Should I stay (home) or should I go (doctors)???

teresalatham

Hi, I am new to this forum but unfortunately not new to pain, stiffness and confusion!
I was diagnosed with psoriatic and osteoarthritis about 6 years ago and Fibromyalgia last year and have been on the emotional roller coaster ever since.
That said I am in a reasonable place, mentally, at the minute after having some excellent CBT and understanding husband and employers.
I currently take amitriptyline and duloxetine for Fibro and codeine for pain.

At my last consultation with the rheumatologist we agreed to stop the hydroxychloroquine as we thought most of the pain was due to the Fibro.

I have been off the hydroxychloroquine for about 10 weeks and have noticed an increase in pain and fatigue but nothing that’s floored me yet!

Now the question I have is..... I have developed a couple of lumps on the second knuckle of both my ring fingers, they were mildly painful to start but don’t hurt at all now. I have, obviously, read up and I am now concerned that this could be an indication that it’s Rheumatoid arthritis. Should I go to the docs the rheumatologist or just stay home and count my blessings that they don’t cause more pain!!

Thanks for listening


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[Deleted User]

HI Teresa,
Welcome to the forum.
Sorry to hear about your concerns that you may be developing rheumatoid arthritis in your fingers.
You mention that you've already done some reading but you may find some further useful information here: https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/conditions/rheumatoid-arthritis/

It might also be worth contacting our helpline for their advice on 0800 520 0520 (open Mon-Fri).

I'm sure that other forum members will be able to offer you the benefit of their experiences.

All the best
ChrisB
Website Moderator

helpline_team

Hi Teresa
Thanks for your post to Helplines.
I must apologise for the delay in our team replying to your post.
If you are concerned about what's happened to your fingers, this is something to raise with the rheumatology team. (You might mention this to the specialist nurses.)
If you already have a diagnosis of psoriatic arthritis, & osteoarthritis, if something such as this occurs, it may be more likely that either of those two pre-existing conditions might be explored as being associated.
Here at the Helpline we are not medically trained, so cannot give you individual medical advice.
All the best
Guy