Stroke

paulch

Hi i am new here. i had a stroke 3 yrs ago which left me with ltd use in my left side, but over the last 6 months the joints in my right hand specially the upper thumb and forfinger have swelled and become stiff, my doctor says this could be OR or maybe RA as this has been in my family. Any suggestions on what i can do the main prroblen is righting . paulch

elnafinn

Hi Paul

Welcome to the forum. I am so sorry to hear about the limited use you now have on your left side. You could do without anything happening to your hand, can't you? I would get a diagnosis on whether you have OA or RA for starters. Have you had any xrays, blood tests or seen a hand specialist or rheumatologist?

There are steroid injections that can be given and often they relieve the pain and swelling. This is not a solution to the problem but can help. I understand you can also have a hand splint made up which is either used when at rest or in the day too. Pain killers and anti inflammatory drugs help too.

I wish you well and do hope that you post again soon. We are all here to try to help each other and offer sympathy. We do understand on as we all suffer from some form of arthritis to a greater or lesser degree.

Look after yourself

Luv
Elna x

paulch

:? i am too have blood tests tomorrow ,no mention of x rays as of yet. On my left stroke side i have a splint which pushes my fingers a little strait. i assune a splint for my right hand would be a similar gadget, is this somwthing i get with the nhs or privat.
Thanks for your help so far. paulch

frogmorton

Hi Paul
I see you met Elna Welcome from me too.
Elna has, as usual given you the best advice. Once you have the bloods results you can be given the right meds to help you.
You may also be referref to a rheumatologist or orthopaedic surgeon if apropriate or even for xrays/physio.
They should be able to sort you out with a splint on the NHS - there are I think 2 types resting and working splints.
I too look forward to seeing you post agin
Take care
Toni xx

woodbon

Hello, Glad to have you on the forum! Sorry that you are having these problems. Is your GP sending you to see a rheummatologist or is he doing any blood tests first? If you have got ra, their are drugs that can help you a lot. But you need to go to see someone first for a diagnosis, but its very early days and sometimes it takes a while for them to work out whats going on. If you want to talk to someone, the helpline number at the top of the page is a good place to start. They'll be able to give you some advice about what tests you may have etc.

I could be that its something to do with the stroke. I remember havine to take my Mother in Law to the physio for a while to get her arm sorted out after she had a stroke. Maybe it would be worth mentioning phyiso to your GP, as hes the one that will need to refer you.

Good luck and I hope that you soon get sorted out!
Love Sue

sharmaine

Hi Paul

Sorry to hear about your stroke.

My youngest brother had a major stroke when he was 33 - we nearly lost him. He was in a coma for a month - regrettably he has never been able to return to work. His short term memory is terrible. However, he writes but with great difficulty and remembers things from our childhood that I can't recall! He has OA in his right knee and in his hands. My eldest brother is the only one who seems to have escaped arthritis.

Maybe you need to have some xrays? See your GP for help/advice.

Take care
Sharmaine

paulch wrote:

Hi i am new here. i had a stroke 3 yrs ago which left me with ltd use in my left side, but over the last 6 months the joints in my right hand specially the upper thumb and forfinger have swelled and become stiff, my doctor says this could be OR or maybe RA as this has been in my family. Any suggestions on what i can do the main prroblen is righting . paulch

paulch

Thank you all for your replys i feel more relaxed on the info you have gave me especially about some you with stroke expeirance.
Yes doc did say x ray will follow after the esr , rh factor and crp tests are done, i will need some aid soon i fear as the upper right thumb joint is very inflamed causing me probs at work although they are very sympathatic.i should mention that my toes have spurs too which are now painfull, Still i awaite results , one thing for sure its some type of arthritis, thanks all paulch

paulch

Hi just to say i had letter from surgery today saying i neededto make an appointment for the doc ref my blood tests, i have rang the surgery and have been told indications is that may well have RA
I am to see my doc next weds for discussion on treatment.
i must say today my thumb and four finger and stroke side have become a little inflamed causing probs holding things, still i will ask for advise once i know what is happening . tc all

frogmorton

Hi Paul
Well I don't know what to say really. At least you will get the right treatment now.
All the best Paul - do let us know how you get on
Love
Toni x

paulch

frogmorton wrote:

Hi Paul
Well I don't know what to say really. At least you will get the right treatment now.
All the best Paul - do let us know how you get on
Love
Toni x

Hi all went to docs today for blood results after battling the awfull ice and snow !
It seems my ESR AND CRP blood tests show a level of infection indicating a type of RA, i am to have x rays and more blood tests
i feel very tired and like i have flu type symptoms the doctor has just told me for now to rest, the main discomfort is in my upper thumb and fingers, is thier any extra advise you can give me on this .
thanks . paulg

gickygawky

[Hi Paul,

It's good to see you have found us all on the forum.

Other than trying to rest I would suggest experimenting with applying something warm or cool to the affected area.
I always find that a hot water bottle on my hands help however others on this site find relief by using something cold.

Putting a positive spin on your diagnosis - Now that you have an idea of what is going on you will be able to work towards fine tuning a treatment that works best for you which will help avoid further problems down the line.

When you have the time do let us know how you are getting on.

Arna x



quote="paulch"]

frogmorton wrote:

Hi Paul
Well I don't know what to say really. At least you will get the right treatment now.
All the best Paul - do let us know how you get on
Love
Toni x

Hi all went to docs today for blood results after battling the awfull ice and snow !
It seems my ESR AND CRP blood tests show a level of infection indicating a type of RA, i am to have x rays and more blood tests
i feel very tired and like i have flu type symptoms the doctor has just told me for now to rest, the main discomfort is in my upper thumb and fingers, is thier any extra advise you can give me on this .
thanks . paulg[/quote]

skezier

Hi Paul,

Sorry you are having a rough time just now. I hope they will soon get you xrayed and start you on some treatment cus that should help with some of the stiffness and pain.

When they have a better idea on whats going wrong they might think splints could help? I just hope you don't have to wait too long for some definite answers. Take care Cris

paulch

Good Morning all thanks for your replys. i am to have the special x ray next thursday so should know somwthing soon, hope ypu all having a nice christmas, tc paul