Miscellaneous
The following are a selection letters received from members of the public which were originally reproduced in arc's quarterly magazine, Arthritis Today.
Views expressed in the Hints Box are those of readers, not those of arc.
Maisai footwear: a word of caution
Masai Barefoot Technology footwear (MBTs) are supposed to better replicate barefoot walking than is achieved with regular shoes. Their use tends to polarise opinion: some absolutely swear by them while some people never get on with them. The manufacturer claims that they require more muscle activity to maintain balance than is required by wearers of regular shoes and they do seem to have a profound effect on posture. How good or bad this is has not been shown definitively but this sort of postural change means that, at the very least, a new user would need to acclimatise to them over time – this is especially the case for people with arthritis. For some people, changing their joint mechanics as much as MBTs claim to do may just be too much - a ‘work out while you walk’ may not be what you need if you have arthritis or a related condition. The manufacturers also claim that they reduce stress on weight-bearing joints by up to a fifth. If this can be substantiated then it may help people with arthritis, but MBTs have not yet been subject to the sort of thorough and independent scientific evaluations that we would expect before we would endorse a clinical treatment. The bottom line is that these are well marketed retail shoes, not a recommended clinical treatment. In the absence of good scientific evidence our advice must be “buyer beware”. Wearing MBTs is very different to wearing normal shoes and they may –or may not – be right for any given person. People with arthritis must be prepared to listen to what their bodies are telling them – and be prepared to take the ultimate step of throwing away their new MBTs if the change in posture, muscle activity and jointloading is not right for them.
Dr Anthony Redmond, arc senior clinical lecturer in rheumatological podiatry, University of Leeds
Crocs are so comfortable!
I have osteoarthritis in the bones on the top of my foot. Therefore I have had to abandon shoes with laces. Discovering Crocs shoes has been a great success. Great comfort but not elegant!
John Tredgett, Steyning, West Sussex
Masai footwear makes walking enjoyable again
Walking badly because of painful hips (osteoarthritis like my mum) I fund the uneven pressure was making things worse until someone told me about MBT (Masai Barefoot Technology) footwear. Since wearing the footwear I find my posture is better, so my back does not hurt, and there is no longer a strain on my ankles and knees because of the make up of the soles of the shoes. And according to the product information, “ a multitude of muscles are exercised.” Now aged 80 I am enjoying walking again.
Carol Lewis, West Wittering, Chichester, West Sussex
Dry eyes and mouth predicted the onset of my rheumatoid arthritis
Having read your article on the importance of early diagnosis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) I wondered if any other readers had the same early symptoms as me. My eyes had been dry for two months or so and then my mouth became dry all the time. I research this and RA was mentioned. I went to see my GP and he did a few blood tests which did indeed point to RA. I was then referred to a rheumatologist and after x-rays of my hands and feet this was confirmed. The stiffness and pain started soon after seeing my GP. I was given a low dose of methotrexate which was gradually increased to 20mg. I am happy to say it has worked very well.
Mrs G Taylor, Stoke on Trent, Staffordshire
David Reynolds’ letter (Arthritis Today 138) about the power of nettles drew a large postbag. We print a selection:
With regard to the letter about nettles in Arthritis Today 138, I can attest to their power. When my hands are painful I run the painful areas across the plants. One of my tough country friends has always cleared nettles with his bare hands and also swears by the pain-reducing effect of the stings. Wouldn’t it be wonderful if by chance, there’s a natural answer to arthritic pain!
E. M Anslow, Ingatestone, Essex
If you want to try further help with stinging nettles, try the herbal tea or the homeopathic preparation urticaria urens C6. I was glad the story was printed in Arthritis Today, as it helps to dissolve the myth that these methods work through the placebo effect (although if they did only that personally I would still prefer them to chemical painkillers!)
Barbara Schaefer, Welshpool, Powys
I read in your magazine some years ago that some people experience relief from their arthritis when stung by nettles and bees. I too, have noticed that my rheumatoid arthritis (RA) subsides whilst my immune system is dealing with some accidental nettle sting, but it does not have a lasting effect for me. I have also discovered that my arthritis is less severe when my immune system is dealing with ANY infection or irritation. It almost seems to look for better things to do, and resorts to RA when it is bored.
