I've had really painful wrists and thumbs since August, which was initially diagnosed as de quervain's tenosynovitis but as I have autoimmune thyroiditis the doc wanted to check me for RA... The test came back negative but my anti-CCP was 15 (lab Range >5) so I was sent to a rheumatologist. She has prescribed something (can't read her writing!) for 2 months and told me to come back in 3 months. I have to say she didn't inspire confidence and so I'm still not totally convinced... the only joint/tendon problem I have is with my wrists and I'm pretty certain it is linked to my thyroid as I was undermedicated when it started.
Are there any other tests I can request before committing to taking the drugs? I'm still trying to control a yoyo thyroid and adrenal issues and I really don't want to put my system under any more pressure!
Thanks for any advice 🙏
I'm not able to comment on the potential rheumatoid arthritis situation, but The NRAS website has useful information which might help you . They also have a helpline . Maybe you could possibly contact the rheumatology dept to get them to explain the meds in more detail?
Re the Quervains- have you been offered any help with it ? I was referred to a hand therapist by the rheumatologist ( I 've had RA15 yrs) who gave me a wrist and thumb splint to wear for 6 weeks, to rest the joint, especially if I was using my hand.I was also given a set of exercises to do. Both helped tremendously. Hope you can find the information you are seeking and wish you all the best.
Thanks for your reply. I don't know about any exercises I will look for some, but my wrists have been in splints for 6 weeks now and they are still not good. Tenosynovitis seems to be a result of repetitive strain, but I haven't really done anything to trigger that, and the fact that it is in both my wrists certainly makes me think it's something to do with autoimmune.
I will check out the information pages to see if there are any other tests I can do, but I have to say I noticed a lot of pains in my hips and knees during the night, so maybe it is RA after all! Or maybe I'm just paranoid now, having put lots of aches and pains down to the fact that I am over 60 and not as active as I should be! Now every twinge seems ominous.
Ask your Rheumatologist for a physio referral at your next appointment. They will check your joints thoroughly and give you exercises and appropriate splints.