Wrists

[Saesae]

Hi all, has been a while since I have had to approach the group for advice. Things have been pretty good on 17.5mg of methotrexate a week and 3000mg of sulphasalazine a day.

Other than a few stiff bits in the morning and a couple of aches and pains all's good.

About 3 weeks ago my left wrist suddenly became very swollen and incredibly painful, I had no motion in my hand and I could not grip or open my hand, this only lasted about 48hrs, but so sore I would happily cut off my arm.

Yesterday my right wrist displayed exactly the same symptoms, so much so It kept me awake all night. Again this is easing off as I write this.

Has anyone experienced similar symptoms and could they advise on any actions I should take with doctor/rheumatologist?

Thanks in advance

[Mmrr]

It sounds as if it would be wise to contact your rheumatology helpline and explain what us happening. They may be able to see you or at least give yiu some advice. Good luck.

[Bookworm55]

Yes I have had that. I was diagnosed 3 years ago and am now on 12.5mg mtx. Since my diagnosis - RA started very strongly and suddenly with pain in all joints- it has been pretty well controlled but several times I have had sudden pain and some swelling in various joints -hands, hips, knees - that lasts, as you say, 24-48 hours and then disappears. In my case naproxen usually deadens the pain a bit. I can sometimes put it down to overusing the joint the day before - but not always.

[oldtimer]

Keep a photographic record of what is happening and tell your health care team.

[janmary]

I had these symptoms when I was first diagnosed- had it described by one doc as "explosive arthritis' - quite frightening and incredibly painful - usually wrists but could be shoulder, jaw, hip .... diagnosed as acute palindromic rheumatoid.. treated the same as 'normal' RA. it has now morphed into a more classic rheumatoid, but I still get

random inflamed joints. M/X seems to be holding at bay the extreme flares at the moment, with occasional steroid shots. Ask to be seen, and take photos, and try to get a blood test done whilst flaring (although my inflammatory markers are never high)

[pd118]

I rum my hands under hot water every morning

[Callabag64]

I have exactly the same problem at the moment. Right hand, so swollen cannot even see shape of knuckles, left wrist, large swelling, and hand seems to have “sunk” ice may help to ease, but probably steroid into wrists would work much better.

[pd118 in reply to Callabag64]

my wrist was brutal got a brace for support ahhhhhhhhhh

[Saesae]

Thank you all for your comments, managed to see GP this morning who has raised my methotrexate to 20mgs, he suggests it is the RA breaking through as on both occasions it has been when I was due to take my next dose. Fingers crossed (when I can) that this will knock it on the head a bit at least till my next rhuematology appointment, which should be in the next4-6 weeks.

Thank you for the suggestion of the photographs, will also perhaps take a short video to show the restriction in movement.