Easing RA Pain

I follow a blog called Rheumatoid Arthritis Warrior, and a couple weeks ago, the author asked that bloggers with RA post about non-medical ways to ease RA pain. I'm in love with this idea because the blog carnival she's initiating and putting together will ultimately help lots of people with RA... including me! I'm really excited to see all the posts she links and the comments she receives because I can always use some ideas on what can help my pain.... especially non-medical ways! Those aren't working anyway, so we may as well try something else in the meantime!

I've been keeping a list for these two weeks, trying to think of anything and everything that helps relieve my pain or helps me feel more comfortable. Here's what I've come up with so far:

• Speaker phone and Bluetooth - since holding the phone to my ear hurts my wrists
• The rear-view camera on my car - since turning my neck can be hard sometimes (although I don't rely on this 100%)
• Body Massages - while they don't help for extended periods of time, they do give some temporary relief at least while the massage lasts. As long as the masseuse doesn't press too hard on my tender joints, I can get an hour-long break from my body.
• Floor chairs - I found these when I went to a friend's house for a play date, and it's amazing how much more comfortable I can be on the floor with Banner when we're playing.
• Small step-stools - allow me to sit with my toddler on the floor without having to get all the way down there. Getting off the floor is a challenge, and becoming more difficult, so a small step-stool (in fact, I use the one with his name on it) gives me more leverage to get up.
• My husband - and his compassion, willingness to help around the house, his hands when I need a jar opened or something reached or help up from the floor or a gentle massage or when I need his hands OFF. . . I couldn't possibly get through the days without his understanding, tolerance, and listening ears

I'm sure there are more that I will think of as soon as I "publish" this post. I'm excited to see what others can contribute to this carnival because I can use all the help and good ideas I can get!

Note: After I published this post and sent it to RA Warrior, she created the carnival with my ideas included. Please visit her Ideas post to see the whole blog carnival! :)