Hand flare up

[lynz1983]

Hi all hope your all having a good day with your RA. For about a year now I been suffering from flare ups in my right hand normally only lasting a couple of days well this time is different back in Feb when I saw my rheumatologist she told me next flare up I had to contact them to be seen asap I will admit I delayed contacting them as it started just before my sons 16th birthday and I didn't want to spoil it but it was not a bad flare up was manageable without extra meds and went over that weekend but on the Tuesday after I got the worst pain shoot across the back of my hand as i put my purse back in my bag which started the worst flare up I have ever had I contacted the rheumy team the next day when I had got up and my hand was all swollen and after a night of having the worst pain I have ever had in my hand.I got an appointment for Monday (5 days later) to see them but in the mean time I had to stop taking my anti inflammatory tablets and if the swelling went I had to cancel the appointment well I didn't go so on Monday I went and I am being sent for a scan to see if it is arthritis causing it or Tendon/ligaments I am also waiting to see the OT about splints and warm wax therapy have any of you had this as I haven't heard of it before and how long to people normally suffer from a flare up for as this has been over 2 weeks now and it don't seem to want go away sorry about the long post thanks for taking the time to read and for any advice you can offer xx

[Jora]

Poor you, but well done for getting through your son's birthday.

Both my hands and wrists have been very painful for a couple of weeks. I am due to see the Hand Therapist next Monday. In the meantime, I've been coping with heavy-duty splints. These help a lot, but the problem I have is that when I take them off to wash my hands (though I sometimes manage with alcoholic cleansing gel) or have a shower, I have great difficulty in undoing the Velcro. This makes me feel very frustrated and pathetic - and sad. But it sounds as if you will have full-time help on hand, if you'll forgive the pun.

I'm on Rituximab, Methotrexate injections and Prednisilone. The latter was 5 mg, but when this massive flare broke through, it was increased to 10 mg for three days, then down to 7.5 mg. It's not what I wanted, but when one can't Use crutches,, clean teeth, or even wipe oneself, that's "rock bottom" so I gratefully accepted the remedy. It has helped a lot.

I love the sound of wax treatment and will enquire about that. Thank you for mentioning it. If I get it on Monday, I'll try to remember to give you an update.

Jora

[lynz1983 in reply to Jora]

thanks hope you get some relief soon I am right handed and that is the hand I am suffering with so trying to use my left but it don't always work out I too use crutches and they tried to blame that at first for my pain but as it was happening for just a day or two and no pattern to when it would happen and its the joints hurting they now calling it flare up of my AS

[glenb]

I get these flares and they can be triggered by overusing my wrist, fingers and hands, stress or the big one for me is food I eat. Had carpal scans and said I had mild carpal tunnel syndrome but since I stopped oils they have gone away. Used to have a cold pinky finger constantly. Better now but still cannot use my wrists for heavy objects cus I get a flare. I have arthritis changes in both wrist and bones in my hands.

[Paulajolo]

Talking about hands. Has anyone noticed the veins sticking out teally badly. My hands seem to have aged 20 years in past twelve months. They look aweful.?

[Gnarli]

The more my hands hurt, the more gnarly and veiny they get. Proper old lady hands now. Ho hum

Jan

[gym4life]

I am on cimzia , but it has helped me for over 6 months for my hands. I have to see if my insurance will approve it again. It has worked wonders for my hands. I am also considering bio-flex laser therapy which my rheumotologist does in her office.

[lynz1983 in reply to gym4life]

I've not herd of cimza but im on humira for my AS and so far so good been on it about 6 years now im in UK so its all done on the NHS but there is guidelines I have to fit into to keep getting it hope you mange to get it again if it is helping you xx

[lynz1983]

thanx everyone xx

[lynz1983]

I am confused as what to try at the moment as rheumy told me to use cold for swelling and heat for pain but when you got both at same time I don't know what to do for the best as I really don't want to make the pain worse im in a catch 22 if the pain gets worse I will have to take my strong pain killers which send me loopy and I cant drive or do anything but if I don't take them I am limited to what I can do due to pain am sure many on here will know what I mean and have been in the same situation hope your keeping well take care xx