Biking and Rheumatoid Arthritis

[bathwiggle]

Hello all,

I haven't been here in ages, but was wondering if anyone has been diagnosed with RA, and still managing to bike.

I've spent a year with doctors trying to work out whats causing me pain, and their best suggestion is this. Theyve started me on medication and it seems to be helping, but i'm impatient and having not ridden in best part of a year im fed up.

I managed to ride about 60miles last august and was in agony (on my SV), does anyone have suggestions, i was wondering if a new bike might be lighter on my hands, but dont really want to go get one and find out that its not helping.

Any suggestions?

[Red Herring]

Sorry to hear of your grief mate, where is the RA getting you (sounds like your wrists?)

Personally I've been managing a back issue for years now and it's generally only aggravated by me sitting around in one position for to long. This means I avoid long motorway stretches if I can and use it as an excuse for climbing all over the bike when riding on the B roads...... The type of bike can make a difference, certainly adventure style bikes put less strain on wrists but you still need to have accurate movement for the controls. Speaking of controls how have you got your brake and clutch levers set up? A lot of people complain of wrist pain only to discover they can relieve it by angling them down slightly so that you're not lifting your fingers so high to get onto them.

If you do think a change of bike will help most dealers will jump at the chance of letting you out on something different for a test ride?

[maviczap]

Might just be a case of installing higher bars on your curvy, even without your issues, the OEM position doesn't help. Get one of Matt Yokes top yoke conversion kits, and use higher bars.

Lower the foot pegs too?

[bathwiggle]

Sorry to hear of your grief mate, where is the RA getting you (sounds like your wrist)

If you do think a change of bike will help most dealers will jump at the chance of letting you out on something different for a test ride?

It's mainly finger joints and thumbs with occasional pain in wrists and toes, so it's pulling the levers that causes the issues. Motorways are fine but anything fun causes pain. I was wondering if heated grips might help reduce the pain but couldn't decide. I'll try angling the levers as a starting point.

I do love my sv but a new bike might require less pressure to pull the levers. did try to go bike shopping a few years ago but places didn't want me to go for a test ride as they seemed to think I was too small for the bike.

[maviczap]

maybe get some Pazzo's or Chinese copies, as then the reach might not be as long

New clutch cable & worm drive might make that much lighter to operate. Even mine makes my wrists & hands cramp up if I do too much town riding.

[bathwiggle]

maybe get some Pazzo's or Chinese copies, as then the reach might not be as long

New clutch cable & worm drive might make that much lighter to operate. Even mine makes my wrists & hands cramp up if I do too much town riding.

I'll get some and try, thank you. And have a look at getting the clutch cable and worm drive done once I've convinced it to start again!

[SV650rules]

www.arthritis.org

have tips on dealing with RA and also changes to diet, the so called anti-inflammatory diet can really help. Certain foods can also aggravate the symptoms, check out site, worth trying.

Strangely Omega 3 can help symptoms but Omega 6 can make things worse, also avoid barbecued / grilled meat products as the high temp can cause changes that are not good.

[bathwiggle]

www.arthritis.org

have tips on dealing with RA and also changes to diet, the so called anti-inflammatory diet can really help. Certain foods can also aggravate the symptoms, check out site, worth trying.

Strangely Omega 3 can help symptoms but Omega 6 can make things worse, also avoid barbecued / grilled meat products as the high temp can cause changes that are not good.

Thank-you. I'm taking omega 3 supplements, and folic acid to combat the methotrexate side effects, trying to stick to the diet but finding it really really hard, although I'm very nearly vegetarian anyway. I just cant envisage not being able to ride again, and struggling to cycle at 29.

[garynortheast]

I'm on a low dose of methotrexate for my psoriatic arthritis. Been on it for about 8 years. It took a while to really start working so bear with it. Over the last four years my arthritis has completely gone (along with most of the psoriasis). Made an unbelievable difference to me. Make sure you keep moving/exercising the affected parts, it definitely helps to lessen the pain.

[Heorot]

You might tray a test ride on the new naked SV650. I test rode one and found it a delight and the upright position might reduce the pressure on your hands.

