Pain in right hand

[Ruthie64]

I'm currently tapering from a flare of ulcerative colitis. I've managed to get to 11mg and hoping to get to 7.5mg. I was splitting my dose 6am and 2pm but I've got incredible pain in my fingers on my right hand and they swell up and down too. A little swelling in my left hand but no pain. I decided to start taking my full dose of pred in the morning to see if the bigger dose would have an anti inflammatory effect but it seems to have got worse since I've done that? Would I be better off splitting it again. I have sai from long term prednisolone use but I have no issues with low cortisol in the day so makes no difference if I split it or take it all in the morning. It's just the intense pain in my hand. I can't open bottles or jars and struggle to write.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Hands can be affected in PMR, although many doctors don’t seem to appreciate that…but could be osteoarthritis arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis or carpel tunnel syndrome- so probably need medical input.

Now you have posted , you can see related posts…. but have you tried paracetamol or Flexiseq [in case it is arthritis]

[Ruthie64 in reply to DorsetLady]

I take cocodamol 30/500mg but they don't do anything tbh. I can't take nsaids as I have a blood thinning disorder and dysfunctional platelets. Is Flexiseq an NSAID? I've not heard of it before. I'm going to ask my gp for a blood test to test my markers before I see my rheumy in April.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer in reply to Ruthie64]

No it isn't, no drugs in it - see link. Not cheap, but worth a try - and very often on offer -

flexiseq.com/

[PMRpro Ambassador]

So many things it could be so it needs a physical examination by an HCP.

Maybe I'm confused but I can't see from your posts - do you follow us for SAI and pred tapering or do you also have PMR?

[Ruthie64 in reply to PMRpro]

I follow for sai and tapering advice by it I do have fibromyalgia and osteoarthritis.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to Ruthie64]

Thought you did - you're very welcome, I was just checking it wasn't likely to be PMR related.

[Ruthie64 in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you 🙏🏻 I'm going to ask my gp for a full blood test to test my inflammatory markers and rheumatoid factor amongst other things. I was hoping the larger dose in the morning would helped as an anti inflammatory effect but it seems to have got worse so think I'll just go back to 6am and 2pm doses. I'll also try the Flexiseq as suggested by DorsetLady

[tempusfugi]

Hello Ruthie64, I have clicked on 'Follow' for you so that I can see how you get on, if you don't mind, as I am having some trouble with my hands (but nothing like you). Do hope you get something resolved soon.

[Ruthie64 in reply to tempusfugi]

No problem. I've just started using the Flexiseq yesterday. It can take a while to work but I'll keep you posted.

[tempusfugi in reply to Ruthie64]

Many thanks.