Painful Fingers

[Nanabrodie]

I was diagnosed with inflammatory RA a few years ago and was put on MTX and Hydroxychloriquin. At the time I was only really suffering with a swollen and aching middle finger on my left hand and a bit of a problem with my left wrist. Everything had stayed pretty stable until the last couple of weeks when my middle finger on my right hand has suddenly become swollen and both hands are really quite painful. I can’t remember when I last saw a rheumatologist , it was well before the first lockdown and I’m wonder whether I should contact the rheumy nurse and let them know. I’m really concerned whether the disease has has become active again and wonder whether it is time for my medication to be increased. I’m only on 10mg of methotrexate alongside the Hydroxy. Just looking for a little bit of advice from anyone who has found themselves in this position.

[Boxerlady]

I would say yes, you should update your team. You're on a very low dose of Methotrexate and Hydroxychloroquin isn't a particularly strong medication from what I've read (I was told that it was more of an "enabler" to help other DMARDS to be more effective) so there's plenty of opportunity to tweak things. It sounds as if you're overdue an appointment anyway although hopefully you've been having regular blood tests.

[Nanabrodie in reply to Boxerlady]

Yes I have blood tests every three months and they’ve not shown any cause for concern in fact I’ve only just had bloods done last week. I guess I’ll try and contact the rheumy nurse and see what she says. Thanks for getting back to me .

[Boxerlady in reply to Nanabrodie]

At my recent appointment with a consultant he said that all my blood tests were fine but that he was concerned that my wrist was painful and slightly swollen ( although it was so slight that I hadn't noticed!) He's asked me to use ibuprofen gel twice a day for two weeks but to ring the nurse helpline if it's still problematic and he'll increase the dosage of one of my DMARDS. His comment wasn't that the aim is for me to be painfree - fine by me! 😊

[springcross]

Hi Nanabrodie. I would say you do need to see your Rheumatologist as almost two years is a long time and it does sound as though you are going into a flare. Mine started in my hands and wrists so I know how painful that is. Give them a ring tomorrow and tell them what's going on. I do hope you don't have to wait too long to be seen. Good luck. 🤞

[Nanabrodie in reply to springcross]

Thanks for that, I’ll see if I can get in touch with someone this coming week.

[Fruitandnutcase]

I would definitely contact your rheumy nurse. As you haven’t been seen since well before the first lockdown are you having regular eye checks because of the hydroxychloroquine? It’s very important to have your eyes checked every year as it is a drug that can damage your eyes - I have an OCT scan of my eyes once a year to keep a check on what’s happening. I also have an Amsler chart to check myself at home - you can download one along with instructions on how to use it.

[Nanabrodie]

Thanks for that , I do have annual eye checks but haven’t heard of the Amsler chart, I’ll look into it - pardon the pun😏

[Sheila_G]

You must contact your rheumy team. You need to speak to them asap.

[Tiverland]

I agree with all of the above comments. I was also advised by RA to get support gloves to wear . I mostly only need to wear mine overnight. I bought fingerless from Amazon. They help tremendously.

[Angels54]

I have the same problem, experiencing stiffness in both hands I am on 10 mg of prednisone , and biological, rang for advice a month ago no one has been in touch , sadly just give up , I’m asking do I increase steroid , it’s awful pain and I sympathise with you .

[Nanabrodie in reply to Angels54]

This is the trouble trying to get hold of someone. Last time I emailed the rheumy nurse and she did get back to me within a couple of days a letter was sent to my GP saying that she would contact the rheumatologist and they will review my medication and follow up in six months - that was in July 2020. Needless to say medication hasn’t been reviewed and I’ve not heard from anyone. Looks like I’ll have to chase them up. Don’t give up .

[Cactiman]

Hi I would contact Rheum Nurse that’s what they are there for. I sometimes get a flare up now and again but seems to sort itself out after a few days.

[gym4life]

I use a lot of herbal remedies for my fingers including organic olive oil and gadgets to stretch my fingers. There is a program called Jamber for exercises for your fingers and they also carry products to help your fingers.