[bathwiggle]

I'm on a low dose of methotrexate for my psoriatic arthritis. Been on it for about 8 years. It took a while to really start working so bear with it. Over the last four years my arthritis has completely gone (along with most of the psoriasis). Made an unbelievable difference to me. Make sure you keep moving/exercising the affected parts, it definitely helps to lessen the pain.

Will do, its only been 6 weeks, but im just impatient and miss riding!

Heorot - i'll have a look.

[garynortheast]

You're looking at a year for a really noticeable effect. There was a lessening of the arthritic pain within a few months but the serious reduction and apparent elimination of the arthritis came after several years. 12 months will make life much more bearable though.
Can't stress just how important exercise and movement is though.

[bathwiggle]

You're looking at a year for a really noticeable effect. There was a lessening of the arthritic pain within a few months but the serious reduction and apparent elimination of the arthritis came after several years. 12 months will make life much more bearable though.
Can't stress just how important exercise and movement is though.

I'll keep being patient then, I am quite active, i walk to work when i can't cycle, i'm not suited to sitting doing nothing. I did have to stop doing DIY as i kept dropping the paint brushes and tools!

[Littlepeahead]

Once they get the balance right on the medication you'll probably find that you won't even know you've got it anymore. Sometimes that can take a little while and it is frustrating that they seem to take so long to diagnose it - it took 2 years and me finally having a very heated exchange with our GP before they would even test Mr LPH. Men in their early 40s rarely get it so he was reluctant to run any tests and kept saying take ibuprofen. i know as you are female they may not have stalled so long.

As my mother and his mother both have RA we were very familiar with the symptoms and my physio at work had a look at Stu and said none of his aches and pains were being caused by work/posture/falling over ice skating. When he eventually go the results his markers were really high, now they are back to normal.

Radio 4 ran a series on You and Yours over a week recently. It may still be available to listen to and was very informative.

To give you hope, Stu just bought a BMW S1000RR - a few years ago he could hardly ride his GS 650 as he was in so much pain. Are you seeing the specialist at Broomfield?

[bathwiggle]

Once they get the balance right on the medication you'll probably find that you won't even know you've got it anymore. Sometimes that can take a little while and it is frustrating that they seem to take so long to diagnose it - it took 2 years and me finally having a very heated exchange with our GP before they would even test Mr LPH. Men in their early 40s rarely get it so he was reluctant to run any tests and kept saying take ibuprofen. i know as you are female they may not have stalled so long.

As my mother and his mother both have RA we were very familiar with the symptoms and my physio at work had a look at Stu and said none of his aches and pains were being caused by work/posture/falling over ice skating. When he eventually go the results his markers were really high, now they are back to normal.

Radio 4 ran a series on You and Yours over a week recently. It may still be available to listen to and was very informative.

To give you hope, Stu just bought a BMW S1000RR - a few years ago he could hardly ride his GS 650 as he was in so much pain. Are you seeing the specialist at Broomfield?


I'm over in Luton now working at the hospital, luckily when my GP told me that the amount of pain i was in was normal for a 27yo, one of the consultants at work spoke to a member of the rheumatology department and i got referred that way. Raised ESR but no other markers currently raised so its taken a year of monitoring and trying different drugs for them to decide what it most likely is.

I'll have a look at radio 4.

And that does give me hope, i wanted to ride around New Zealand for my 30th so i shall try and be patient.; thankyou

[garynortheast]

I started out being prescribed Sulphasalazine but reacted badly to it a couple of years in. I was moved onto the Methotrexate and folic acid and I have to say it's been brilliant. Been on it for about eight years and never had any sort of reaction or side effect.

[bathwiggle]

I started out being prescribed Sulphasalazine but reacted badly to it a couple of years in. I was moved onto the Methotrexate and folic acid and I have to say it's been brilliant. Been on it for about eight years and never had any sort of reaction or side effect.

They've started me on the methotrexate, if I decide I'm having children they'll put me on sulphasalazine but currently being able to work is a higher priority. I did have lots of side effects but they seem to be lessening now.