Pam Turner, Bristol, North East Somerset
As a life-long knitter I was having problems with arthritis in my thumb joints until I read about stinging nettles. Now I always make sure I sting them when the nettles are in season, hence no problem with knitting now. Carry on stinging David!
Doreen Powell, Ipswich, Suffolk
My sister who lives in rural France and is a keen gardener emailed me some months ago telling me about the terrible pain she was having in her arm – possibly tendonitis - and sometimes in her hands. She told me of the curative effect of nettles. Putting on gloves she rubbed nettles on her arm, and after several hours of pins and needles itching effect the pain in her arm disappeared. And she will do it again if need be.
Mrs M. E Peregrine, Stoke Hammond, Milton Keynes, Buckinghamshire
I had a similar experience to David Reynolds, not with a nettle sting but with a sting from an insect. I had a badly arthritic hip, which caused referred pain in my leg, and walking was difficult. I was walking on grass wearing open-toed sandals when I was stung on the underneath of one of my toes. I felt whatever was in the sting circulate up my leg, making it feel numb for a few minutes. Once the numbness wore off I noticed that that pain in my hip had gone and I was free of pain for months afterwards. As a result, walking became much easier. I believe that a link between the nettle and insect stings could be formic acid, which I believe is commonly present in both – perhaps arc could follow this up with some research?
Irene O’Neill, Crosby, Liverpool
Advice on sex and aerobics after a Birmingham hip?
I had a Birmingham hip replacement (also known as metal-on-metal hip re-surfacing) last June. As I am a super-supple (I have hypermobility syndrome which caused cartilage in the right hip to be totally worn away) and a very young 49 I naturally wanted info on how I will be affected long-term by having the new hip. Particularly re sex but also in terms of aerobics and dancing. Ninety-eight per cent of what I found on the 'net a) relates to total hip replacements and b) to those who are looking to work out new ways of lovemaking in their relationships. I am in a long-term relationship (15 years with a partner 15 years younger than me) but we do not have an exclusive relationship and our social life includes fetish clubs and dungeon parties with all that can entail. Can I adapt to that or should I sell off the PVC on eBay? Does anyone know if there are any publications which will guide me as to what I can and can't do once recovered? As I say anything covering sex and aerobics in particular but also life after a Birmingham hip replacement in general would be great.
Linda Cooke, London N12
Stinging nettles took the pain away in my arthritic fingers
I have arthritis in the joints of my fingers and have taken various medications over the last three or four years but nothing seems to work. A couple of weeks ago I was weeding my garden and accidentally pulled a stinging nettle which wrapped itself round the third finger of my left hand, stinging it quite badly. It was itching like mad and the finger became quite puffy. After several hours the itching and puffiness subsided and I thought no more about it. Now I have no arthritic pain in that finger and the swelling associated with arthritis has gone. I can bend it normally and there is no restriction in its movement as with my other fingers. Is it possible that nettle sting has some property to reduce or even cure the effects of arthritis? Has anyone else had the same experience?
David Reynolds, Glasgow
Poetry to cheer up rheumatoid arthritis sufferers!
I have suffered from rheumatoid arthritis for many years which can, and does, exacerbate an awful feeling of depression and loneliness. I wrote this while confined to a wheelchair, awaiting a knee replacement operation. I thought some of your readers may identify with the sentiment:
“I watch them tripping, dashing, dawdling, strolling, rolling along. Every conceivable age, size, shape. Long ones, short ones, fat ones, thin ones. Some with a sense of purpose, tripping merrily along, others aimless. Some so old they are on the edge of oblivion, but still moving, left right, left right on and on. Others, new at the game, enjoy their recently acquired skill and move with a joyful sense of purpose.
What is it that I avidly and enviously observe while sitting in my new wheelchair outside Marks and Spencer, helpless, hopeless, hapless?
I’ll tell you what it is – LEGS – legs that walk, run, skip and dance along, fast slow, dashing legs, darting, slowing, stopping, standing and still legs, but legs that work effortlessly, legs that are taken for granted like I used to take mine for granted until they stopped working!”
