Does compression from wearing something like a toboggan hat or beanie help anyone? A friend of mine that suffers from RA asked told me the other day that she puts compression stockings over her hands when her RA is really bothering her and it helps. So, as an experiment I dug out one of my old beanie hats and wore it today. It actually fit in all the right places and hugged my head nicely. I was concerned that is would bother my hair as that seems to be one of my triggers. Strangely, it did just the opposite! My hairline has not done the tickle thing all afternoon that triggers pain. It has knocked out one of my trigger sites and has made for a more pleasant afternoon.
I know, but it was just one day. Was curious if anyone else had tried this. I don't often wear this hat as it is wool with a polar fleece band inside and so tight that it mashes my hair for the day (vanity), but I felt better today after wearing this hat for a while. I was concerned that it would trigger pain on my scalp, but the constant pressure of it felt nice.
It hurts if I lay my face on the pillow but I have heard of others who say they get comfort from pressing there cheek into the pillow. Also there is a lady on here i think her user name is HS who wears a turban and it hurts her so much. I use earmuffs when out walking but I have to position them carefully as they hurt my face, but are great for the ears. I guess there is no rule for one, just what works for you. The hat looks good on you Fred
The hat came on again this afternoon as I felt the pain rising, but I was either too late to stem the tide, today was going to be too rough for even the hat to fix, or it was a fluke yesterday. I ended up sleeping all afternoon to gain comfort from it. I was probably a bit rough on myself this morning though, as I gave myself a very extensive haircut with clippers, scissors, a razor, etc. and then did a full shave as well. I find that I cannot go anymore stubbly than I am in that picture yesterday without the follicles of every single beard hair potentially stinging or burning when they are moved or brushed past (especially while sleeping) , but it is always a crap shoot as to whether the sensation of the stubble or the act of shaving will be more uncomfortable. I chose shaving today, and my jawline has ached and throbbed all day. Additionally, I lucked out and my headache got exacerbated by the face pain (sarcasm), so both have been hammering me all afternoon and evening. Slept for several hours, hoping it would pass while I was napping, but it has not seemed to. Took my Gabapentin 600mg and 50mg of Indocin a bit ago, here's to hoping it calms down as I will have a very cold, windy, and snowy bus duty in the morning. No, I have not been able to get out of that. Have been out there every morning M-F since February 2nd. It lasts until the 20th. I do not see my Neuro again until the 24th. Guess I will tough it out if I can....
Fred if your doctor gives you a letter stating that being outside doing the bus duty makes your condition worse and he recommends you do not do it because of your health, would it help the school make this concession? (I know it makes you sound like one of the kids!)
Would growing a full beard help? Or would that hurt if touched and create a bigger problem?
I am only on morning outside duty until Feb.22nd. I see my neurologist again on Feb.24th. I am trying to stick it out. Thankfully, temps were in the upper 30s this morning and are to be in the low 40s tomorrow morning. That in and of itself is so much better than 20 or 10 degrees as it has been other mornings this past week.
Facial hair hurts. I have questioned whether or not shaving or facial hair is worse. I have come to the conclusion that the weird and sometimes painful feelings that accompany shaving are better than the constant stimulation that every single hair creates on the right side of my face. Stubble and beard hair hurts especially if I am wearing a scarf and they come in contact with each other.
Fred
elstep said:
Fred if your doctor gives you a letter stating that being outside doing the bus duty makes your condition worse and he recommends you do not do it because of your health, would it help the school make this concession? (I know it makes you sound like one of the kids!)
Would growing a full beard help? Or would that hurt if touched and create a bigger problem?