[Exuptoy]

It looks like there is a hydraulic clutch modification available of the SV. Should make the clutch lighter.

https://www.google.co.uk/search?client=safari&rls=en&q=sv650+hydraulic+clutch+conversion&ie=UTF-8&oe=UTF-8&gfe_rd=cr&ei=Gt7PWJjIGtGGgAb1jI2ABA

Good luck with it. I've started having issues with my elbows / inner forearms. Not sure if it arthritis or something like tennis elbow but it's quite intrusive when gripping and sore on the bone ends.

[Red Herring]

Fitting a quick shifter would get rid of at least half the clutch applications...... :)

Perhaps on a more serious note I'd be more concerned with right hand brake application. There really isn't much room for limited capability in that department.

[embee]

Apologies to all, this is an SV site, but if your issues don't improve consider a Honda NC with the DCT transmission. I have a NC700 DCT and have to say it is a brilliant bit of kit for anyone with hand/wrist issues, or if you can't use your left foot for gearchanges. The NC700/750 isn't light but carries the weight very low so is a lot easier to man-handle that the weight might suggest. As long as you can use the front brake it should be fine.

[bathwiggle]

Apologies to all, this is an SV site, but if your issues don't improve consider a Honda NC with the DCT transmission. I have a NC700 DCT and have to say it is a brilliant bit of kit for anyone with hand/wrist issues, or if you can't use your left foot for gearchanges. The NC700/750 isn't light but carries the weight very low so is a lot easier to man-handle that the weight might suggest. As long as you can use the front brake it should be fine.
I'll bear that in mind, Thank-you

Fitting a quick shifter would get rid of at least half the clutch applications...... :)

Perhaps on a more serious note I'd be more concerned with right hand brake application. There really isn't much room for limited capability in that department.

This is my concern and why I'm asking to seeing can make it easier. Most of the time with the sv and planning the engine breaking is fine, but because or the pain that'd why I've not ridden as it's not worth the risk if I can't solve the issues.

It looks like there is a hydraulic clutch modification available of the SV. Should make the clutch lighter.

Good luck with it. .

Ooo thank you ill have a look at that

[maviczap]

Read this thread BW, http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=63498

There is a cheap solution to a lighter clutch if you still need it, and less complicated than swapping to a hydraulic system. I'd try getting the clutch cable system serviced, so its working 100%, and the use this device if you're still having problems

http://www.smproducts.co.uk/details/clutch-easy-lightener

[punyXpress]

You haven't got a 'shorty' lever fitted have you?

[R1ffR4ff]

I suffer from RA in some fingers and fitting fatter gel grips has helped a lot over the years,

http://i.imgur.com/gFiLhUh.jpg

I've fitted a set to my SV but had to sand off the ridge on the throttle sleeve and take the end caps off the grips(To allow for bar-end weights).The larger diameter and gel helps stop vibrations and fatigue through my fingers.Unfortunately I cannot find this style any more on eBay or Amazon.
However I suspect these would be a good replacement,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-8-1-22Mm-Silver-Motorcycle-Bike-Aluminum-Handlebar-Rubber-Gel-Hand-Grips-/331743945382?hash=item4d3d7ae2a6:g:LwkAAOSw~otWg2s J

Also I'm looking into fitting my,"Vista" cruise control but will need to replace the throttle sleeve,

http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/bird2.htm#vcc

They seem expensive for a small piece of plastic and a few metal bits but they are excellent and worth the money.Unlike,"Cramp Buster" paddles you can't hit it accidentally and on long clear roads/Motorways it's great relief.

HTH :)

[NTECUK]

If you get to see the old crew at the 8 ball now empire.
Jump on my Tiger and see if it's very light action is your cup of tea.
The streets and Daytona are as light too. I have rubbed some of my Axsain on my hands on bad day's.
Though my main concern is the knees

[bathwiggle]

Read this thread BW, http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=63498

There is a cheap solution to a lighter clutch if you still need it, and less complicated than swapping to a hydraulic system. I'd try getting the clutch cable system serviced, so its working 100%, and the use this device if you're still having problems

http://www.smproducts.co.uk/details/clutch-easy-lightener
I'll have look, brilliant, thank you

You haven't got a 'shorty' lever fitted have you?
I dont, currently the bike is stock apart from the rear shock.

