Request X-Ray?

Moan alert - the wee round bones on my wrist (I'm not sure what they're called...tendon bones?) are really throbbing after a spell of cold, Scottish rain. Recently, following an ultrasound, I was told the bone sheath is damaged and had I ever had an x-ray (I said I hadn't then there was a big silence)...I did not pursue it at the time.

Any suggestions? Is it worth asking for an X-ray or have I no chance with all the pressures on NHS? (Psoriatic arthritis, on biologics and had a cortisone injection by ultrasound in my wrist a few months ago, first diagnosed with PsA following lots of hand/wrist pain and inflamed 'lumps' in 2016) Dermatologist acknowledged biologic is waning re hand pain but has been good for lower back, knee, shoulder and still great for my skin.

Shouldn't complain but hard to do things re hand issues. Both wrists sore now. 🥴 Got them strapped up. Have frozen potatoes and veg in for Xmas to save chopping things. Dishes piling up in the sink, oh dear. Guests will have to do them! Bit gutted as can't swim now.

All the best. Lindsay

[Chockyuk]

Hello 👋 I’m not sure what the waiting time for an X-ray is where you are, but it’s maybe best putting the request in now?

A few months ago I was due to have a shoulder X-ray, it only took a week to come through (I’m in Hertfordshire) but ended up cancelling it, as it was superseded by a nuclear bone scan, so it was pretty quick in my area.

Ask your doctor to request one for you, it might come through quicker than you know 😊

[Hidden in reply to Chockyuk]

Thank you I think I sort of knew this but was wondering if it would be regarded as trivial and feeling a bit sorry for myself tbh - much appreciated. I will ring my GP. I haven't heard of a nuclear bone scan. Good luck. Hope you get good treatment for your shoulder.

[Chockyuk in reply to Hidden]

Thanks 😊 I hope you get it sorted, I’m of the opinion, I know the NHS are struggling, but unfortunately we still have to look after ourselves and if you’re in pain, it’s definitely not trivial. 👍

[Helen-NRAS Moderator]

Good morning. If you would like support, information or just someone to talk to, our NRAS helpline is open every weekday from 9.30am to 4.30pm nras.org.uk/helpline/ 0800 298 7650. Or have a look at our website nras.org.uk. Kind regards.

[Hidden in reply to Helen-NRAS]

Thanks very much, Helen. Will look at the website.

[nomoreheels]

In our experience both my h & I only waited an average of 2 weeks Lindsay, hands & feet for me, neck/shoulders for my h. It will depend on area I’m afraid but should you choose to pursue it the sooner you do…

Do all you can & have available to you to reduce pain in the meantime. I know, mother sucking eggs but no other option really just now, unless you can make your nurse aware.

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Thank you. You're right. I've managed to get a cancellation phone appointment and GP is phoning today. 💐

[nomoreheels in reply to Hidden]

That's one step nearer. Might also be an idea to be added to the cancellation list if you can be available at short notice. Thank you for the flowers, they're lovely!

[Hidden in reply to nomoreheels]

Oh ur 'wlcm' I appreciate it. Good idea. I'll say that. Thanks 😊

[kellymomcars]

Ah yes, that little pea shaped bone on the outside of the wrist is called the "pisiform", if that's what hurts. Mine also are extremely tender --especially when I don't place my arm gently on the table -- it stings like hitting your funny bone, but feels bruised to the touch all the time. Is this what it is?

I had xrays of both hands, and then MRI of right hand. I'm scheduled to see my Rheumatologist mid January for results. I suspect I'll be told to wear bracing when necessary, and get steroid injections when I can't take it anymore. And, that its just a result of the arthritis...

But, I'm so glad to know that I'm not the only one. If I remembered, I'll post here what I'm told.

[Hidden]

Thanks very much for advice and name of the bone. Yes it can get really sore even at rest. Just a dull throb now, was bad last night. I always wear gloves, may have got worse as my area had heavy rain yesterday.

I had a call from doctor today and he said I'm due back at rheumatology end of Jan, can I wait til then? So I said yes.

I went out there and bought a better velcro wraparound support for my right hand as that hand is worse and my NHS velcro one is a bit old.

I'm getting blood taken soon to check iron levels as he looked back and said they were low last time. Thanks and good luck with your wrists. All the best.

[kellymomcars]

As expected, lots of inflammation due to arthritis. Boy, those wrists can sting. Moaning just this morning to my husband that it's so tiring every night to just to turn over. Tiring