Hello, I'm New - Misconceptions

Myjointssuck

My arthritis began the nanosecond I turned 40. By 50, the pain had escalated enough to seek medical attention. My Dr. said " it's arthritis, not really anything we can do about that." By 60, my thumbs were essentially useless and in custom braces to manage the pain.

My new Dr sent me for x-rays, then to an Orthopedic Specialist for my now severe arthritis. One cortisone injection to the base of the thumb and I can use the hand again...I can open jars!

Education about Arthritis is crucial and needs to start with the medical community. I won't get back the decades of unnecessary pain, limited movement and diminished quality of life. Hopefully by sharing our experiences and the collective power of our voices will bring about positive change.

noddingtonpete

Hello @Myjointssuck and welcome to our friendly and supportive Community. I hope that will be your experience as well.

So good to hear that you finally found a doctor who did something about your arthritis. Being able to use your hands must be a great feeling. I have it in my thumbs as well so I know what you mean about jars! Has your doctor suggested Capsaicin cream at all? I used to use it for some light relief but then it got is short supply. I think it is getting easier to get it now on prescription.

https://www.versusarthritis.org/about-arthritis/complementary-and-alternative-treatments/types-of-complementary-treatments/capsaicin/

Please keep posting and let us know how you are getting on and yes, at Versus Arthritis, we are always trying to raise the profile of arthritis.

With best wishes

Peter (moderator)

Trish9556

Hi @Myjointssuck

I'm totally with you on the appalling way we are treated by some medical professionals.

In 2020 I had. Trapeziectomy on my left hand. Last year I went to see the physio attached to the surgery with severe pain and she quite bluntly told I could not possibly be in pain. In that hand and to keep doing the exercises I was given.

In May this year, after not sleeping for a week with chronic pain, i was told by the lead GP at the surgery that I have arthritis, I should be used to living in pain and there was nothing she could do so I should just get used to it

My physio from the msk team was horrified when I told her. Turns out that I not only have osteoarthritis in both hips but I also have gluteal tendinopathy which is extremely painful to

In August I managed to see my named GP and he gave me a half hour appointment.

He sent me for an x-ray on my hand and the result from that was osteonecrosis which basically means the bones are dying as they're getting no oxygen.

He also gave me morphine patches for the pain and sent an urgent referral to the surgeon who did the trapeziectomy.

I had a really good reassuring chat with him and he has told me that he will look after me and understands why I now refuse to see the practice physio and the lead GP.

I couldn't believe I was told to get used to living in pain and it's a good job that it was a phone call and not face to face!

Unfortunately the professionals who can't be bothered seem to overrun those that care and understand.

It would be really good if organisations such as versus arthritis could run refresher courses for medical professionals on the severity of arthritis in all its forms and that it's not just old age and can be managed. These same drs are probably those that insist on diagnosing deme Tia and Alzheimer's as old age forgetfulness but that's another battle which I quite happily fight.

I always say to people if you don't like or agree with the treatment you're being given then you must challenge it. We do not have to just accept it and suffer.

Love n hugs

Trish xx

Myjointssuck

Thank you for sharing your story and I can certainly see the similarities. I am sorry that you had to go through that, but glad it led you to better care.

We all need to advocate for ourselves. It can be exhausting, but it will help us past the dingbats who don't think that the pain is real.