I suffer from RA in some fingers and fitting fatter gel grips has helped a lot over the years,

http://i.imgur.com/gFiLhUh.jpg

I've fitted a set to my SV but had to sand off the ridge on the throttle sleeve and take the end caps off the grips(To allow for bar-end weights).The larger diameter and gel helps stop vibrations and fatigue through my fingers.Unfortunately I cannot find this style any more on eBay or Amazon.
However I suspect these would be a good replacement,

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/7-8-1-22Mm-Silver-Motorcycle-Bike-Aluminum-Handlebar-Rubber-Gel-Hand-Grips-/331743945382?hash=item4d3d7ae2a6:g:LwkAAOSw~otWg2s J

Also I'm looking into fitting my,"Vista" cruise control but will need to replace the throttle sleeve,

http://www.jaws-motorcycles.co.uk/bird2.htm#vcc

They seem expensive for a small piece of plastic and a few metal bits but they are excellent and worth the money.Unlike,"Cramp Buster" paddles you can't hit it accidentally and on long clear roads/Motorways it's great relief.

HTH :)
Thankyou, i'll add it to the list of things to try!

If you get to see the old crew at the 8 ball now empire.
Jump on my Tiger and see if it's very light action is your cup of tea.
The streets and Daytona are as light too. I have rubbed some of my Axsain on my hands on bad day's.
Though my main concern is the knees

The problem is im still in luton, although if i have the bike i'm more likely to try and visit them due to the traffic, but last time i tried any distance i just couldnt do it, i've not even made it to the dunstable meets for a year now.

So far i've got the bike out of the garage and managed to start it.... then my hands got cold so i came back into the warm.

[R1ffR4ff]

I also have Keis heated inner gloves for the cold.Heated inners or gloves may help?

[bathwiggle]

I have a heated vest, i was looking at the gloves but havent been to try any yet

[R1ffR4ff]

I have a heated vest, i was looking at the gloves but havent been to try any yet

Any pain I get increases with the cold so the Keis heated inners are great.It meant I could keep my old Gloves but I always buy one size bigger to allow for inner gloves :)

[bathwiggle]

I'll add that to my shopping list!

[chris8886]

I also have Keis heated inner gloves for the cold.Heated inners or gloves may help?



they are great and you can get them with a battery pack too so you can use them off the bike as well...... :)

[R1ffR4ff]

they are great and you can get them with a battery pack too so you can use them off the bike as well...... :)

There are very few things we buy that exceed expectations,the Keis inner gloves are one IME.
Initially riding through Winters I would have liked them to be warmer but on the days I didn't plug them in I soon knew I was missing them.They give a gentle heat but one that is perfectly spread around the hand and fingers.Combined with hand-guards and my PUIG screens(Research core body temperature) they give superb comfort.I have VWF and aforementioned RA none of which will stop me riding with the correct adjustment of the sails<see sig>.

Yes they first appeared expensive but the fact that I bought mine around 2010 and they are still going strong and I've warm washed them a couple of times and they still work;total bargain :smt066

PS
If you haven't adjusted your handlebars to suit your build you need to....The factory don't know how long your arms are :rolleyes:

But do it with your riding gear on!

[shiftin_gear98]

Hello. No idea if these would help, I have just purchased some. As I suffer off and on of numb fingers when riding. For 4 quid I thought them worth a punt.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oxford-Insulever-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Insulating-Lever-Sleeves-10cm-OX191-/322419381557?hash=item4b11b15535:g:L5UAAOSwfVpYncc l


Review Time - Easy to fit, make sure glue goes off before you try to use them. I didn't do this as I was in a rush.
So far they are really comfy - ok I'm still getting used to squishy levers. Not sure I really like the feel.


But if they help stop the dead fingers then I can handle squishy.

