Is this a clear photo of inflammation?

[SSC1]

Hi all, do you think this is clear enough to show the rheumatologist, I am worried they won't see the symptoms on my first appointment. Something in my bloods was raised.

[Amy65]

Yes that shows ur hand swollen .it was probley ur esr.is raised due to active arthritis good luck try not to worry amy

[nomoreheels]

Hiya SSC1, welcome. Yes, but even better would be if you closed your hand as if making a fist & then take a pic of where your knuckles would be, that's the test my Rheumy always uses. If you can't see your knuckles there's obvious inflammation.

Don't be overly worried about your blood test results, some people don't have raised inflammation levels yet have obvious inflammation. Also the Rheumatoid Factor & anti-CCP tests, if you've been tested for these but the result was negative you may have seronegative RD. Your Rheumy knows what he's looking for when examining you, bloods are only one piece of the jigsaw so don't fret.

Let us know how it goes.

[SSC1 in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you I will bear that in mind. I am in a lot of pain and have difficulty using my hands. My doctor said that an inflammation factor was high but I don't know what.

[nomoreheels in reply to SSC1]

I'm sorry you're in pain. Did your GP not prescribe anything for either the pain or inflammation, or both? If not do ask, my GP did for me when my RF & anti-CCP came back positive but said to stop taking them both a few days before my diagnostic appointment so my inflammation returned along with the pain. This is so a proper diagnosis & treatment plan can be formed, your Rheumy needs reliable baseline blood test results plus imaging & examination to form a treatment plan for you.

You could try soaking your hands in a bowl of warm water & Epsom salts, that can be very soothing for sore inflamed hands, feet too.

[SSC1 in reply to nomoreheels]

I am taking Naproxen and Co-Codamol, they do reduce the pain quite a bit but I am still struggling. The fatigue is overwhelming too. I stopped taking them this morning in prep for my appointment on Monday. I did the bath thing last night it does help with the pain a little before bedtime.

I really appreciate you taking the time to reply.

[nomoreheels in reply to SSC1]

Not too much longer then. Keep soaking in ES & good luck for Monday, hope all goes ok. Are you having anyone accompany you?

[SSC1 in reply to nomoreheels]

Yes my husband is going with me. Can't wait to get it over with.

[nomoreheels in reply to SSC1]

Good, it's helpful. It'll all be fine.

[rosie1928 in reply to nomoreheels]

that's true about the bloods. I have active RA but my bloods dont show it. My first test 23 years ago did. My very first symptom was swollen tissue around the knuckles(accompanied with flu like symptoms) and sharp pains in my groin (pelvis joint) when I walked.

[Suzie0407]

I think it is, your hands look like mine!!

[Neonkittie17 in reply to Suzie0407]

Exactly what NMH said. I can see you are losing some definition of your knuckles and I had this too. There are supposed to be "valleys" in between your knuckles. Having said that I have zero inflammation on my blood results but have retained some minor puffiness between second and middle fingers on both hands. Nothing too restrictive. Good luck with your appointment.

[Doughnut61]

I was the same plus in both feet and ankles x

[rosie1928]

That's definitely a swollen hand. It looks hot and sore. When the inflammation goes down take another photo for comparison.

[rosie1928]

Just another comment... I often take photos for my GP and doctor and I keep them! It helps my memory as I tend to forget when I get better. xx

[SSC1 in reply to rosie1928]

Thank you x

[medway-lady]

It's the only tell tale sign I have and that's only periodically when cold or been cooking a lot. Don't worry the RA people know what to look foryou won't need a photo they can feel it I'm sure. My hands were not swollen at all when first diagnosed just creaky and locked fingers. It does go down and they sometimes xray them anyway. Try not to worry please, the stress does you no good. I hope you get the treatment you need. x