New Memberl here...lots of questions

February 26, 2006

Hi all,

My brother was just diagnosed with RA and I want to help him any way I

can. He is a 44 yr old male who until now has been very active. He

lays carpet for a living and recently had such a bad flare up he

couldnt even pull the covers up over himself in bed. HIs joints all

swelled up and he could'nt even get his shoes on. He is in his early

stages of treatment and I'm not sure of all the dtails yet. I am just

beginning my informational journey but thought I'd ask a quick

question. With it being so cold, I wondered if it would help him to

use an electric blanket. I know the warmth feels good to him and if

that would help I will buy him one and send it to him. I know in some

cases with injuries and such pain feels better with heat but in

actuality it is not good for someone so I'm asking if you all can think

of anything I can do at this first initial step of his treatment to

help him. Thanks so much and I will be eagerly reading and learning

all I can from you all.

a

February 26, 2006

My RA started when I was 46, and I was very active, so the RA really set me

back. My mother had it, but I wasn't around her that much while I was

traveling for the USAF. She died under the knife of a quack when she was 61.

Lots of us use heat for comfort. I had a hot-tub that I soaked in at least

once a day, sometimes more. I also used the Para-bath for my hands and

sometimes my feet or elbows. You get inventive when the need is there. The

major difference between an electric blanket and the ones I mentioned is

that it's not a wet heat, and I don't think it would be that effective. The

electric blankets are cheap (comparatively) and well worth the try. Even if

it doesn't work for him, he can always use it to pre-warm the bed, then

remove it for sleeping.

Dennis

[ ] New Memberl here...lots of questions

> Hi all,

> My brother was just diagnosed with RA and I want to help him any way I

> can. He is a 44 yr old male who until now has been very active. He

> lays carpet for a living and recently had such a bad flare up he

> couldnt even pull the covers up over himself in bed. HIs joints all

> swelled up and he could'nt even get his shoes on. He is in his early

> stages of treatment and I'm not sure of all the dtails yet. I am just

> beginning my informational journey but thought I'd ask a quick

> question. With it being so cold, I wondered if it would help him to

> use an electric blanket. I know the warmth feels good to him and if

> that would help I will buy him one and send it to him. I know in some

> cases with injuries and such pain feels better with heat but in

> actuality it is not good for someone so I'm asking if you all can think

> of anything I can do at this first initial step of his treatment to

> help him. Thanks so much and I will be eagerly reading and learning

> all I can from you all.

> a

February 26, 2006

I have an electric mattress pad. It works like a blanket but mine is slow to

warm, and seems to provide a gentle heat. I like it much better than a blanket.

I warm my bed before going to bed and it is really comfortable. One morning when

I woke up I could hardly move and realized the pad was turned off. That made me

see how much help it is.

I don't know anything about RA and such but it sure helps me. I recently joined

this group and haven't posted much. I haven't really been diagnosed; the

rheumatologist said the test for lupus was negative. I think the test for that

doctor is negative. When I first posted everyone said I need a different doctor

and I think that is right on. I see no reason at all to go back to her. I will

discuss this with my GP before I cancel my appointment with her. I hope he has

a better idea.

BVan (Betty)