[R1ffR4ff]

Hello. No idea if these would help, I have just purchased some. As I suffer off and on of numb fingers when riding. For 4 quid I thought them worth a punt.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oxford-Insulever-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Insulating-Lever-Sleeves-10cm-OX191-/322419381557?hash=item4b11b15535:g:L5UAAOSwfVpYncc l


Review Time - Easy to fit, make sure glue goes off before you try to use them. I didn't do this as I was in a rush.
So far they are really comfy - ok I'm still getting used to squishy levers. Not sure I really like the feel.


But if they help stop the dead fingers then I can handle squishy.

Cool.As you say,worth a punt at that price.

I tried some of them foam handlebar grips but couldn't stand their vagueness but those are different :)

[Jayneflakes]

Hi there, although I am not plagued by RA, I do understand some of your suffering with this illness.

I rebuilt my K3 because I have a combination of a spinal injury, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. My hands are the part of me hit the worst and my fingers are now starting to deform, which is not only painful, but unsightly. Thank heavens for bike gloves!

I find that using the clutch causes me a lot of pain, but changing the levers to adjustable ones and keeping on top of maintenance keeps it light. On the plus side though, I cannot ride my partners manky old ZRX anymore because I cannot pull the clutch lever due to weakness and pain in my hands! I know that my days on the SV are also numbered which is a bit pants though.

However, braking was my big worry, there is only so much force I can apply and luckily my right hand is in better condition than my left (No rude jokes thank you, my eyesight is fine! :rolleyes: ). What has really helped though is upgrading the brakes. I use a set of Yamaha R1 (same as the R6 and Fazer too I think) calipers mated to braking wave disks on a fork conversion. On the road they provide more than enough power for my limited hand strength. On the track though, I have managed at least one stoppy (unintentionally and poo nearly came out :smt104 ), those brakes are damn sharp.

A complete overhaul and change of the suspension was essential for my riding to continue and I had the forks reworked by MCT to make them softer and more comfortable for me and my fat 'arris!

I am being treated by Bath Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and when discussing biking with medical professionals there, they did not seem to grasp just how much I needed my bike to maintain my sanity. This was more my lack of proper explanation than them being unhelpful, but once I made it clear, I was given physio on my hands and now have regular exercises to do. The sad part is that there is nothing else I can do, my hands are old and worn out thanks to injuries gained while working as a rock climber.

I dread the day that I am forced to sell my precious Sylvie and get a dull scooter! Luckily I am also in therapy to help me cope with the bleak nature of existence and the futility of life! They call this pain management and it comes from Taunton pain clinic and frankly, they have been brilliant.

I have also had to inform my insurance company of my medical condition and this had put a small increase on my premium, from £120 ish to just over £130. I am also on limited miles which has reduced the cost, mainly because I can only ride a couple of times a month at the moment.

There is hope and once you find the treatment that works, riding can become a pleasure again, even if it is limited by health. Trying to explain to PIP tribunal that I did not drive, but could ride a bike was fun though! They were very impressed that I can change gear with my left foot! ](*,)

[bathwiggle]

You are all amazingly helpful! I'm just going to keep saying thank you.

Its given me hope enough that bike is charged, has air in the tyres and chain adjusted rather than just making the garage look pretty. Payday is monday and i think i will start ordering things to try and see how it works :D


PS
If you haven't adjusted your handlebars to suit your build you need to....The factory don't know how long your arms are :rolleyes:

But do it with your riding gear on!

The bikes been adjusted a few times, (i've had it 11 years now i think) its really comfortable, i can spend far longer on it that my husband can spent on his sv.

Hello. No idea if these would help, I have just purchased some. As I suffer off and on of numb fingers when riding. For 4 quid I thought them worth a punt.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Oxford-Insulever-Motorcycle-Motorbike-Insulating-Lever-Sleeves-10cm-OX191-/322419381557?hash=item4b11b15535:g:L5UAAOSwfVpYncc l


Review Time - Easy to fit, make sure glue goes off before you try to use them. I didn't do this as I was in a rush.
So far they are really comfy - ok I'm still getting used to squishy levers. Not sure I really like the feel.


But if they help stop the dead fingers then I can handle squishy.
oo they look like the might spread the force a bit, i'll add them to my shopping list.