Marion Hickman, Stanton under Bardon, Leicestershire
Spinal surgery greatly improved my back pain
I read with interest your article entitled “Can spinal surgery help low back pain sufferers?” in the October 2005 issue of Arthritis Today and would like to share my own experience of spinal surgery. I suffered increasing lower back pain for two years. When nothing appeared to be helping, my rheumatologist referred me to a spinal surgeon. A discogram revealed degeneration in three discs. By this time I was taking opiates to relieve back, leg and nerve pain. My surgeon recommended fusion of one disc, which was necessary due to severe degeneration, and a disc replacement at each of the two upper disc spaces. When the surgery was performed he found the space was too narrow to accommodate an artificial disc, so he re-aligned my spine in order to prevent the protruding disc from touching the nerves. I felt happy to have a disc replacement because artificial discs move in the same way natural discs move, and do not transfer stress to adjacent levels. I also knew I had found the right surgeon for the job: a vital requirement. I am able to enjoy a full and busy life again. My pain severity has reduced from a score of ten out of ten, to between one to three out of ten. I must add that physiotherapy exercises after the operation are essential; I now practise pilates regularly which is wonderful for improving strength and mobility.
Marilyn Harvery, Sydenham, south east London
Does anyone have a copy of “In Company with Pain”?
In 1974 arc organised the making of a film to raise public awareness of the nature and significance of suffering from rheumatoid arthritis. The film was subsequently shown on national TV. With my three children I was one of the participants in making the film, “In Company with Pain”. The producer was Brian Chaston, and the film was made by Visnews Productions, London , for Winthrop Laboratories on behalf of The Arthritis and Rheumatism Council. The commentary was by Dame Flora Robson. There was a reception at the Commonwealth Institute in June 1974 hosted by the Rt Hon Lord Kindersley and I would like to have a video of the film for my archives. Apparently and understandably the film is no longer available, nor as I understand, has it been retained in the archives of arc . Is there a reader out there who possibly has a copy of the film or contact with anyone who might have a copy? I would greatly appreciate any help in finding it.
Hazel Williams, Petersfield, Hampshire
Help with reading newspapers
Having arthritis and osteoporosis, I found coping with the daily papers was becoming a problem. When turning the pages, several fell to the floor where they had to stay as I couldn't bend to pick them up. I have now solved the problem quite simply. Open the paper to the centre pages and make a half inch cut at the top and bottom of the centre line to the outer spine. Thread fine string through the cuts, close the paper and tie in a loose bow on the outer spine. The string can then be used many times and the newspaper holds together like a book. I no longer have to wait for someone to retrieve the newspaper from the floor.
Isabel Charles, Longden, Shrewsbury.
Surgical rubber gloves keep hands warm in cold weather
With regards to the article in the last Hints Box headed ‘Cold fingers – can anyone help?' During the cold weather it is helpful to wear rubber gloves – the thin surgical type – under the outdoor gloves. They seem to keep a layer of warmth in, and you can still eat a packed lunch etc with just the rubber gloves still on. I hope this helps.
Mrs R Dunford, Gillingham, Kent.
Cold fingers – can anyone help?
I am a keen walker with Raynaud's phenomenon, and as a consequence have great problems in keeping my fingers warm on long walks in the winter. Sometimes I dread eating my packed lunch because I have to take my gloves off, and almost instantly my fingers become numb and bloodless. It often takes around an hour for the circulation to re-start, which is extremely painful and unpleasant. Does anyone have any tips for keeping hands warm? I've found the hot pads useful, but they don't always last long enough.
Kathryn Hughes, Skipton, North Yorkshire
Editor's Note: The arc Christmas Collection 2005 has heated men and women's gloves. The heat source is a single D battery, which fits into its own compartment in the cuff of the glove. The gloves are also waterproof and thermal lined. They cost £14.95 a pair, plus £3.95 postage and packaging. Contact 0800 389 6692 for details, and quote reference numbers 32-93 (women's) and 32-94 (men's).
