Katrina wrote: < RA destroys the synovial lining in the joints- this is what leads to the deformity of the joints. >
I've had RA for eleven years. For the first five it was one DMARD 3 times a day, and then it started to get away. I have frequent flare-ups even on 2 different DMARDS, anti-inflamatories, steroids and pain killers, and my blood tests have shown my inflammation level to be zero for only about 9 months of the last 6 years. Earlier this year, the month I was to go on a new drug trial. The inflammation settled to zero, so I'm staying on the above set of drugs (plus of course another 5 to counteract the side effects of the first 5! :-D). I'm not suitable for Anti-TNF treatment. But the point is that a couple of weeks ago the rheumatologist commented on what she described as "the fantastic condition" of my hands. I have only 3 joints with a very little deformity and no drift (where the fingers bend sideways). I have three or four months of each year where I just can't make lace even by lifting the bobbins by the beads because the joints are too inflamed and I rest them in splints. She said that I'm obviously doing everything right - keeping the fingers moving by using a computer keboard and by making lace, but resting them when it's uncomfortable. Neither of those strain the joints. So if you know someone with arthritis encourage them to try lacemaking, but they should discuss it with their medics first - after all you're supposed to discuss any exercise programme with your doctor before embarking on it :-). Jean in Poole - To unsubscribe send email to [EMAIL PROTECTED] containing the line: unsubscribe lace [EMAIL PROTECTED] For help, write to [EMAIL PROTECTED]
