I've had RA for over 20 years and I'm only 46, but the damage has already been done. My fingers are angled sideways as some of you can imagine especially on the right hand. Slowly but surely I guess they're getting worse. Sometimes some of my fingers and part of my hand go numb. It happens when I'm holding the phone in either hand for a few minutes, but it can happen anytime when using my hands.

Has anyone else experienced numbness? Or has anyone had any hand surgeries? I would dread that if/when I need to have it done. I'm under a doctors care and have been most of my life in that 20+ year period. I take Methotrexate and it has been the only thing that helps. Thanks. MV

Mission_Void,

I have the same problem, can't even use my cell phone anymore. Turned out it I was hypothyroid. I've been on medication for 5 months now, and altho it is somewhat better, it is still bothering me. Holding the phones, especially cell phone is the worst of all, and it happens everytime. It's numbness, pins and needles and it drives me crazy! Sometimes it's painful.
Good luck--
Deda

Deda,
Thanks for responding. I take it you use the phone a lot? Hope you continue to improve. I don't use the phone that much, but when I do for a while the numbness always occurs. I can even switch hands and after a while the same thing happens to the other hand. Luckily I don't have to be on the phone much at all. MV

A suggestion for the phone is to get a phone with an ear plug. I talk to my son long distance on a cell phone nearly every night. It was very bothersome to my hands and arms. I finally got an ear plug and it is a god send. You get standard house phone that have ear plug or headset capability also.

Bob2,
Using earplugs and / or headphones would be a great suggestion. I usually don't use the phone that much, maybe twice a week for an extended time. I wish the car drivers would use such devices. I get so irritated to see people drive with thier cell phones pushed hard against their ears. Problem is many of them are NOT tuned in to the traffic and signals. I have seen many, many drivers do this. Accidents are waiting to happen. Hands free phones would help some. Being alert would be even more so. Thanks Bob. MV