I think I may have arthritis in my hands

[Gulfstream_Maggie]

When I approached my doctor and, after years of undiagnosed symptoms, finally got a diagnosis of fibro he ruled out the pain and swelling I also had in my hands.

The base of both thumbs were swollen at the time and joints of fingers gave me intermittent pain. But he said the blood tests ruled out arthritis. Interestingly there is a family history of arthritis from both sides of my family.

In order to alleviate the pain I ordered and used some compression gloves. Although not completely getting rid of the discomfort they helped.

Roll forward a couple of years and my hands are now so painful. The gloves are not really helping much.

I feel so frustrated, I enjoy knitting and crocheting - something I can manage with my eye condition whilst waiting for surgery. My Angel tree topper is shown above.

However now I’m only able to do a small amount, then I have to leave it for a couple of days at least before picking it up again.

Don’t know what to do, where to go. Not even sure if I should mention it at my new doctors before I have my eye surgery (whenever that date falls).

I’m really starting to feel like the proverbial hypochondriac. I’m rapidly falling to bits!!!

😭

[Iamthemedicalmystery]

The blood test you had I would think was for RA which is an autoimmune disease but Osteoarthritis is different. Osteoarthritis is wear and tear of joints, inflammation and can really hurt.I have it in both shoulders, hands and feet so I know how miserable you feel.

Have you tried volterol gel? I maybe wrong but I believe they do one especially for Osteoarthritis.

Also, I find heat soothes so a heated blanket helps, when it's bad I wrap the blanket tightly around whichever joint that hurts.

[Dixie9326]

would be good if you could see a Rheumatologist..of course you have osteoarthritis…he may be able to inject your thumbs and make you more comfortable ..