My 'Gimble' helps me to read without pain
I am a retired chartered physiotherapist and have osteoarthritis in many joints. I have found a new device which keeps paper back books open for hands free reading, called a Gimble, which comes in two sizes. Both sizes are very helpful when reading paperback books. Not having to hold the books open whilst reading reduces the pain in my wrists and thumbs and therefore increases the pleasure and enjoyment of reading. I have put pen to paper as I feel there are so many people who could find this device invaluable. It adds to the pleasure of reading by making it easier and less painful. They cost £4.99 for a pair.
Ann Timbury, Taunton , Somerset
For more information go to www.gimbleuk.com ring 01743 289088 or write to Gimble, 90 Longden Coleham, Shrewsbury , SY3 7DX.
Anti-cramp tips
My hint for cramp (Arthritis Toda, The Hints Box, issue 129) is as follows: get a nylon bag that one puts "delicates" in for the washing machine and put in real wine corks, not the imitation. Keep at the bottom of the bed near the feet and when cramp strikes rest the feet on the bag. I had awful cramp but for the past 18 months it has hardly occurred. On moving to Edinburgh and living up three flights of stairs I sometimes get it in my calf, but if I jam the corks against my leg it miraculously recedes and disappears in MINUTES!
Mrs D.N Muirhead, Edinburgh
I used to suffer from cramp about 25 years ago. Then I started taking porridge in the morning, and it stopped. It was just a coincidence, and I ate the porridge as part of a healthy diet. I was on tablets before that. I thought this could be passed on.
Mrs C Addison, Buckie, Banffshire
Do button-up vests exist?
I am 83 years old and suffer with severe arthritis in my shoulders, arms, and hands as well as both feet. I am mainly able to dress myself with one exception. This is my vest or singlet. Do any of your readers know of a vest manufactured with buttons up the front instead of just around the neck area? Shirts and cardigans are fine but pullovers are out! One tip I have taught myself which I would like to pass on. Get an old walking stick and saw it down to about 16 inches. Use it to push the shoulders off both shirt and cardigan. This saves a lot of pain and makes them much easier to get off.
Jack Ruffles, Ipswich, Suffolk
Breaststroke is best – with a few alterations….
I had tendonitis two years ago, and as the knee began to get better my surgeon and physiotherapist stressed that I could swim, but that I should not do breaststroke, as the usual frog-like movement of the legs would be harmful to the knee. Obviously I did not want to do anything that would cause the tendonitis to flare up again, but I also wanted to swim breaststroke as a change from backstroke (I have never learned to do crawl). So I have invented my own swimming stroke: breaststroke with the usual movement of the arms, which is good for the shoulders and back, and use the legs with a piston movement: with the knees and feet together, pull the knees up to the chest as the arms go forward, and push them straight out behind as the arms come round and down. This works well for me. I would recommend anyone who has been told that they should not do the usual leg movement with breaststroke to try the alternative leg movement. So far – thank goodness – the tendonitis has not returned and I enjoy my weekly swims.
Elizabeth Vice, London , W14
I was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis more than 20 years ago. In 1993 I had a hip replacement followed six months later by a knee replacement. After a period of hydrotherapy I resumed swimming in my local pool, and always do breaststroke. Swimming is the only sport me and people like me can do and as swimming is known to exercise every muscle in the body I feel it is important to keep as fit as possible without straining. Three years ago I broke my other hip and was very wary of swimming afterwards. However, after about six months I cautiously tried it again and now regularly once a week for ten lengths of my local pool - in breaststroke.
Barbara Lee, Farnham, Surrey
Making it easier to shop for clothes
I have suffered from arthritis in the past and found it very difficult to shop for clothes, but I have now found a lady in my areas who offers a service where you can either visit her at her home, or she brings the clothes for you to try. She can be contacted at www.comfyclothes.co.uk
Karen Monaghan, Moulton, Lincolnshire
Six top tips for RA sufferers
I have had rheumatoid arthritis for 37 years. When I was diagnosed I had a baby and two toddlers, and I carried on regardless with the inevitable damage to my hands and elbows. Tip 1: Don't try and carry unnecessary weight on your hands (even if you can). Tip 2: Wear splints on your hands at night to keep them straight. Tip 3: I have lever taps on my kitchen sink and they are brilliant. Tip 4: If you are buying a washing machine go for Hotpoint Ultima if you can afford it; there are no control knob to turn, all press buttons to activate. Tip 5: After washing up, use two cloths to dry, one to put your dishes on, and the other to dry. Tip 6: Lastly, if you can swim, get in the water if there is a pool near you, no pressure on your joints, great for your heart and lungs.
