I'm new Please help! | Arthritis Information
I came here in hopes of getting some answers, advice and of course, some support.
I used to get from time to time cramping in my hands but nothing that you would go see a Dr about….
Until 2 mths ago when all hell broke loose, I was getting a really bad pain in my thumb and within 15 min my thumb was 3x the size of my other, with pain that I had never experienced before. I went to the emerg dept at the local hospital the dr thought it was a finger infection gave me some antibiotics and pain killers and asked me too come back the following day to get a second opinion.
The following day dr# 2 told me I had Dequirviens syndrome, took me off the antibiotics and gave me Naproxen to take with the painkillers and put a partial cast on my arm and referred me to a hand surgeon to see later that week.
The pain and swelling was very intense to say the least, I have seen this hand surgeon now on two separate occasions:
The first visit we changed the prescription from naproxen to celebrex
Second visit I had cortisone shot as well as a full hard cast put on my arm (for 6 weeks)
The relief was almost instant after the shot, the swelling went down within hours, and the pain went from unbearable to a dull ache, which lasted only for a week. the pain was unbearable yet again, and the swelling came back
I went to emerg again…
This Dr gave me a 5-day prescription for prednisone, more painkillers, a referral to Internal medicine, by the next day the swelling went down, and the pain went from unbearable to a dull ache. I have since run out of the prednisone and yes as you can guess the swelling and pain are back yet again!
It has now only been a couple of days since seeing this internal medicine dr
Who thinks I might have RA and is in the process of referring me to a Rheumatologist Whom will be receiving my results from blood work and x-rays and giving me an appointment.
Does this really sound like RA? I thought that RA was gradual and developed slowly over time.
Welcome to the board. Sorry you have to be here.
Well... it kinda sounds like it since you respond so well and fast to the steriods you have been given and how fast they wear off as well.
I hope the rheumatologist will be able to determine what you have.
Please do keep us posted!
You might be thinking of osteoarthritis, a common type of arthritis known as a "wear and tear" kind of arthritis. There are many types of arthritis. For a good resource you might take a look at www.arthritis.org.
For info on rheumatoid arthritis, including how its diagnosed and treatment options see:
http://www.arthritis.org/disease-center.php?disease_id=31Should you be diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis, know that there are many effective meds available now to manage and control the inflammation and pain of RA. Sometimes, it can be a trial and error kind of thing, finding the right drug combo that works for you, so don't be discouraged.
I was diagnosed 32 years ago, so my experience with RA is very different than people diagnosed in recent years and they would be better able to advise you than myself. So continue to post and ask questions, or simply to share your feelings, you will find many helpful and supportive people here.
Take care and good luck.
The only time I suffered swelling was in the beginning and that was nothing like say "Joonie's images of her knees"
Pain and stiffness, YES.
Bodak2009-05-02 02:19:47Welcome to AI. Do you have symptoms anywhere else; or just that one hand? The quick response to the cortisone injection and the predisone does indicate come sort of inflammatory problem.....but with the symptoms just being in that one area I'm not so sure it's RA.....the RD appointment is a good idea though.
Good Luck.....hope it's not RA; but if it is you'll find lots of good advise here.
Thank you all for your quick responses...
yes, it is only in the one one hand
I'm a little freaked out about it, I'm only 38
I've never hurt that hand before, so it is quite alarming
Hi Jill!
Sorry you went searching for RA info on the net.. but glad you found this site.
Don't be discouraged and don't give up.. but sometimes getting a proper diagnosis of these arthritic diseases is very difficult...
I hope you find relief again (and I think you will ) with the pred...
Keep us updated on your visit next week..
Best to you,
Babs
hi, Make an appt and go to a RHEM DR, asap and have them give you the test.. theres one for RA, that proves whether you have it or not.
I LOVE , love cortisone shots!!!
Sorry, you're in such pain. Mine didn't start out that bad, but got worse, really really quick.
If you have RA, get on the meds right away.. they'll stop the fast progression of this disease.
Which works better for you hot or cold? For me, its hot, I think you mentioned your wrists, so run them under the hottest water, you can stand./...or iff cold .. opposite
Also try using an electric blanket.. or fill up a Big , huge tube sock w/ rice.. heat in the micro, for I think 20 seconds or is it more guys?? lol
Then put that on the inflammed area... thats a great home remedy
Keep coming back, ignore the trolls ( the mean people) for the most part, there are alot of really nice people here, ready to give support :)
AGain, i love repeating things :P, lol , go to a RHEM DR... ASAP.. get the special test :)
Good luck~
Jill - welcome aboard and I hope your rheumatology appointment goes well. It is a shock if you are finally diagnosed with some sort of autoimmune disease like RA, so start to pace yourself for the long haul. And get copies of every single blood, urine, xray, CT, MRI, whatever test run and read every one of them yourself and start a notebook for them. Start a diary of your daily symptoms. You have to be your # 1 Doctor. Good luck ~~ CathyHi Jill and welcome. You have come to the right place to start your search on RA and associated diseases. You will find many good resources and information here. Hopefully, you do not have RA, but keeping that appointment will be very important.
You have gotten excellent advice here already, so I will just say good luck to you, all the best wishes for good health and keep us posted, please! So often we hear from newbies, then never hear from them again and are left wondering as to their outcome.
Hello, and welcome to the board.
Im sorry that i cant provide any advice. i am also rather new here.
But you found a great place, the people here know a lot and are very supportive.
I hope you dont have RA, but if you do, this is a great place to talk about it.
Good luck!
being 38 is not too young to have some form of arthritis. The majority of us have had this disease since our early 20ties....some earlier than that. There's also many that weren't dx'ed until later in life.Welcome- I guess I read your 2nd post first. Don't worry - you'll be OK. Things are scary in the beginning. We're here to help you with questions and emotions. Finding a good rheumatologist is important.
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