nonmed help for pain

[Shanna707]

My RA is really acting up with the cold, rainy weather all week.  Does anybody have any advice on nonnarcotic help for thee pain, swelling, and stiffness of joints in this weather especially??  I use hot packs and heating pad which seems to help, but I'm still uncomfortable.  My ankles imparticulalarly have decided to swell up and despite elevating them won't go down even with my lasix.(water pill).  Any ideals for decreasing swelling would be greatly appreciated.  This time last year I went into a flare up that put me in the bed for a month with excruciating pain, so I really want to do anything prevention wise this year!  I appreciate any comment.  Thanks so much.
hurting from the cold rain,
Shanna

[TrudieC]

Try contacting a medical supply place for the support hose - I've even seen them at drug stores.  The medical supply places also have assistive devices that you can get to help you do things like pulling up socks.

With RA you can have disease affect heart, liver and kidneys.  Some of the symptoms is swelling.  You should have your doctor check it out.

[Shanna707]

Thanks for some fresh idea.  I actually have some omega 3's, so I'll start those back up.  I know I need some support hose.  Do u have any advice where is best to purchase them. I use to order online from a medical supply, but can't remember the address.  Also, I worry they will be hard to put on with my hands now.  I agree with the cool water in summer, but honestly my joints can't tolerate anything cool or cold during winter.

Trudie can you elaborate on organ involvement?

[TrudieC]

You may want to increase your input of water so your body can flush itself.  Try upping omega 3's in your diet and wearing support hose.  Accupuncture might help both the pain and swelling.  Be sure the swelling isn't being caused by organ involvement though.  Hope you get some relief soon.

[geminigirl1963]

I, personally, find that ice helps me more with swelling and stiffness than heat does - the heat only seems to make the swelling worse.  Heat does help relax things, but does nothing for my swelling.  I've found that sometimes soaking my feet/ankles in cool (not cold) water will help bring some of the swelling down -also makes it easier to get ALL areas of the feet and ankles at one time as opposed to trying to juggle ice packs around.  When I want to soak my feet/ankles, I'll fill the bathtub with cool water and then sit on the edge while I soak.