argh fingers on the move

gemmapetken

Hi have been diagnosed with RA in hands, hips and knees.

In the last four days my middle and ring fingers seem to be moving! They seem to be twisting round (kinda facing the other ones) and seem to be curving aswell. They are so painful. Is this what happens with RA? Will they go back to normal? At the joint (secong finger joint, not knuckle) seems to be pushed out, is this a node?

Freaking out, they seem to move day by day!!
HELP

Gemma

elnafinn

Hi Gemma

I am sorry to hear about the deterioration in your hands.

I suggest you see an occupational therapist. They can prescribe/custom-make a splint for you which you wear during the day and night to prevent your hands from further deterioration. The OT can provide you with exercises to help the hands function to the best of their ability and teach you how to use heat, cold, and other treatments for pain relief. Ask your gp or rheumy for a referral for occupational therapy. If he/she will not, find a gp who will. Most major hospitals provide Occupational Therapy.

Therapy won't stop the actual disease progression, but if your fingers aren't too contracted yet, splints, exercise, and other therapy treatments can be of great benefit.

I wish you well,

Luv
Elna

petmad

Hi Gemma, sorry things are so bad just now, as Elna advises I would get appointment with OT. I have OA and I got splints for my hands, day and night ones which are a tremendous help with the pain. In your case it would also help to minimise the changes you are seeing happen to your hands. Hope things get better soon. Linda

gemmapetken

thanks

I will try and talk to the rhuemy nurse today, dont know if she can get me an appointment.

Gemma

gemmapetken

hi
just a quick question... is this serious enough to ring up the rheumy nurse and speak to her?

My next appointment is in may. It seems worse in the afternoon.

Gemma :P

elnafinn

gemmapetken wrote:

hi
just a quick question... is this serious enough to ring up the rheumy nurse and speak to her?

My next appointment is in may. It seems worse in the afternoon.

Gemma :P

Hi Gemma

Yes, I think so. That is what the nurse is there for. Give her a call. May is a long time to wait if you are worried about your health and in pain too.

Luv
Elna