Well, lots of things actually. And when I question why, the usual answer I get is "It can happen with RA." What kind of thing?
- Raynaud's Phenomenon: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Raynaud's_phenomenon
- There's really nothing you can do for this lovely issue, except to keep yourself warm. When it occurs (I get mine most usually in my fingertips) one can run their hands under lukewarm water, or put your hands in your armpits until it subsides. The first time I got this was on a warm summer day, so you personally do not have to be cold. No wonder it's called a phenomenon. This too, for me, tends to be on the rare side. However, wintertime tends to make you feel colder.
- Sjogren's Syndrome: http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=27
- This is simply having dryeye. When you truly have Sjogren's you'll need something more than over-the-counter eyedrops, although they still come in handy inbetween. I am on a prescription of Restasis, a drop used twice a day. (NOTE: In 2013 I decreased usage to once a day, which has stopped my eyes for burning all day long.)
- Inflamed chestwall: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/248423.php
- I treat this occasional symptom with an aersol inhaler, such as ProAir, an albuterol sulfate. Usually just one or two treatments are sufficient to make it go away, so although this medicine tends to be pricey, mine last a long time.
- Neuropathy: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peripheral_neuropathy
- I get this in my legs and am on Lyrica for this. Lyrica works very well and in fact, I was able to wean myself from 6 pills down to one, 1x/day at bedtime; a feat I am quite proud of.
I had finally found a set of great doctors who are more than willing to work with me and allow me some experimentation. If your doctor(s) is a stiff, it's time to find a new one. Your doctors will be important to you through the years, so it it imperative that you work together as a team.
