complaining...doing dishes should be easy....haha

Hi, I just had a weird experience....

Usually doing dishes in my house is always my job. I HATE doing dishes....would love a dishwasher but sadly cannot afford one and really have no space to put one anyway.  So anyway as usuall I have put doing dishes off as long as I could and guilted myself into getting them done.  Since my hands started hurting all the time the hot dish water is usually a soothing job that helps the hurt even though I am doing a job I hate.  To the point that if we have company for dinner I never accept the generous offer of help from my guest doing the dishes, as doing dishes helps ease pain.

Well today I had dishes to do and put it off until this afternoon.  I used same hot water temp as usual and decided to get to it.

But today doing dishes hurt, to hold even a plate in left hand to scrub with right hand hurt. Holding and scrubbing actually hurt to do, and needless to say I did some dishes then left the sink to do some other housework then returned to do some more holding scrubbing hurting dishes.

I never noticed before what I guess I usually take for granted pre-RA.  Doing dishes is supposed to be a relatively easy  even though dreaded, task.  I do have a 7 year old who is absolutlely dying for me to allow him to do dishes, but I just dont want to make him yet, I am sure when he's a bit older I will probably get him to do it, but for now I want to do the 'mom' thing and let him do the 'enjoy being a kid' thing.  Same as mopping my floors, pre-RA that was a generally easy task.  Now dont get me wrong I still do dishes and housework and mopping but am finding that lotsa days it actually hurts to do this.

So basically I am just here to complain and rant that I want to be PRE-RA again. Where housework and dishes, and going for walks and playing with my children didnt hurt. When my sons didnt have to ask "do you hurt today mommy?" before they ask if I can play with them.  I know pre-RA isnt possible now and I have to live with it, but I do wish my rhuemy would find the right concoction of meds to make me as pain free as possible.

Thanks for listening/reading.  Hope everyone has a good day.

whiney and achey today TayIsa

Hi TayIsa. I can't relate to the finger / hand pain too much, but bending over the sink for me can be almost unbearable some days, and vacuuming... well, you get the idea.

Golitho had some great ideas for you. All I can offer is empathy. I know what it's like to wish with all your heart and soul to go back in time when simple things were simple. And I know what's it feels like to watch people around you do something so easily, without thinking, knowing just how hard that very same thing would be for you to do. Sometimes I cry at night and wish I could just rip my body off and run away. I just want to get away from me and the pain and hide away. It can almost be a panicky feeling.

Maybe knowing your not alone might help a little (it does for me sometimes) and, as golitho said, chase up that rheumy and see about incorporating some of Golitho's suggestions.

Mel

I think it would be good to let your 7 yr old son help, he can do the big plates and bowls then
you do the silverware..I made a deal with my hubby that I would do the cooking but
he would have to wash the dishes...I also do the laundry and we share taking care of the kitties
I do the daytime and he does night and morning care of the kitties..Marriage is a partnership
so sometimes a 50 50 split on the chores is needed..it gives my hubby exercise as he sits
all day at work...Hope this info can be of help..
If your 7 yr old son can't reach the sink have him use a one step stool, start him off easy.
and make sure to use a lotion on his hands after so he doesn't get dry red cracks, sounds like
he really loves his mommy isn't that so sweet...(it'll last until he becomes a teenager!)
((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((((Taylsa))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))
Healing hugz...Hope you get a low pain day soon