February 17, 2010

  • Just a quickie to let you know about my doctor's appt. yesterday & to answer a few of your questions.

    Back in late November, the ring finger on my right hand started locking up. I would have to actually use my left hand to "unclick" or "unlock" it. It did this through December. I have had trigger finger before & even though it was never that extreme, I was thinking that was what it probably was. Plus with it being in the midst of  flu season, I really didn't want to go to a doctor's office & (a) take up their time with something that seemed so silly & (b) be exposed to all of those germy people. Yes, I know...lame excuses, but the truth.  Finally my finger quit locking up because it was so swollen that I couldn't even make a fist. It was very painful from the get go & at times when hubby would try to hold my hand, I would come unglued as it hurt so bad.  I finally went in to my primary care doctor hoping & thinking that she could just give me a cortizone shot. Well, she said she wouldn't & couldn't & referred me to an orthopedics & also did some blood work, which is how the rhumatoid showed up.
    Yesterday was my appt. with the Rhumatologist. They took x-rays of both of my hands. He said it would be a baseline to start referring to & also would show if any damage has been done yet.  Luckily, there has been no damage. He also checked out all of my other joints from shoulders to ankles.  He then went on to explain that the medication that is given for rhumatoid arthritis has side effects just  like chemotherapy. Yikes!  He said hair loss & nauseau are the main ones & then of course, you have to go in regularly for bloodwork.  Since mine is localized right now to the one finger, there is no reason to start that & go through that. Worst case scenerio is that I will lose use of that finger, which I will take a chance on.  He did give me a cortizone shot in the finger to help reduce the swelling in that tendon & also in my hand. Those cortizone shots hurt like the dickens, but I can usually grit my teeth & go through with it just fine. When he did the 2nd one on my hand he was about 1/2way through it & I about came unglued. He hit the bone! OUCH!!!!

    This time last year is when I got  that  abcess on my neck & ended up with emergency surgery.  I am normally a very healthy person. I just seem to get these "weird" things about once a year!

Comments (9)

  • That's good that you can just get the cortisone shots for now. I hope that helps enough that you don't have to go on the medication. Sending big hugs, thoughts and prayers your way. :flowers11: :blowkiss17:

  • Yup your stubborn!!!
    I am glad that you you opted for the shot for now.
    Wow those are some nasty side effects
    It seems like after all these years they would find something to help that didn't do that to your body ya know?
    You take care of yourself and if it gets too bad maybe you can get a second opinion on the meds???
    ((((((HUGE Hugs)))))))
    Too bad there wasn't some kind of Wine Therapy :love40:
    Luvs ya Chica

  • wow, I hope you feel better & things go ok....

  • oh you silly. gotta take care of yourself! i'm glad you were ok after the cortisone shot. but man that sounds so painful! :damn24: big hugs to you :paci28: :deer12: :love40:

  • Well i hope they get it under control and things don't get out of hand ( oh what have i just said?) i couldn't imagine loosing the use of even a finger, grit your teeth and fight it Doreen, we are all with you on this one!

  • Wow that is so crazy. I am thinking happy thoughts for you. It sounds painful but hopefully this stuff will make it better. Good luck dear Zany.

  • i'm sorry to hear this news, doreen. i've got a little finger that locks up once in awhile, but it doesn't swell at all.  i kinda chalked it up to grooming and all the repetition. i know they say carpal tunnel syndrome is a biggie for groomers.  geez, can't wait!  my osteoarthritis is helped by a liquid  (vegetable source) glucosomine supplement with B vitamins in it.  i wonder if that would help you?

  • I think I also would take my chances and NOT take the meds right now. I have issues with my one finger on my left hand, it has a bump on the side and is curling over onto the other one. It aches whenever it touches anything or I try and use it but what the heck I got other fingers still I can use :) I suppose when all is said and done we just got to grin and put up with these things that crop up. Life and things and stuff :) xoxox Tynee

  • Thinking of you! hope your better today!

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