Mary Baker, Dorchester, Dorset.
Tips for arthritis sufferers who can no longer sew
Stamp collecting. I was very moved by the letter in your April magazine from Hazel Butters, asking about suitable activities for her grandmother, who has recently had to give up sewing because of arthritis in her hands. My mother suffered from severe rheumatoid arthritis for many years, and loved sewing, making beautiful embroidered chair seats, and so on, which I am proud to have in my home today, and which I shall pass on to my grandchildren in their turn. When her hands became so crippled she could no longer hold the sewing, my sister came up with the wonderful idea that she might take up philately again, and build up her own collection of postage stamps. This became an absorbing interest to her. She kept in touch with many people, asking them to send stamps to increase her collection. Children of neighbours came in to show her their stamps, and enjoy a swapping session. People wrote to her, sending wonderful stamps from around the world. So the stamp collection extended into a circle of friendship and warmth. Her philatelic interest gave her very much pleasure for many years.
Elizabeth Vice, London, W14.
Découpage. Could I suggest découpage as a pastime; the craft of transferring and decorating objects with paper cut outs and images of your choice. Books on the subject should be available at your local library, your choice if subject images are free, in books and magazines of your choice, or your local craft shops.
Mr J Thompson, Bradford, West Yorkshire.
Readicut rugs. I would like to suggest readicut rugs. The rug kits come in a wide variety of sizes, colours and patterns. The finished rugs make lovely heirlooms and gifts for family and friends. I have been making about one a year since 1994. My hands are not very nimble, but knitting 6-ply wood onto stencilled canvas using a latchet hook presents no problems. I find making these rugs a very relaxing and rewarding hobby. They are obtainable from Readicut, Terry Mills, Horbury, West Yorkshire, WF4 6HD, (tel 01924 810810).
Mr R.J. Wiles, Sheffield, South Yorkshire.
Knitting. My osteoarthritis hit me 25 years ago. With a daughter at university seeking a knitted jacket, though I'd not done knitting for years I decided to do it! After only two or three days the awful pain across the back of my hands and finger joints had eased beyond belief. Other hobbies of mine include showing dogs, and lots of writing, and I was thinking of having to think of finding alterative interests. However I am still active with them, and put this down to my regular knitting sessions of knitting - even if only a few rows while watching the TV news.
PS Aran knitting is too bulky and hurts - lighter yarn is necessary.
Ann Arch, Bury, Lancashire.
Needlepoint . My mother (90 years old) has similar problems with her arthritis, but has found needlepoint an answer; doing complicated patterns stretched over a lightweight frame (about two foot by one foot). We have a wonderful shop where we buy our kits, a sewer's "Mecca" full of everything, and the owners are so helpful. The address is Burford Needlecraft, 117 High Street, Burford, Oxon, tel 01993 822136.
Rebecca Breeze, Cheltenham, Gloucestershire.
Cross-stitch. During a session of our local sewing club we had a delivery of cross-stitch kits for cushion fronts painted on a five stitches to the inch canvass using fairly thick wool. The designs were so varied - from geometric designs to flowers, birds and animals, that most of them were sold on the spot. Some people thought that such large gauge items were produced for children or beginners, but this was not the case. This particular series was done by Twilleys and is available from most needlework outlets. Do try to see a catalogue showing designs or at least look on the packet for three or four other designs in the category. As a large wool needle (even larger than that supplies) can be used, many of us with less nimble fingers can still manage to produce some very attractive and useful cushion (or footstool) covers.
Mrs E. Hansford, Westbury, Wiltshire.
New hobbies?
My grandmother's arthritis in her hands us stopping her from doing the things that she really loves – carpentry and sewing. We're trying to think of other activities or materials that she can still use with less grip. Does anyone have any ideas?
Hazel Butters, Wokingham, Berkshire.
