PUFFY HAND?!

emmarose33
emmarose33 Member Posts: 86
edited 12. Aug 2009, 06:23 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,
Sorry to be so absent and uninvolved, then just pop on asking for help when I need it. I have been busy moving house etc, so haven't been on in a while. I would really appreciate your advice though.
I have RA, and have been on Prednisolone since April (with a break of a few weeks). Recently I was on 10mg, but things started flaring and had to increase to 20mg.
I have been having headaches, and feeling generally a bit weird. 3 Days ago dropped to 15mg.
Yesterday my hand started to swell, and I was unsure if it was swelling round the joint or some sort of water retention from the pred.
Now my whole right hand is very puffy. It aches terribly. I assume this is a side-effect of pred. . . and not joint inflammation. I will call my GP later.
Has anyone had this? Do you know how to ease it? It feels really really uncomfortable, and it's in my right hand, making it barely functional, which is very annoying since I have a toddler and two brand new kittens to take care of!
Thanks a lot.
Emma x

Comments

  • karinak
    karinak Member Posts: 113
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    emmarose33 wrote:
    Hi,
    Sorry to be so absent and uninvolved, then just pop on asking for help when I need it. I have been busy moving house etc, so haven't been on in a while. I would really appreciate your advice though.
    I have RA, and have been on Prednisolone since April (with a break of a few weeks). Recently I was on 10mg, but things started flaring and had to increase to 20mg.
    I have been having headaches, and feeling generally a bit weird. 3 Days ago dropped to 15mg.
    Yesterday my hand started to swell, and I was unsure if it was swelling round the joint or some sort of water retention from the pred.
    Now my whole right hand is very puffy. It aches terribly. I assume this is a side-effect of pred. . . and not joint inflammation. I will call my GP later.
    Has anyone had this? Do you know how to ease it? It feels really really uncomfortable, and it's in my right hand, making it barely functional, which is very annoying since I have a toddler and two brand new kittens to take care of!
    Thanks a lot.
    Emma x

    Hi Emma, Sorry about your hand, I have just been diagnosed with RA, Im 46 and also have a 4 yr old!, i have puffy hands that look like ive been in the boxing ring and really playing up with stiffness in the morning, im yet to get medication as not going to hospital 1st appt until next week!, i have had to grin and bear it with ibroprufen, but been told its inflammation by GP, SORRY!
    Hope all goes well
    Take care Karina x
  • janie68
    janie68 Member Posts: 1,186
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Emma,

    I too have a right puffy hand, hurts alot, told by rheumy nurse that it is the RA. I put mine in a splint to rest it and also use my wheat bag too which helps with the pain.

    Cant do the housework though... (shame... :lol: )

    Janie