had to visit the walk-in dr. yesterday. Over the last 2 weeks I have been progressively having more and more trouble with my right hand, mostly the middle finger. I did a lot of driving Easter weekend and the weekend after. But my finger progressively started to swell more and more this last 10 days or so. I can't wear the ring I normally do. I can barely get it past my first knuckle. Plus yesterday I couldn't open the bathroom faucet. And my range of motion / flexibility is getting less and less. I've got a family history of osto and rheumatoid arthritis.

So off to the dr. I went. It was bugging me that much that I couldn't close my fingers. The dr. has ordered x-rays of both hands and blood work to check for rheumatoid. He is also checking for fractures etc. I'll go up tomorrow for those as the lab was closed yesterday.

I'd like anyone's input - Michele, I know you have terrible trouble with your hands - how on earth do you get used to not being able to function at the same capacity as you've been accoustomed to for 31 years! I do a lot of cross stitch and beadwork all involving a lot of finger dexterity. I can barely hold a needle today. Funny though, I can type without pain. But using things like the curling iron and hairbrush, stapler, and staple remover are really painful. And door knobs and pulling open the car door. I have all lever door knobs at home, so that is awesome, but I can't open the door if its a round knob (can't remember where I was at yesterday)

How do you manage? I'd love some tips because if this is what arthritis is I've gotta make the best of it so I can continue to do my stitching, motorcycle riding and housework!!

Thanks all!

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Cassandra

Live like there's no tomorrow. Love like you've never loved before.

IBS A 20+ years, Chronic Migraines, Chiari Malformation (decompressed June 22, 2010), Brachial Neuritis, and ??? the list just keeps growing, but I'm still shiny side up!

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