I have been getting constant pain in my hands for the last month. Occasional pins and needles. Issues with grip and stiffness. I was coping with all of that but now my fingers are swollen and wearing my wedding ring is a real nightmare and that's what is bothering me the most.
I know it's such a small thing, but I was already living with pain (Fibromyalgia) and my wedding ring means so much.
If I get confirmation it is RA- will my joints settle with treatment? Is there anything I should be doing to ease my symptoms till I get an appointment with rheumatology? My GP didn't really have any answers and I am feeling a bit lost.
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ATB2023
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Sorry to hear you have hand pain. I suggest if your finger isn’t too swollen to take off the ring while you still can and wear it on a chain around your neck. You don’t want to have the ring cut off unless absolutely necessary.
Hopefully if you get given some meds which eventually reduce the swelling you will be able to put the ring on again. If it is RA it could take a little while to find the right medication to suit you.
I hope you get your appointment quickly and can make progress.
I agree with Lola about taking your ring off, you’d feel worse if it had to be cut off. Did your GP do any blood tests? Difficult to help until you have a diagnosis as it could be something else, but Heat or ice might help you. I’d also find out how long the waiting list is for an appointment in your area is as there is help the GP can give you in the meantime ( maybe you need to see someone with more knowledge) I hope you don’t have it but do come back and let us know how you get on.
Thank you both for replying. I think you are right that I just need it on me on a necklace.
The Rheumatology appointment isn't until November. I'm going to speak to my health insurance tomorrow to see if I can go private. Otherwise I might have to pay for private direct. I just don't think I can last for 2 months. Not with out pain relief, paracetamol just isn't even taking the edge off. I'll also be speaking to the GP for pain relief if I have to wait weeks for a maybe diagnosis.
I had one blood test so far with high crp levels and something else. No deficiency. I didn't get a copy of the results so I can't reference it. I've got a second blood form but no blood appointments till the end of the month. That ones looking for antibodies.
I honestly don't know what's wrong. It's a completely different pain and sensation to fibromyalgia. No offence but I'm hoping it's not RA. My GP was pretty insistent though and that's quite scary.
The only thing I have found that's helping is putting my hands in hot water every hour and keeping them gently moving.
🤞🏻 you can be seen with your health insurance, if you do have to pay then make sure to see someone who does NHS work too so you can get transferred onto their list there once you get a diagnosis. No one here will be offended that you don’t want RA, I’ll bet none of us do either 😊 it’s good that heat helps you but some medical help sounds like it’d be good too. Good luck 🤞🏻
I have just gone through the same process. I was completely active and healthy in Dec 22. Then, whilst swimming in January this year, I noticed that the pressure of the water was hurting my fingers. Within a few weeks I could not even dress myself. (I assume that this was what has now been described to me as a flare.) My inflammation markers were high, rheumatoid factor almost 500 and high level antibodies too. My doctor was sure of RA and knew exactly what to prescribe but frustratingly was not allowed to do so. I had to wait two months, like you, to get an appointment with a consultant and I finally started treatment in May. I tried to get a private appointment, but it would only bring it forward by three days as there was only one consultant who had knowledge of NHS in my area. I took Naproxen whilst waiting which took the edge off the pain - ask your GP for something suitable for you.
As others have said …get those rings off ASAP. I almost had to have my wedding ring cut off but managed to get it off just in time. I’m wearing a larger silver dress ring on my finger for now. Hopefully one day I’ll get to wear my wedding and engagement rings again.
I’m still finding my way through these uncharted waters but I do already feel better than I did, so hang on in there…brighter days are around the corner for all of us.
I am new to these forums but already find the advice useful…. So thank you everyone for sharing your stories, help, advice and encouragement. M xx
Don’t get your hopes up, I have been on meds for RA since being diagnosed in October 2022 and I still can’t get my wedding rings on which makes me really sad. I did have 8 months of steroids and put on a lot of weight, I’m slowly shifting that weight and trying to remain hopeful that the rings will go on again. If not I’m just going to get them resized
When I was first diagnosed I had to get my rings off pretty quick. I was so unhappy not to be able to wear them until a friend who worked in a Jewellers told me about getting little noggings (my name for them as I can’t remember the correct name!) put in. They are like little gold beads on the inside of my engagement, eternity and wedding ring . I’ve been able to wear them ever since. I hope this helps.
If you have to wait to see the rheumatology consultant do ask your GP for some pain relief. Some NSAIDS like ibuprofen or the stronger Naproxen should help but always take with food and do take them regularly. That’s because it can take 3 days for the anti-inflammatory effect to build up, to give the best pain relief. You will need a GP prescription for the latter and it’s safer to take them with a PPI like Omeprazole to protect your stomach.
Hello ATB, sorry to hear you’re in such a worrying time at the moment (I was there 4 years ago!).
Most importantly- treatments for RA can be much more effective now. I now take a bio similar and am lucky enough to have no pain.
While waiting for my diagnosis I found Ibuprofen Lysine worked well, you can buy it over the counter in any pharmacy. Take it with food though.
Good advice with your wedding ring, take it off while you can. I had my wedding ring enlarged to a size T (before RA under control!) now reduced to a size M again 😊.
One last recommendation, find NRAS online, join and get their newly diagnosed pack (assuming you are diagnosed!). It’s really informative. NRAS also have a help line who listened to me in my darkest RA days.
Hi. I know this is a worrying time for you but there is light at the end of the tunnel. Firstly, I would suggest taking your wedding ring off in case your hands swell anymore. My husband bought me a new wedding and engagement ring but my 'proper' ones are safely stored away. When I was first diagnosed, also in my hands, I was going to my nephew's wedding 2 weeks later and thought I wouldn't make it. I got my appointment with Rheumatologist (I went privately for 1st appointment.) He gave me an injection and arranged for me to be seen in the clinic for my next appointment, The injection worked a treat and not only did I make the wedding, I danced all night. Now, 21 years later, I am in remission and enjoying life. All the best. x
Wear your ring on a good sturdy chain around your neck. Better than having to have it cut off later on. Why did he jump to RA and not OA? Blood results? Best wishes this gets resolved quickly for you. 🤗
My hands were very swollen when I got engaged, they are now much better following biologics and my engagement ring is loose, so yes the meds could well make you able to wear your rings again.
Thank you so much for sharing your experiences with me.I'm feeling a lot calmer about it all today. Helped by pain being on the milder side. The GP has prescribed Nefopam so I only need to take it when I'm in pain rather than increasing my amitryptiline.
I've got my wedding ring on a chain around my neck and a cheap adjustable ring in its place on my finger.
Its from my blood results that they've jumped to RA. I know I won't get any conclusive answers until I've seen the rheumatologist and maybe had more tests. I think I just needed to mentally process the wait.
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Yippee - managed to negotiate an urgent appointment for tomorrow!
RA nurse appointment 
New and awaiting appointment. 
First NHS RA appointment soon
GP Appointments
