New to group: issues with my hands

[Guest guest]

Hi all,

I'm not even certain I'm in the right place since I only believe I

have rheumatoid arthritis - have not heard my doc say so, yet.

I'm 57, I write for a living, and typing has become painful.

The problem was manifesting on occasion, but last December I did some

strenuous hand activity for two solid days that seems to have made the

pain permanent. It keeps me up at night.

A few months ago when I asked my doc about it, he said to try

Glucosamine Condroitin for a month or two and if it didn't help he'd

put me on an anti-inflammatory.

My local health-food store/vitamin shop advised me to add TSM to the

Glucosamine.

It hasn't really worked, and the pain actually wakes me up at night.

How much Ibuprofen can one take in a day - I take 3-4 in the morning

just to be able to work, and 3 as needed with meals laters.

So, should I go for the AMA " better living through chemistry " approach?

thanks, LCS