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Q: Okay first off I am 20. I have two children. I am a stay at home mother. No smoking drinking or anything.

My pain in my hands are if I am folding laundry my hands hurt so bad like an ache that I cant finish the laundry I have to do it later. I can look at it and feel the pain. If I get cold my wrists, ankles knees hurt so bad. Tonight has been the worse even to the point of my bawling. I can usually can a hot bath and the pain goes away. Most of it has gone away but it still hurts and tonight I had my husband wrap my legs in a blanket and he said my legs wasn't even cold. My legs sometimes jerk a little on their own.

I don't have health insurance nor can I afford a doctor appt. Yes I have tried to get health insurance threw the state they say we make to much. but after our bills we barley have enough for gas. I know you are not doctors but maybe you are someone or know some one with the same symptoms.

**Disclaimer: Of course, I'm not a doctor, but I have experience with pain conditions and a lot of base knowledge. So here are my two cents:

I agree with Zane - it sounds like arthritis. Age has nothing to do with it, unfortunately. I don't know if you're a heavier person, but that could definitely put a strain on your joints.

Extreme temperatures as far as climate can cause changes in your body. You don't have to physically be cold to feel that it's ten degrees outside. You may even find that humidity, or a storm in the air, could cause pain. If you find that moist heat does the trick, that's great. Heating pads might help, or just running warm water over your wrists/hands.

As far as your legs jerking, that may not be a symptom. It's called a myoclonic jerk, and is basically an involuntary muscle contraction or relaxation. It could be a result of the pain, especially if you've been having the pain for awhile.

More importantly, though, the pain (or arthritis) itself could be caused by something else. You NEED to get checked out.
If you have a family doctor, ask what their office visit price is. Ask your children's pediatrician if s/he'll do you a favor and see you with your kids next time they go in - or go in for a well-check with one of your kids and start talking about your symptoms. Don't be afraid to network and try to find the least expensive way to do this, even if it's begging for a favor. You never know who'll be able to give you the help you need - but you DO need help. This is getting in the way of daily activities, and it needs to be managed. Just because you're 20 doesn't mean you can't have something serious. Better to be safe than sorry.

In the meantime, does Motrin help? Tylenol? Do you have any other symptoms? Trouble sleeping? Lack of energy, other than feeling tired from being in pain?

Be brave. Ask your family for help, and do what you need to do to ease the pain. I hope you feel better. :(

Siren

[Edit:] In response to your feedback, I understand what it's like to be living paycheck to paycheck. BUT, like one of the more recent columnists said, you can make payment arrangements with doctors' offices. As long as you stick to the agreement, they won't press you for more money. Explain your situation. You need to go and take care of yourself. I know as a mom your first instinct is to take care of your kids above all else, but if you don't get help, you won't be much good to them. So do something a little selfish. Make a call, ask about small monthly payments, tell them what's going on, and see what they can do for you.
Good luck.

Rating: 5

Really bad Migraines I have had them for a long time but since Thursday they have increased. No I have tried Tylenol, Motrin, Excedrin even Benadryl I have tried everything I called the doctors any where from 51 to 106 dollars Which I make maybe 800 a month my son has aspergers with all his doctors appts. I cant afford to go.

bio

I'm a laid-back 26 year old with a Psychology BA, starting my MA program, and working my way into the field as quickly as I can. It took me an extra Bachelor's degree (in vocal performance and creative writing) to figure it out, but I was put on this Earth to help, to heal, and to love.

I have made the decision to dedicate my life and career to helping others. I am here to do just that.

I've been a member since 2004, and since I signed up, I've gone through quite a lot and learned quite a lot from it. I'm here to give guidance where I had none; no one should have to go through the difficulties I went through alone.

Feel free to visit my website/blog, if you want to read my experience with domestic violence and my thoughts on it.

***While I do tend to answer mental health and other health-related or medicine-related questions, I am by NO MEANS a licensed physician or practitioner of any sort. Any and all advice I give for these questions is from my own experience or studies.***

If you need to get a hold of me quickly, my screen name on AIM is SirenCytherea. Just let me know you found me here.

I'm a strong believer in the idea that there are no stupid questions except the ones left unasked, so, please, keep an open mind, heart, and mouth.

Siren