results and living with stroke

paulch
paulch Member Posts: 103
edited 21. Jan 2010, 14:16 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi some weeks ago i mentioned i had to have blood tests and x rays on my hands as a blood showed inflamation and may have been RA. Been to docs today and he has said that i have OA. tHE BAD NEWS is that i am now diabetic, plus i have vascular disease
The OS is very bad in my good right hand ( left side is stroke disabled) mainly in upper thumb and fingers , the doc said he cannot give me any anti inflamitry drugs because of other meds i take, but has given me a algesal cream to use
i find if my thumb is straight it is less painfull and i wounder if a splint would be usefull
any coments or help i will be helpfull
tc paulch

Comments

  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi there Paul!

    I am sorry to read that things are not too good for you and you really did not want to be diagnosed as a diabetic - as if you do not have more than enough to contend with.

    If you feel that a splint may be beneficial I believe an OT can help you with that. Could you possibly have trigger thumb? If this is the case a small operation puts pay to that. I had that done with both thumbs. I find wrapping my hands in a heated wheatbag helps me with the discomfort as and when they play up.

    Take care
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 30,337
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Paul
    Well I suppose at least you know what is going on now I suppose.
    Elna is right a splint might help. The GP can refer you, so that could be sorted out easy enough. You can also buy your own if you are flush from most larger chemists.
    Shame about the anti-inflm=ams but better not to risk any other complications eh?
    Hope you are doing ok at getting yoyur head round it all
    Love
    Toni x
  • Wonkylegs
    Wonkylegs Member Posts: 3,504
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    HI Paul,

    sorry that you have more to think about .... it's never easy doing this meds juggling act is it?

    I have been referred to OT's twice in the past .... once by my GP and once recently by my rheumy nurse. (I go in two weeks for my assessment)

    I am supposed to be getting assessed for different splints - if they think they would help - and apparently they can custom make splints for specific tasks or hand conditions.

    I would suggest you look into that as whatever helps is worth it !
  • paulch
    paulch Member Posts: 103
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    :) THanks for replies , i think a splint will be needed as the thumb and now also on my stroke hand are painfull to move,the cream i got to today does help but wheres off,
    i should say that i am 55 so is this fairly young with you all ?
    tc. paulg
  • elnafinn
    elnafinn Member Posts: 7,412
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Paul

    I am 59 now. Diagnosed around the age of 40 with oa but on recently reading letters I sent to my mum and dad my knee and sciatica started up off and on at the age of 35 but as it came and went I kind of dismissed it but arthritis was in the back of my mind as my mum had already had a new hip by then.

    Look after yourself,
    Elna x
    The happiest people don't have the best of everything. They just make the best of everything.

    If you can lay down at night knowing in your heart that you made someone's day just a little bit better, you know you had a good day.
  • sharmaine
    sharmaine Member Posts: 1,638
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi
    Sorry to hear about your thumb. I can only advise you contact your OT . I sure there are others who will have some great suggestions for you.
    I hope you get some relief soon. It's a real nuisance when your hands hurt and thumbs are so important.
    With regards
    Sharmaine
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi, I get very painful hands sometimes, the left in particular, which is funny as I'm right handed! I have some splints and when the pain is really bad, I where them for an hour of two, maybe an evening watching telly. They really do help, but the physio told me not to wear them for too long as it can make the muscles weak.

    My hands have been clumsy today, knocking things over and not being able to pick them up without pain. :?
    Love Sue
  • chile168
    chile168 Member Posts: 384
    edited 30. Nov -0001, 00:00
    Hi Paul, sorry to hear about your news. I too have severe pain in my thumb (right hand). Wish I could suggest something but unfortunately I have not found anything so far. If I come across anything I will let you know.

    I sometimes get ideas from back home (Chile) as people over there try anything. So will keep eyes peeled.
    Take care
    Eve x

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