Hi there, although I am not plagued by RA, I do understand some of your suffering with this illness.

I rebuilt my K3 because I have a combination of a spinal injury, fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis. My hands are the part of me hit the worst and my fingers are now starting to deform, which is not only painful, but unsightly. Thank heavens for bike gloves!

I find that using the clutch causes me a lot of pain, but changing the levers to adjustable ones and keeping on top of maintenance keeps it light. On the plus side though, I cannot ride my partners manky old ZRX anymore because I cannot pull the clutch lever due to weakness and pain in my hands! I know that my days on the SV are also numbered which is a bit pants though.

However, braking was my big worry, there is only so much force I can apply and luckily my right hand is in better condition than my left (No rude jokes thank you, my eyesight is fine! :rolleyes: ). What has really helped though is upgrading the brakes. I use a set of Yamaha R1 (same as the R6 and Fazer too I think) calipers mated to braking wave disks on a fork conversion. On the road they provide more than enough power for my limited hand strength. On the track though, I have managed at least one stoppy (unintentionally and poo nearly came out :smt104 ), those brakes are damn sharp.

A complete overhaul and change of the suspension was essential for my riding to continue and I had the forks reworked by MCT to make them softer and more comfortable for me and my fat 'arris!

I am being treated by Bath Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases and when discussing biking with medical professionals there, they did not seem to grasp just how much I needed my bike to maintain my sanity. This was more my lack of proper explanation than them being unhelpful, but once I made it clear, I was given physio on my hands and now have regular exercises to do. The sad part is that there is nothing else I can do, my hands are old and worn out thanks to injuries gained while working as a rock climber.

I dread the day that I am forced to sell my precious Sylvie and get a dull scooter! Luckily I am also in therapy to help me cope with the bleak nature of existence and the futility of life! They call this pain management and it comes from Taunton pain clinic and frankly, they have been brilliant.

I have also had to inform my insurance company of my medical condition and this had put a small increase on my premium, from £120 ish to just over £130. I am also on limited miles which has reduced the cost, mainly because I can only ride a couple of times a month at the moment.

There is hope and once you find the treatment that works, riding can become a pleasure again, even if it is limited by health. Trying to explain to PIP tribunal that I did not drive, but could ride a bike was fun though! They were very impressed that I can change gear with my left foot! ](*,)

Thank you

I haven't told my insurance yet, but thats as im still waiting on a definite diagnosis.

I have found my consultant is taking a while to understand my wants. when i first went to see her i just wanted to be able to work without someone having to take over after 30minutes as i couldnt handle the forceps for working in histology. Now i can do work and open jam jars again, i've moved the goal posts again. I think she's realising how much i actually think i should be able to do. Plus there was a period of me not wanting to start the methotrexate due to concerns of the side effects. I was given physio to start with as i couldn't confidently hold a cup of tea without worrying it would end of the floor, and that helped, but the physio course finished.

[Littlepeahead]

What's positive is that improvements are happening in the areas of treatment. My mum has regular injections, Stu has found a level of medication that works too.

Be aware that tiredness can be a symptom, and as we all know, that affects your concentration when riding.

Keep us updated.

[shiftin_gear98]

Oh, just realised on my way in this morning another thing I added to the bike that has helped (me) a lot.
Tank Grips. By not sliding around anymore my wrist aren't having to take the extra wallop every time I brake a little late.

[bathwiggle]

shiftin_gear98 thank you i'll add it to the list. Hopefully going to make it into the garage this weekend

[shiftin_gear98]

Update on the squidgy levers. I actually like them now. Which typically is a sod, as the clutch side is wearing already! Might see just how long they last. I've done about 250 miles so far. Might look at silicone ones when they go.

[bathwiggle]

so ive changed the clutch cable and the levers as a starting point, the shorter lever makes the front brake easier. Clutch i still need to play with, but my OH has just disappeared off under the excuse of testing it as he's missing his bike.

[Littlepeahead]

I have small hands and so put a spacer in on the clutch lever so I didn't have to stretch my fingers so far. That worked a treat. The GS is adjustable so I didn't have the same problem.

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