Better Days Ahead For My Brother...Hopefully
By Sharon
@simone10 (54180)
Louisville, Kentucky
July 21, 2016 6:00am CST
My poor brother. He hasn't been feeling good lately. He's had a lot of body aches and his hip and hand have been bothering him a lot. This past weekend, his hand hurt him really bad and it was all swollen.
I finally talked him into going to the doctor. They took a lot of xrays and said he either has arthritis or rheumatoid arthritis in his hand and in his hip. The knuckle on his middle finger is bone on bone, no fluid at all. The doctor referred him to both a orthopedic doctor and a rheumatologist. The ortho doctor appointment is in September and the rheumatologist appointment is November. Quite a while to have to wait.
His hand has been giving him a lot of pain and last night he was a little emotional. He was saying that he didn't know if he could stand this kind of pain for the rest of his life. He is only 48 years old. I told him that once he saw one of the specialists, they would give him medication to help.
I have rheumatoid arthritis and know what he is going through. I was very emotional when I was first told that I had RA. I didn't want to believe it for a long time and then when I finally accepted it, I was depressed and kind of mourned for the person I used to be. All of this is normal and I tried explaining to him but he doesn't like to show his emotions and kind of shrugged it all away.
At least he has me to talk to. I didn't have anyone at the time it happened to me. I can help him get through it and hopefully let him know that he is not alone.
19 people like this
19 responses
@Juliaacv (56320)
• Canada
21 Jul 16
I hope that the doctors can find the right solution to allow him to better manage his condition. Many of us live with chronic illnesses, how you deal with it has a lot to do with your outlook on life and perspective. Personally, I try to be thankful for what I can do, and the medications that I take that control my issues, and not focus on what I cannot do. And on some days that is hard.
3 people like this
@Juliaacv (56320)
• Canada
22 Jul 16
@simone10 You're probably better able to help your brother if you've gone thru this like you have as opposed to someone like myself who has always struggled with health issues. I hope that your brother can lean on you and gain from what you'll share with him.
1 person likes this
@jaboUK (64346)
• United Kingdom
21 Jul 16
The fact that you have gone through (and are still going through) a similar thing must surely help him, as he knows you understand. Though perhaps it makes it worse as he's seen your constant pain.
As you say, it's a long time for him to wait to see a specialist. Sorry about that.
3 people like this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
24 Jul 16
I wonder if it is inherited in your family? I would have thought that his regular doctor would have given him the pain medication at least a mild one to help him deal with it.
1 person likes this
@BelleStarr (61463)
• United States
25 Jul 16
@simone10 Yes but there are lots of pain medications that aren't addictive, it seems he should get something.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
27 Jul 16
@BelleStarr They suggested ibuprofen. Ibuprofen is great for a lot of pain and inflammation but it doesn't take the bad pain away.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
24 Jul 16
Yes, on our Mom's side. Our grandmother had RA also. He went to the Little Clinic that is in Krogers. They did xrays and everything but the wouldn't give him anything for pain. Kentucky is very strict about prescribing pain medications due to all the addicts.
1 person likes this
@crazyhorseladycx (39503)
• United States
21 Jul 16
bless his heart :( i hope that he also gets to visit with a nutritionist - such'd do ya both good to help combat much'f that. i can totally relate to the sense'f loss, the frustration 'f not bein' able to live's one did. seems the cruelest'f blows, but sometimes 'tis a door that's opened to a new, diff'rent path. one's attitude's a lot to do with the transition.
2 people like this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
22 Jul 16
You are so right! It took me a long time to get to the point of having a different attitude. I grieved over the person I used to be and was so afraid that I would end up in a wheelchair one day. Like I said, it took a long time but I have overcome those feelings and try to be thankful for the things I can still do. I just have to be here for him and let him know that I support him and understand.
2 people like this
@JudyEv (382240)
• Rockingham, Australia
21 Jul 16
I used to get quite depressed when aches and pains reminded me that my best days were over. It was a kind of mourning. And looking forward to a lifetime of chronic pain would make anyone emotional. I hope he gets some help with the pain soon.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (169488)
• United States
25 Jul 16
It is not surprising that he may have rheumatoid arthritis. I am glad you are there for him.
1 person likes this
@jobelbojel (36796)
• Philippines
23 Jul 16
I hope he gets better soon and yeah the appointments are like forever to come but he will definitely feel better with medications.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8085)
• United States
21 Jul 16
Only 48 and arthritis? How old were you when you were diagnosed? Did he do a lot of physical labor? I know injury can cause arthritis earlier in life.
It's good he has you to talk to. I know whenever I have a life change or something wrong, it is wonderful to talk to someone who has been there.
1 person likes this
@Carmelanirel2 (8085)
• United States
22 Jul 16
@simone10 I am so sorry, I can't imagine. I'm 52 and I do have some aches and pains, but nothing like RA.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
23 Jul 16
@Carmelanirel2 With RA, it can sit there dormant and it takes something traumatic to bring it out. For me, it was menopause. I had a really hard time with it and it wasn't long after that I started hurting.
1 person likes this
@simone10 (54180)
• Louisville, Kentucky
22 Jul 16
You are very lucky not to have this problem. It can be really awful at times with ups and downs. I try to keep a positive attitude but it's not always easy. I know what he is and will be going though so I will be here to support him.
1 person likes this
@Marilynda1225 (91130)
• United States
21 Jul 16
I hope the doctor can give him something for the pain or a remedy to fix it. Hopefully he doesn't have RA but he's lucky that he has you to help him through it
1 person likes this
@OreoBrownie (3755)
• Commerce, Georgia
21 Jul 16
Oh good thing he's getting it seen about. Arthritis can be terrible. I have it, but RATHER can be even worse because the body is attacking itself.
1 person likes this
@PainsOnSlate (21845)
• Canada
24 Jul 16
He is luck to have you to help him, once he sees a doctor, I think life will be better, at least with meds.
@acelawrites (19272)
• Philippines
21 Jul 16
It is good you are there to support him knowing how hard it is to have RA. Hope he gets well soon.
1 person likes this
@ilocosboy (45155)
• Philippines
21 Jul 16
you help him, he help himself, then everything will be better.
1 person likes this