Dry eyes tip
If you suffer from dry eyes with rheumatoid arthritis you will probably have been prescribed with artificial tears (eye drops). You may also have weak hands (like me) and have difficulty using them. I asked my local pharmacy for advice, and they had the solution for me. Open an eye drop bottle dispenser, pop in the bottle, and it is then much easier to put enough pressure on the bottle to squeeze out each drop. It might not work for everyone but without it I wouldn't be able to do it myself. I have another tip. Trying putting a duvet on top of the mattress under the bottom sheet. It is softer to sleep on, and helps with pressure points, making it more comfortable on sore joints. I am 37 years old, and have had rheumatoid arthritis since I was 13.
Anne Stillman, Poole, Dorset.
Snake bite reduced pain of osteoarthritis
While clearing away some undergrowth in my garden I was bitten by an adder on the left hand, and felt rather groggy for half an hour. However, the bite then had an extraordinary effect. I have had arthritis in both hands for the past five years, but the pain in my left hand at the base of my thumb went completely. It only started to come back after about ten days and even now, two months later, the pain is less in my left hand than in my right. The snakebite obviously had some kind of anti-inflammatory effect – I wonder if other readers have had a similar experience?
Joe de Casa, Silverstone, Northants.
Editor's Note: Research by Dr Colin Randall at the University of Plymouth showed that nettle stings could reduce the pain of osteoarthritis. Naturopaths in Canada and the US have also reported that bee venom can reduce arthritic pain.
Oxford Knee has made such a difference
It was with great interest that I read your report on the Oxford Knee in your January edition, as I was due to have the operation. I am delighted to report that it has been a complete success. My consultant said the bend I had in the knee after surgery was phenomenal, and I was back at work after three weeks. I would encourage anyone who is contemplating this surgery but are apprehensive to go for it. The results are wonderful, and I can now look forward to walking to two to three miles with my Irish setter, which I so enjoyed before the trouble in my knee started.
Sylvia Rushton, Stockport, Cheshire.
It's expensive – but it helps my dry skin problem
In issue 111, a lady wrote about how she suffered from dry skin. I have been on leflunomide for my RA for a year now, and it is the only drug of many that has worked for me. Unfortunately I too suffered from dry skin, I tried E45, Vaseline and lanolin, but these were greasy and only as a barrier, not a cure. I came across a range of products by Syence Scincare, which had been tested at a London hospital on burns victims. They work on the idea of re-hydrating the skin by putting moisture back in, and it takes only two to three minutes, no longer than my previous cleanse-tone-moisturise routine. They are not cheap - about £50 for a six-month supply, and they are available from Harrods. I don't have anything to do with this company; I'm just a pleased customer.
Rachel Ranby, Market Rasen, Lincolnshire.
Help get Enbrel funded
I made a request to my consultant at my local hospital to be allowed to get Enbrel, the new anti-TNF therapy, but was told that no funding for this very expensive drug was available. Letters requesting extra funding for the NHS were sent not only to Downing Street bit also to Alan Milburn at the Department of Health, but to no avail. My local health authority said there was no extra funding, but that NICE was evaluating the cost effectiveness, and that consultants have at present the right to treat patients with anti-TNF at their discretion. However, this is unlikely as two injections per patient per week cost £162! We have set up a website www.ra-petition.org.uk to collect signatures over the Internet, which will then be sent to Downing Street with the request to make money available, irrespective of any decision by NICE.
Hannelore Biddle, Harrow, Middlesex.
Hip resurfacing is a good alternative
As a keen sportsman, I found myself getting very depressed, as I was hardly able to walk at the age of 48 due to rapidly deteriorating hips. I was due to have both hips replaced by the conventional method when quite by chance I read an article on the pioneering resurfacing work by Derek McMinn and Ronan Treacy. For anyone unaware of this procedure, the femur is left intact but a metal cap is put over the top of the ball. A metal socket completes the process. The advantage of this is that the femur is left complete, and because the joint is much bigger than the one associated with total hip replacement, it does not dislocate. I had the operation three years ago, and have resumed a normal life, absolutely painfree. I do not run anymore as I try to avoid impact sports but play tennis, cycle, go to the gym, regularly walk two rounds of golf in a day and even ski as I did 20 years ago. My hips give me no problems whatsoever, and there are absolutely no restrictions apart from self-imposed ones. For any keen, young or middle-aged sportsmen and women who like me are terrified of the thought of hip replacement I cannot speak highly enough of this alternative to total hip replacement.
