Is it moving?!

scarlettmarie

So I have had RA for 23 years now since I was 2 and have always pretty much just had it in my knees. Over the last year since finding what seems to be the right meds to combat my knees I started getting problems in my left hand. Then a couple of weeks ago I had an intramuscual steroid injection to combat the left hand problem, it now seems that I am having similar but worse problems in my right hand, I am struggling to cut things, hold a toothbrush or even a pen, which as a teacher is a little bit of a problem. Any insight to what might be happening or what I can do to help as the winter creep in? thanks xx

dreamdaisy

I do know that arthritis is a progressive disease and it can go on to affect more joints - I started with one affected joint, now it's circa sixteen on a daily basis and up to thirty one when I flare (I have PA). What meds are you on? DD

wibberley

I was just like you from the age of 7 to 42 - knees were the only problem really, but in the last 2 years my shoulders, elbows, wrists, fingers and ankles have all been affected. Funnily enough the knees have been fine!

Since going on dmards, it's all calmed down again - was worrying though!

I've asked a few docs and rheummy's why this has happened and I'm afraid they just shrugged their shoulders, and of course, once you're past the age of 40 they put everything down to ageing. You're a lot younger than me so don't accept that!

Lois x

scarlettmarie

dreamdaisy wrote:

I do know that arthritis is a progressive disease and it can go on to affect more joints - I started with one affected joint, now it's circa sixteen on a daily basis and up to thirty one when I flare (I have PA). What meds are you on? DD

I am on leflunomide, have been for a few month after trying s few others with no success.x

dreamdaisy

I had lef a few years ago - not a success, I have to say. There are other options out there, but I hope this works for you. I wish you well. DD