Today's trip to GP

mrsshazbat

Well, that's just confused me! Admittedly, it was a locum GP and I had taken a painkiller this morning so couldn't really illustrate the amount of pain I'm getting in my hand.

Anyhoo, he said he didn't think it was arthritis in my hand but carpal tunnel syndrome - which apart from been a touch-typist for work/hobby for most of my 40 years, is also a side effect of thyroid treatment which I'm also on. It is something I've thought about, especially as I've experienced tingling in bed at night so have been careful to try not to lay on it. He's recommended just taking one Diclofenac, and taking co-codamol in addition to it, and told me to invest in a proper wrist-and-thumb splint which I need to wear in bed and for at least a month.

I'm seeing my regular GP in a couple of weeks to follow up on my thyroid treatment, as I only started on it at the end of May, so will discuss it with her and not take a painkiller so I can illustrate the pain better. I'm not saying the locum is wrong, but he was a bit more dismissive of the arthritis than I would have liked.

stickywicket

It can be a bit confusing when someone comes up with a diagnosis that we just feel doesn't seem to fit. At least you see your usual GP again in a couple of weeks and can get a second opinion. It might help if, in the meantime, you keep a pain diary of what, where and when and, yes, I do find it helpful to be in pain for important appointments :roll: It's all to easy to forget if it's not there.

Tubby

If you don't think you have the full picture keep going. After being told by my GP I may never know why I was in pain so "just accept it and keep taking the diclofenac", I made another appointment with another GP and politely insisted on being referred to a Rheumatology Consultant. It wasn't well received but I was referred. Within 5 minutes of the appointment with the Consultant, I was diagnosed with Psoriatic Arthritis..... Not sorted yet but at least being treated with respect and care. It may take some determination but be persistent and good luck

deedeeitsme

Don't they like to confuse us with the yes it is-no it isn't saga. Thats why I try to stick to one gp now who knows my history. He even gets down on his hands and knees and takes my shoes off to check my feet because he knows I can't bend very well .

x Dee x

mrsshazbat

I suppose it doesn't help that I moved house and changed Practices at Christmas. My problem is I talk too much when I'm in there, and don't listen enough.

My original PA diagnosis was a good 15+ years ago so at least I still have that, although there has been a huge gap in flare-ups between then and this year! I've ordered my splint and hopefully it will be here on Monday or Tuesday.

Just had to ask for assistance in the supermarket for the first time this morning :roll:

friarygirl

hi, hope the splint helps and if it is carpel tunnel and or arthritis somebody can help sort it soon. sometimes there is no magic answers and the frustration of things taking time is hard isnt it. as for thyroid issues have had 19 yrs of this and so can say that can be a roller coaster ride too. happy to chat more about it if you like- pm me. FG

mrsshazbat

Thanks FG. My first splint was a cheap-ish one and I'm already fed up with it. It irritates me and makes my arm sweat. I've only worn it once in bed so far and, not being used to it, just gave me more discomfort really.

I've got a more expensive one on order now, whether it's any better remains to be seen but otherwise I'm just managing and putting up with any discomfort (perhaps stupidly)

marrianne

Hi mirsshaz,Carpel tunnel is one of the many problems associated with arthrit c/is which ever flavour and other illnesses to also the memopause can bring it on ,there is a definitive test useing electric impulses pretty painless ask if you could be on a waiting list for this , then it wil either get better spontaneously or not ..... but at least you are going to be seen ,oneor the other a steroid jab in my shoulder cured some hand arm tingles and pain good luck Marrianne

dreamdaisy

I have low-level PsA in my hands and was recently diagnosed with carpal tunnel in both wrists (that's where the channel narrows and presses on the carpal nerve). I was issued working splints by the hospital and I wear them at night. They have made such a difference I'm feeling the trouble has gone BUT I know I have to contact the GP because I've had the tests that Marianne mentioned and the results are in. The GP has to refer me to orthopaedics for an assessment as my rheumatologist couldn't. I must get around to it! I was surprised that I was issued working splints but according to the booklet that came with them they are the right ones for the job. I wish you well. DD