Rheumy visit today.

[IdasMum]

Learnt something new today at my appointment.

I didn't know (or hadn't taken in) that as someone who is morbidly obese, I should not expect my CRP to get down to what is shown as normal levels.

My CRP is at it's lowest in 3 years currently, I am feeling well, able to do more and down to 9mg. I am planning to head to 8 in another couple of weeks all being well.

She asked me about my swollen hands (which I have put down to arthritis).....she asked had they been like that before the PMR. I said yes, but on reflection they weren't....so, am wondering (her answer was vague) whether the swelling and burning/stabbing pain in my left index finger is connected with PMR and isn't arthritis.

Mark has been ill with Bronchitis for the last 10 days, I have been doing double my workload and coping well. I am looking forward to having him back to normal.....

Thea is not yet 2. We spoke on Skype yesterday.....she's full of energy, playing hiding seek with us and talking loads apparently. We certainly notice a major leap in her language skills since Christmas.

I hope you're all keeping warm and well.

[SheffieldJane]

She’s lovely, so grown up looking now.

I didn’t know that either. I wonder why?

I am so glad that you are feeling well and coping with extra stresses and strains. My arthritis is really kicking off, with swelling in my knees. I am putting all my pain down to that at present. I have painful fingers too, there are cleaning products and shower products , I just can’t use because it hurts to squeeze the bottles.

Just sent a large paddling pool to my grandchildren in Australia, they are currently experiencing a heat wave. Take care!

[IdasMum in reply to SheffieldJane]

I am luckier than you. Mine is just localised around thumb and index, mainly on left and nothing of note in other areas of my body (so far).

Yes, cleaning products and personal care products are hard to squeeze, even the toothpaste sometimes. I take the lid off my shampoo so I can carefully pour it.

I have a pump dispenser in the shower for gel and I just refill it each time.

Those thin polythene covers on food that say "Easy open" make me laugh (and swear).

[bunnymom in reply to IdasMum]

I hate the "easy" twist off tops!

[borednow in reply to SheffieldJane]

Morning - I have replied to IdasMum with info on gadget for opening screw tops etc.. Hope it's useful. I can even open bottle of bleach now!! Whole new world opened up.

[Daisychain12 in reply to SheffieldJane]

115f here tomorrow 😱😱

[York54]

So good to hear you are feeling so well. Your grandaughter looks a delight.

I too suffer with very painful hands, fingers and wrists. Despite, X-rays and scans they tell me there is no inflammation ( arthritis), I struggle with fine motor control. Easing off a wee bit since up to 9 mg.

[IdasMum in reply to York54]

Is there any noticeable swelling to see? I have swollen, fluidy 'pads' below the index and middle fingers. My GP friend and my Dr say this is arthritis but the rheumy just confused me yesterday.

I haven't noticed them being worse since dropping to 9mg. Will pay attention and see what 8mg does in a few weeks.

I find some pain relief using Magnesium spray, and sometimes I'll use Immortelle or Yarrow essential oil in a carrier oil. All of them can be quite soothing if anything is going to work.

[York54 in reply to IdasMum]

I have swollen pads that look fluidy on my knuckles. When it's really painful I cannot bend my fingers at all on waking. I have had physio advice at the hospital. When I have a flare it's my hands that are painful first befor my neck and shoulders. Saw my rheumy 2 weeks ago, CRP 3 and ESR10. Now on 9mg for 2 months then reduce 1 mg monthly also trying 200 mg hydroxychloroquin once a day as a steroid sparer!! Before Xmas told I'm now diabetic so began metformin!! Oh dear , things don't improve all the tome do they??

[IdasMum in reply to York54]

Good luck with your reductions. Not sure how to read your CRP as mine is in France and looks much higher.

I am getting my blood sugar checked again in 2 weeks.....I am thinking I may be prescribed Metformin unless our lower carb regime of last 4 months has helped.

[Telian]

Beautiful photograph of Thea.

It does get difficult deciphering what causes what for us - this weather doesn't help either. Hope you get back to normal soon. x

[PMRpro Ambassador]

I had stabbing burning pain in my hands with PMR - tenosynovitis. And RS3PE syndrome is often part of/alongside PMR and it causes swelling.

[York54 in reply to PMRpro]

I have had xray and scan on my right shoulder. Scan today. The doctor said I have some arthritis but was pointing to the student saying evidence here and here of effects of long term use of steroids on muscles and tendons. He also said although unusual, you can have pain on one side. I use my right hand arm the most the muscles are letting me know. As usual since raising my pres dose the pain has diminished!!! 2 weeks ago I couldn't raise my arm to shoulder height.😕😕

[IdasMum]

Well that's really useful! I looked up both on Google and don't have (at least not to the degree that some of the images portray) RS3PE! thank goodness.

Tenosynovitis sounds far more like it....and I often find immobilising with a splint helpful.

Over time I have become very careful about how I use the forefinger when working in the kitchen, typing etc.

Thanks.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to IdasMum]

Yes - bending the affected fingers was excruciating so not using them when having a flare was required! It happens occasionally even now - but is far better after I have a flare and up the pred to manage that.

[bunnymom]

Thea looks like a girl who's full of fun. Two is such an interesting age. They carry on conversation without us being able to understand most of it. At least my grandson does!

[IdasMum in reply to bunnymom]

She'll be 2 in early April. She seems much older to me

[bunnymom]

It seems we've known them always doesn't it? ❤️

[Jackoh]

Thea looks great and full of fun. Pleased that you seem to be coping with extra stresses - gives hope! Yes hard to distinguish different problems and know exactly what is going on! X

[borednow]

Post for all of us with difficulties opening screw top "stuff". I have a magic gismo which has proved to be one of the most useful gadgets since PMR. Researched it on Amazon UK and found an ANWENK Nutcracker heavy duty walnut cracker and opener, priced at £12.89. Looks identical to mine and it says it can be used for other things (think I found it under bottle openers). Mine was bought to open champagne bottles but that was a long time ago!! It has proved invaluable for all things with screw tops including bleach bottles, milk bottles etc., etc..

Beautiful little girl ...........

[piglette in reply to borednow]

I got a jar opener recently from Amazon, Brabantia Universal Opener, I was having real trouble opening jars in spite of an old jar opener I already had, I decided to lash out and am so pleased that I can now open jars again.

[karools16]

Darling little girl. Healthy cheeks and lovely blue eyes. x

[Daisychain12]

Beautiful darling little girl!! Are you feeling any better Idasmum? Here’s a massive hug xxxx