Be gentle with me, especially my thumbs!

bairn4sure · 10. Jun 2009, 14:22

Hi, I'm brand new to this forum and relatively new to osteoarthritis. Towards the end of last year I was diagnosed with OA in both thumbs. Following x-rays to confirm and the application of various lotions, potions, heat/cold applications etc etc, nothing helped and I decided to have private treatment and paid £1000 for injections. These were made under x-ray conditions in an operating theatre so that the surgeon could see exactly where the needle was going. For the next two weeks there was some relief but then the pain came back as bad as ever. The surgeon says I am among the 40% for whom the injections don't work and that there are only two options left ie painkillers or bone fusion. I don't fancy the latter one little bit and to be fair he said I was nowhere near that position. This leaves painkillers and because of stomach problems I can only take co-codamol. I don't like their side effects and will only take them as a last resort. It may be my imagination but I think the pain is becoming even worse.
My reason for writing this is that I find it hard to believe in this day and age that the only thing I can look forward to is 24/7 pain. Can anybody advise please eg is there any evidence that acupuncture can help. I will try anything!! Many thanks in advance.

lindalegs · 10. Jun 2009, 14:45

Hi B4S

Welcome to the Forum although I'm sorry for your predicament.

Have you thought of a Tens machine to relieve the pain? I haven't got one as I'm responding to my meds, but I know there are people on here who use them and find it very helpful for pain relief.

Hopefully someone else can advise your better than I.

Luv Legs

jaspercat · 10. Jun 2009, 15:02

Hi, I have had Acupuncture for back pains, worked well for that, not sure about whether it works for OA, I also have a Tens machine, which I find very good, I am sure that other people will be along soon with other advice love Jaspercatxx

ritwren · 10. Jun 2009, 15:14

bairn4sure wrote:

Hi, I'm brand new to this forum and relatively new to osteoarthritis. Towards the end of last year I was diagnosed with OA in both thumbs. Following x-rays to confirm and the application of various lotions, potions, heat/cold applications etc etc, nothing helped and I decided to have private treatment and paid £1000 for injections. These were made under x-ray conditions in an operating theatre so that the surgeon could see exactly where the needle was going. For the next two weeks there was some relief but then the pain came back as bad as ever. The surgeon says I am among the 40% for whom the injections don't work and that there are only two options left ie painkillers or bone fusion. I don't fancy the latter one little bit and to be fair he said I was nowhere near that position. This leaves painkillers and because of stomach problems I can only take co-codamol. I don't like their side effects and will only take them as a last resort. It may be my imagination but I think the pain is becoming even worse.
My reason for writing this is that I find it hard to believe in this day and age that the only thing I can look forward to is 24/7 pain. Can anybody advise please eg is there any evidence that acupuncture can help. I will try anything!! Many thanks in advance.

Sorry to hear you have OA and are finding pain control difficult. When I was first diagnosed I too thought that in this day and age pain relief would not be much of a problem. Not true in my case or in a lot of others from the sounds of things. But, to answer your question, I've had acupuncture for neck and back and hand pain and it's been amazing for my neck. It's definately worth a go I'd be lost without it. I still have it regularly for my back/knees/hands whichever is giving me the most bother at that time. The physio at my local hospital gives me mine. It's free under the NHS and important to go to someone reputable.
I belileve it could help with your thumb pain.
I've also got a TENS machine which is great for lower back pain and was recommended to me by my physio, she let me try one for a week before I ordered one for myself. I take solpadol 30/500 and Tramadol for pain and I agree with you that the side effects can put you off but needs must.
Finding this site has been invaluable to me and although I don't post very often I visit most days.
Best of luck.
rita

elnafinn · 10. Jun 2009, 15:28

Hi there

I have osteo arthritis in my thumbs and had had this for around 18 years I suppose. The base of my thumbs are deformed and have been for many years and don't look too pretty but I can still use them ok. Sometimes I drop things but not that often and have lost some strength in them as well. I can do gardening and grip but as I said, some strength has gone. I do get pain but only intermittently and sometimes not for months on end. This can happen. I asked a surgeon once how bad will the deformity get and he said you are already there. I sincerely hope so.

I find steroid injections work for a time but you can only have so many of them a year. I take inflammatory tablets which help with OA in other places, but choose not to take co codomol unless desperate as they do not really dull the pain and one of the side effects is constipation. I used to get on really well with coproxamol but these are very difficult to get hold of since there were a few cases of overdosing with them. :roll:

I have had similar injections that you are talking about in my neck but they did not last as long as I expected them to.

Why not try acupuncture - we are all different and it may well work for you. I have had acupunture, not for my hands, but my neck but I did not have any long lasting effects from it, lovely though it is.

What about splints for your thumbs? Even if you only use them at night. Worth a try perhaps. I have never used them.

I hope you find something to ease the pain. If you do, please let me know, although as I say, OA thumb pain does wax and wain as time goes by. That probably does not help you one jot at the moment, though.

For me, the deformity of the thumbs at the base looks ugly but I do not suffer that much pain from them and am able to use them ok. For me it could be worse and I am grateful I can use them fine.

I wish you well,

Elna

tanith · 10. Jun 2009, 15:31

I have had O/A in my thumbs for 15yrs also have it many other joints... nothing really relieves the pain. You could try a wrist splint which fits over the thumb also and supports that area it does give some relief.
I have been taking Rose-Hip tablets for 4 months now and have had good results with them... worth a try....

bairn4sure · 10. Jun 2009, 17:05

Thank you very much to each and every one of you who has responded to my post so quickly and with such kind consideration. I have taken great comfort from your replies and do not feel so alone with this problem.
I have taken on board every piece of advice and appreciate you sharing your experiences. I will try the remedies you have suggested and will let you know in due course if anything works for me.
Again, many thanks and best wishes to you all.

woodbon · 10. Jun 2009, 17:33

Hello, glad you've found the forum, its a great place for advice and information or just to 'let of steam'! I have oa in my thumbs and wrists and this is all that is left in my hands, after carpel tunnel surgery last week. I also have it in my neck and spine, but sometimes the thumbs are the things that keep me awake.

It sounds as if you've looked into your options, but have you tried either heat or cold packs on them or soaking your hands in hot water. I find heat best, but some people prefer cold, its just a choice. also my haidresser uses a support she bought from the Chemist and she says it helps her a lot.

I hope you find something to try before surgery and it gives you some help. Love Sue

michael7272 · 14. Jun 2009, 10:03

Post deleted as it is aiming to sell a miracle juice

Moderator
YEH

bairn4sure · 14. Jun 2009, 11:03

Hi,
My thanks to Sue and Michael who responded after my original thank you note. I will definitely be following up your recommendations.
I am so heartened by the replies I have had and it certainly helps to share a problem.
I am off tomorrow to a little Greek Island for a couple of weeks and I'm hoping that the warmth there will help - or is that another myth!
Best wishes and thanks again to all.
Jim

Be gentle with me, especially my thumbs!

Comments

Categories