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Erosive Osteoarthritis

Bones, Joints & Muscles | Last Active: Nov 17 6:36pm | Replies (101)

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@sueinmn

Cast and sling for 2 weeks, then full forearm brace and sling for 2 more, then remove sling but keep brace 2 more weeks, then 6 weeks progressive therapy, and smaller splints.
I went to therapy once a week for measurements and new exercises, did it 3x a day at home.
1st 6 weeks one or two pound lift limit, then 8 pounds for 6 more weeks, now as tolerated.
Pain was minimal as long as I kept arm elevated, iced at least 4 hours a day (almost 24 hours first 4 days) and alternated ibuprofen and Tylenol. I had lots of prepared, one-handed food in the freezer for the first 2 weeks - burritos, potties, leftover stews, etc.
Recovery was maybe 3 months, by then I could garden, paint, sew.
Sue

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Replies to "Cast and sling for 2 weeks, then full forearm brace and sling for 2 more, then..."

@sueinmn, and all...that was a tough recovery, sounds like, but you got really good results. I wish I'd had your doctor when I was deteriorating and losing the use of my thumbs/hands. I can type still, some days easier than others, but man oh man if I use my hands in a different way or too much or squeeze or whatever, I pay for several days in pain. Right now the wrists are waking me up at night. The 1:1 MM lotion helps for a while. Now, my feet. especially the right foot, are hurting much more. Hurts to walk, sit, aching and pain.

Have you taken glucosamine/chondroitin, sp?, to help replace or renew or whatever the joints? It helped my dog before her death, a lot. I took it years ago but not recently as I'm working to be very careful with supplements. Wonder if I should add them again. Also, did you ever take Plaquenil? Since I have Sarcoid and Vasculitis-autoimmune diseases, wonder if it would be helpful for me. Do you have any info on that drug for this? I'm ckg out the online info re side effects and such, but you and @johnbishop are my go-to folks about this.
Thanks in advance for whatever you can share.
Blessings, Sue and Happy New Year! elizabeth