Ultrasound on my hands shown inflammation

[Narniesangel73]

I had my first rheumy appointment on June 21 and presented with swollen jfingers, knuckles and wrists.with a lot of stiffness and pain. My feet and knees are also giving me similar problems but not as bad. I had a doctor perform the ultrasound Friday and he said there was inflammation around my worst knuckle. I’m due to see rheumy again in 2 weeks what will probably happen at this appointment?

Also my pointer knuckle n finger on left hand is extremely painful I can hardly move it. It’s very painful 😖 I’ve read of steroid injections some of you have had. Would my gp laugh at me. It’s really getting me down especially as I have a son with autism who relies on me for his personal care. 💕💕

[helixhelix]

We're not doctors so really can't say what the outcome might be, and you don't say what your blood tests revealed but it sounds very much as if you will get a diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis. So most likely you will be offered medication of some sort.

Your GP won't laugh at you about your finger, but also GPs tend not to give steroid injections into joints. Mine have always been done by rheumy guided by ultrasound. We're you not offered stronger anti-inflammatorys or a intramuscular steroid shot at your first appointment? You could ask your Gp for oral steroids or better anti-inflammatorys, although the problem with asking your GP now is not wanting to mask things for your rheumy appointments.....tough call.

[Narniesangel73 in reply to helixhelix]

Thanks Helix my initial gp blood tests shown inflammatory markers raised everything else in range. This was back in March, I was referred to rheumy and had bloods taken at appointments June but until I see rheumy in 2 weeks I don’t know what they are or the full ultrasound results either. It was just that I asked the

doctor who did the ultrasound if he found anything as I was dreading nothing showing up and the rheumy closing the door on me.

I should add I have back/groin problems so already take morphine based pain relief and 3 diclofenac a day and I’m still really struggling.

My rheumy is aware of all my meds I’m currently on, he did say he was concerned about my back pain and was referring me to pain clinic only as we all know it’s another waiting list.

It’s not about the pain alone it’s what I’m not able to do with my hands at the moment. Evenopening doors squeezing shampoo etc. Just basic tasks it’s real tough.

[AgedCrone in reply to Narniesangel73]

There are all sorts of gadgets to help us when we are struggling...before we get settled on the right meds.....there is a website...which at the moment I cannot remember the name of (sorry) ..I got all sorts of little "helpers/openers" I'm sure someone will remember what it's called!

Try putting your shampoo in a pump type container.....in extremis I have even used my foot to press the pump....I buy toothpaste in a pump container too.

Hope things look up for you.

[Narniesangel73 in reply to AgedCrone]

Thankyou

I’ve now got bathroom products in to pump bottles, palm of my hand sorts this out. Had to smile at you using your foot 😊. I’ve bought an amazing tin opener with all sorts of gadgets on and picked it up from a bargainshop just £2.99 , really ought to buy another. New cuttelry is next 🍴being proactive over these things as really lifted my mood.

I love this forum , especially the members 😍

[AgedCrone in reply to Narniesangel73]

Glad things are looking up for you! You are so right...even doing one little thing differently that means you can achieve your goal is a great boost.

I bought an electric can opener in Morrisons supermarket for under £10......works a trea once you get the knack of it.......I can't get on with the battery ones as I can't hold the tin & then hold the opener & press the button at the same time.....altho they are great if you can.

As a temporary measure for kitchen utensils I wrapped the handles in foam so that they were bulkier so easier to hold....doesn't look very attractive ...but what the heck!

[Mmrr]

Narniesangel73 ultrasound showed all joints in my hands and wrists to be inflammed 3 months ago. I have now been on MTX for 3 months and a MRI 3 weeks showed no inflammation. My hands no longer burn and feel hot all the time. I hope you manage to get a drug that works for you.

[Narniesangel73 in reply to Mmrr]

Thanks for positive reply Mmrr

The burning sensation is awful it drives me crazy until out come the frozen peas. This might sound crazy but at this stage I’m more bothered about treatment than a diagnosis.

This is really affecting my son and that brakes my heart.

So fingers crossed ( but not mine ) that my rheumy as something good up his sleeve for me 🤞🏻

[Mmrr in reply to Narniesangel73]

It is easy to despair, it has been a long road for me due to drug sensitivities, but I think I am on my way now. Fingers crossed that you get a treatment quickly. I was terrified of going onto MTX , but it works for most people, most of the time...and your body does aclimitise to the side effects. Best wishes.