Seizing Up - Soft Tissue Swelling

donnas

Hello all.

Last Friday night I developed a soft tissue swelling on the back of my right hand, just above the wrist, in the centre, about the size of an egg yolk. By Saturday morning I was in agony and couldn't move my hand at all without excruciating pain. My usual pattern of flare ups is that my right hand, swiftly followed by my left become stiffer and more painful to the point of becoming useless paws. I rest them for a couple of days (with extreme difficulty) and they improve.

What I was wondering was - has anyone else had this type of swelling? Never had that before. I took a photo with my mobile to show my rheumatologist when I go back next month. I'd show you the photo but it's a bit scary.

Am much better now, still sore and stiff but able to function again.

carola

Hello

Sorry to hear of the swelling.

I had similar about a year ago around the time of my diagnosis. It looks well weird and a bit scary doesn't it?

Mine lasted for about a week each time.

I was diagnosed with Poly Arthritis and SLE (a form of Lupus).

I haven't experienced the lump thing for quite a few months now since taking steriods and all the other meds.

That is a good idea about taking photos on your mobile to show Rheumy as it is always the same that each time you go to Rheumy all the lumps and bumps will have disappeared!

Let us know how you get on.

Carol

donnas

Thank you for your reply! I was diagnosed with RA 24 years ago, and I guess I'm reasonably lucky as my symptoms have been relatively mild for a long time. The flares are shortlived but restricting and scary. This time round I had good friends looking out for me, which was lucky as my cats are pretty useless (although comforting if I can get them to lie on my sore bits and purr as they're like animated hot bottles).

Over the many years of review and monitoring I've been told that I have mixed connective tissue disease, RA, elements of fibromyalgia, weird antibodies, might develop into lupus &c &c. I suppose there are so many forms of seropositive arthritis. I wish I fitted into a category so I could get the appropriate treatment. Currently struggling with sulfasalazine (it makes me nauseous at therapeutic dose), and I can't take anti inflammatories anymore. My Rheumatologists aren't great, I'm working my way round the department trying to find one who will listen to me and explain rather than telling me I'm neurotic and to just take the drugs!

Anyway, enough ranting, glad to know that someone else recognises the symptom!

frogmorton

Hi Donna

That DOES sound scary.

I do hope it goes off and away really soon for you. I only ever had anyting like that once when I had had a blood test in the back of my hand but that was obviously why.

In your case not so obvious - I hope the cats are ok, mine is right here next to me chlling.

Good luck with finding someone to help you

Love

Toni xx

donnas

Thank you dears. I've now been playing the flugel horn with both my splints on - so glad my wrists are a bit better, but that big blob of swelling was deeply wrong and strange. My hand didn't look like my hand. Creepy stuff as well as painful.

julie47

Hi donnas

I have had a swelling at the top of my wrist for a few years. Size of a egg yolk and is full of fluid. It is really squashy and sometimes my wrists really ache....My hands and wrists are very mis-shaped though.


I hope your egg yolk disappears soon.
If you are concerned at all I would make an appointment with your gp or mention it to rhummy nurse next time you see her.

take care juliepf x

skezier

Hi Donna,

I got one as well though mine is hard though clearly fluid and its something to do with the ligaments and tendons joining the bones i think in my case.

It makes the arm hurt a bit but its not got any bigger, though no smaller either.

i think its just sadly what this bone shift does but I would mention it the next time you see someone cus it might be they will change your meds a bit to try and help it?

I got swelling in the hands as well again its all pert of it unfortunately in my case. Hope it will back off for you and give you a break soon. Cris x

donnas

Question: How do you get a rheumatology nurse? My hospital doesn't appear to be offering me one. I had one when I was first diagnosed but last time I was given a number it was for a different clinic and she passed me onto my local nurse who indicated that as I wasn't on her books she wasn't obliged to do anything. BUGGER.

The swelling has gone, went down in about 48 hours but I'm still sorer and stiffer than usual and my DMARD situation isn't brilliant (see above).

donnas

And thank you all, you lovely understanding, helpful people.

skezier

Hi Donna,

Good question..... I have never had one though am seeing one on Monday cus they are showing me how to use the mtx jabs but maybe if you ask your rumo they might be able to help with the nurse question?

Sulfa and I didn't get on too well.... got a lot of side effects and then got a reaction but they should listen to you flower.

glad the swelling has gone down and with a bit of luck the pain will back off as well. Cris x

donnas

My experience of rheumatology since my old prof retired has been pretty dreadful to be honest.

My consultant makes me cry, tells me I'm imagining things, and is incredibly defensive every time I ask him a question. I tell him I feel like **** and he tells me that it can't be possible - these are good drugs. I saw a different doctor who gave me a joint injection which has permanently made my big toe on my right foot worse. And no rheumatology nurse.

The last doc I saw was a bit scatterbrained, but she took time to listen and explain, so I might see her if I can, if the registrar isn't back from maternity leave yet - she's my favourite, but I'd imagine she'll move on.

MUST STOP MOANING.

valval

i phoned hospital i attend and asked to be put through to consultants sectary she put me through to nurse who could answer question still do not know her name or extension number they always say any problems get in touch but do not give you a number lol

woodbon

Hi Sorry about the egg yolk. You sound as if you need to see someone, don't let it go on!! :eek: I hope it gets better soon for you, it does sound nasty. love Sue xxx