David Such, Reading, Berkshire.
Editor's Note: More details on hip resurfacing, write to Mr Derek McMinn, Birmingham Orthopaedic Service, Birmingham Nuffield Hospital, The Lodge, 22 Somerset Road, Edgbaston, Birmingham, B15 2QQ.
Editor's Note: CuFlex Ltd can they can be contacted at PO Box 2171, Swindon, Wiltshire, SN3 5NW.
LEAP Project is helping me
I am 75 and have osteoarthritis, and have suffered swollen and distorted joints on both hands. I was referred to Professor Paul Emery, and am now part of the Leeds Early Arthritis Project at Leeds General Infirmary and have ultra sound and physiotherapy. I feel it is such a privilege to be accepted onto this project, and although I appreciate OA has done a great deal of damage to other joints, I have gained a great deal of confidence by my treatment, exercise and especially the wonderful kindness and caring of this team. The great thing is that I do not seem to be taking as many pain-killers as before. I hope this letter gives encouragement to other sufferers, and I shall continue with my treatment, exercises, etc, which is all encouraging for my mental outlook. I have been a member of Halifax ARC Branch since 1966.
Peg Livermore, Halifax, West Yorkshire.
Thank you for my hip replacement!
I thought readers may care to know of the wonderful, miracle, heavenly replacement hip I was given 19 years ago at the then St James's Hospital in London. I was then 68 years of age and am now 87 years young. From the moment I wakened on that glorious day I have not had a moment of discomfort or any trouble of any kind. Being on my own for many years I do not wish to be a nuisance to anyone.
Doris Dumbrill, Carlisle, Cumbria.
Dry Eyes and Mouth
I was interested to read in issue no 99 of Arthritis Today, an article by Dr Frank Dudley Hart of the subject of The Eyes and Arthritis in which he referred to Dry Eyes and Mouth - he gave it the title Sjögren's Syndrome. I have been suffering from dry eyes and mouth for some time and have had little success in obtaining relief. I would be very interested to know whether any readers have suffered from this condition and gave able to obtain some relief.
J.O Baxter, Leeds.
Help with Sjögren's
Many readers wrote in response to Mrs J Baxter, who asked for suggestions for the relief of Sjögren's Syndrome. We reproduce a small sample.
- For the eyes can I suggest Tears Naturale Drops, which can
be obtained from any chemist. For the mouth, Ribena original
fruit juice is soothing. Also the use of a water filter jug,
as in some areas tap water can be a little harsh.
Julia Thomas, Chippenham, Wiltshire. - I find that 3% Hypomellose made without preservative, from
Moorfields Eye Hospital has the least unpleasant side effects.
These I apply liberally in the morning, then sparingly for the
rest of the day. Careful wiping of the eyes with a clean tissue,
ie not using fingers, keeps eyes free of infection. Boots do
a soothing cucumber eye wipe which I like using too.
Mary Beard, Bovingdon, Herts. - For dry eyes - Viscotears Liquid Gel. For dry nostrils - vaseline
petroleum jelly.
Anthony Kennedy, Alton. - Information on coping can be obtained from Mrs Madeline Ford,
secretary of the British Sjögren's Syndrome Association,
PO Box 10867, Birmingham, B16 0ZW or 0121 455 6532
Anita Anderson, Holmfirth, West Yorkshire.
Advertising by the back door?
Whilst it is interesting to see your readers' various tips regarding pain relief, it is also an excellent platform for backdoor advertising by companies. A suspect letter appeared in your last edition, regarding these devices. The reader first claimed she was given one as a present, then concluded by saying she purchased it, giving the name and address of the company. I'm not sure how you can avoid the misuse of your column except maybe by publishing this letter and making readers aware that this can happen.
Valerie Edwards, Prinsted, West Sussex.
Editor's Note: We are certainly aware of the potential misuse of the Hints Box, but feel there is not much point publicising a product unless we also inform readers where they can obtain it from.
