Is it the chronic swelling in fingers that causes the tendons in the fingers/hand to get damaged and hurt to where you can't lift things? Also, does even 5 mg of Prednisone cause tiredness....and bloodshot eyes? If I want to wean off it, do I then go to 2.5?
LuLu,
I can't answer any of your questions with facts so I'l let someone else. I will share that my fingers, feet and wrists still act up from time to time. I can usualy feel the swelling a day before. I have not taken Prednison in 6-8 months. I had it prescribed from 2 seperate doctors. One tappered me of very gradually the other quick. I did not see a difference either way.
Someone will help you out.
Hmmm, I could be wrong, I'm just repeated what I've read somewhere way in the past when I first developed arthritis, but the finger joint swelling and tendon damage are different things. The tendon issue arises when our wonderful immune systems attack the tendon itself and cause inflammation there. (This usually causes the trigger finger symptom in my fingers)This is a good time to ask for a referral to a hand therapist. They can teach you how to preserve joint motion and use those joints wisely. They can also build you splints for resting and support if needed. I REALLY wish I had seen one soon after I was diagnosed
Most people on pred report that it gives them loads of energy but it also can cause insomnia. Talk to your doctor about weaning off of it. A wean needs to be modicfied to you and your body. However until you are on some other medication for your RA I would suggest that you not stop the pred. When is your next appt?
Dry eyes often accompnay RA. Besides red are your eyes unusually watery, gunky, itchy etc. If your mouth and other mucos membranes are also dry speak with yoru dr about the possibilty of SJogrens Syndrome. Of course don't forget normal environmental factors for red eyes. Smog here has been awful and its so dry its really dusty too.
Keep a list of these questions you are asking us so you can talk with your doctor about them.
A second opinion is never a bad move. Even if you are 100% confident in your diagnose, treatment and doctor it never hurts to get another perspective
Just a note about tendons. I had to get a new joint in my thumb a few months ago. It's the joint that is closest to your wrist. The healing is going well, but I have a very loose tendon under my thumb, that the doctor said needs to be tightened. With it loose, my thumb still wants to hyperextend. The replaced joint was destroyed by Osteoarthritis.Oh dear... All this is gettin' downright depressing. But, I know a lot of you guys are way worse than me, so I'll be strong. Thanks for "talking" to me, everyone. My hands have been swollen, constantly, for about 3 years now. I have been to almost every type of doctor imaginable, the rhuemys say its NOT autoimmune related and the non rheumy doctors say it is autoimmune related.