ok I admit it... new aches

nearlybionic
nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
edited 7. Jun 2010, 09:33 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi
I have been `pretending` this isn`t happening, and hoping that if i ignored it , it would go away!! I have been noticing pain in my hands/knuckles. I can`t see any major swelling really but the pain is affecting my driving re changing gears. I also think it makes my grip weaker when it starts. It isn`t there all the time but, boy does it hurt when it does.
Also (sorry to moan), my left ankle is stiff and painful, especially in the mornings. I haven`t injured it , and it doesn`t really help to rest it as the morning when i wake up it is at its worst.
I need to bite the bullet and see my GP, but i don`t want to know really. I am having good and bad days with my (non THR ) hip. I feel it give way when walking, due to the dysplasia, but am not ready for more surgery (PAO) yet. It is 3 months since my last op and I am trying to get some sort of normality again (whatever that is!!)
Any helpful hints welcome.
NB

Comments

  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Poor you. I hate to sound too techy, but I think you should consider contacting your driving insurance people regardng this. If you are in a crash, your fault or not, your insurance position could be compromised by the fact you are having trouble with your hands. Ring them to explain that it hasn't happened yet, but you fear your hands may be affected in the future - yes, that's right, lie to them. See what their response is and then determine what to do. My insurers know I am a registered disabled driver and I have legal protection too.

    I am so sorry you are having trouble at the moment. These things do come and go, it's hell when they arrive and they don't leave for ages, or so it seems! Rest as much as you can, I always find that helps. Dreamdaisy
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • valval
    valval Member Posts: 14,911
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    go to doc you might need meds to help mine got bad last year but are much stronger this year depends on what causing it good luck but do not put off to long val
    val
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI NB ...Sorry to hear that you are having more pain {as if we didnt have enough without it spreading}

    I think you should tell your insurance company....This has nothing to do with arthur but I have epilepsy which is well controlled {most people dont have a licence} I do and it has to be renewed every 3 yrs...just a matter of saying no nothing has changed etc.
    But at least if I have an accident the insurance company are aware of it and I'm covered.
    Yes bite the bullet....get yourself to the GP
    Love
    Hileena
  • caravancollie
    caravancollie Member Posts: 66
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi sorry your having pain and weakness in your joints. Seeing the GP is a good idea but you know that. Have no advice but sending lots of hugs x Elaine
  • dorcas
    dorcas Member Posts: 3,516
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB!!

    that bleeping arther......just when you think you've got him cornered he slides past and sets up his stall in another area. :x

    I don't think you've got much option NB but to see the doc...not wanting to push you..but..delay is destructive, and you are not doing yourself any favours by waiting to see if it improves on it's own.

    It may be that you need a change in meds and that in itself could be so effective in hitting arther where it hurts! Also you may benefit from having splints for the sorer times....they also help preserve joints if used wisely.

    the insurance thingy.... I agree best keep yourself right by letting them know. I'd been driving for years with both hands in splints and the insurers only question was 'does your doctor say you are fit to drive'....that was it.

    After my wrist fusion last year I contacted them again...again same question. The only difference was that DVLA got involved when I told them about my op (silly old me). I had a driver assessment and now I am only permitted to drive automatics...no big deal! so don't worry about it... you're a long way off from that and may hopefully never reach it.

    let us know when you see your doc?

    Iris x
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB, sorry that you are having more pain.

    I echo all the advice above - when you are ready see the doc. I know it is scary ... but putting it off means you have it hanging over you... Keep us updated.

    Speedalong
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • skezier
    skezier Member Posts: 11,333
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nearly,

    Is nice to see you but I am sorry to read your post. I do hope its not but well you will have to bite the bullet flower and hopefully its just muscular and all down to your non THR...... Hey when are they dong that one by the way?

    I hope it all eases off and goes away but if not....... Well you must ask fr some ant inflammatories if your not on them and maybe a beefing up of pain meds, again depending what your already on.

    You take care and leaving you a ((( ))) and well you do need to talk to the doctors I am afraid. Its unfair this one. Luv Cris x
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Thanks all.
    i know I need to make plans and see the Gp etc.. Its just admitting it first, and by talking to you I have made the first step. The weakness seems to be after I have been driving/using my hand, well pressure on my palm eg using gear stick etc.. Not very weak but noticeable to me I suppose.
    I will try to get an appointment with Gp and keep you posted.
    Thanks xx
    NB
  • speedalong
    speedalong Member Posts: 3,315
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Well done NB, let's hope you can secure an appointment soon.

    Speedy
    I have had OA since mid twenties. It affects my hips and knees. I had a THR on the left aged 30 and now have a resurface-replacement on the right - done May 2010.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi NB
    Keep posting and let us know what happens

    Love
    Hileena
  • tillytop
    tillytop Member Posts: 3,460
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nearlybionic. Sorry you are struggling so much, but well done for biting the bullet and deciding to make a GP appt. I know you might not want to hear what he tells you but at least you will have an idea of what you are facing. Good luck with the appt - and please do keep us updated. Love Tilly x
  • carola
    carola Member Posts: 786
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Nearly bionic

    Before I was diagnosed with RA I was driving 4 hours a day to and fro work and I noticed my fingers and palms really hurting driving and changing gears was a bit like playing roulette!

    So, I know it is a complete downer that the one thing (a car) that gives you a bit of mobility and more importantly freedom is hurting you.

    Hopefully your GP can improve your meds to give you some relief.

    Sending positive thoughts.
    Carol