Finger joints

debram
debram Member Posts: 115
edited 20. Jun 2013, 14:41 in Living with Arthritis archive
Over the last few weeks Ive had terrible trouble with my right hip and it seems that Im watching lumps growing on my finger joints daily. I have a job to get up once Ive sat down and getting out of the car after even a small journey, I cant walk for a few mins. Ive started to limp.

3 weeks ago my right forefinger started extreme pain-feels like someones pulling strings inside. If I bend it, it hurts to try straighten it and pain is constant. This morning my thumb clicked like it was out of joint and I pushed and pulled and now its clicked


I was diagnosed with PA Jan 2012 and been off work since Feb 2012. Im now on a sebatical until Sep to try and get well or Ive been warned ny contract will be terminated ( 20 yrs working and a long story but despite my gp saying im not fit my O H do not think I qualify for early retirement ill. Health)

Im on 20mg Methotrexate a week ,6 out of 7 days folic acid and 1000mg daily Sulfasalizine was added Oct as the rheumi felt I wasnt responding. Now there are small lumps on most of my fingers (all the ones that are hurting)-the joint in the middle.

In July I had an op for shoulder spurs and bursitis-had an awful painful recovery resulting in frozen shoulder-now have mobility in arm but still pain. Are thse lumps spurs? Im so frightened and upset today.

I have Pa in my toes that make walking painful/both my shoulders have spurs bursitis and frequent pain. But im trying hard to carry on and take Tramadol. I have degenerative arthritis in my knees. My wrists hurt too. I have to get back to work and have even made arrangements to go back part time as I know I cant do full time. Im really concerned now my hands are having problems too. Will anything slow this down?

In Dec I couldnt walk so had an injection that made a fantastic difference. The rheumi wants to get me on anti TNF but of course with the NHS its been a 14 mth wait as you have to trial other meds first. The injection wore off Feb.

Im due to see rhemi in 2 weeks.

Comments

  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You are not in a good place right now, are you debram? I'm so sorry. Arthritis is a cruel beast and attacks us when and where we least expect it. The stress that it creates makes everything worse and so we can end up in a vicious circle of pain-stress-pain.

    We can't tell you when things will improve or even what the finger problems are. You are seeing the rheumatologist in two weeks and he/she is the best person to deal with all these things. Steroid jabs can make things seem wonderful temporarily but that's all they are - a temporary solution. I hope your rheumatologist can sort out something more permanent for you asap. Meanwhile, would it help to ring our Helpline people? Take care. I'm thinking of you.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • lizzieuk1
    lizzieuk1 Member Posts: 302
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Debram,
    Sounds like ur having aright time of it all. I am also uncontrolled (ra) at the moment and have had 9 steroid jabs over 2 years while they changed my meds about, which like you help for a bit, I would suggest if ur really struggling to call their rheumy helpline as they can prescribe another steroid for you via the gp if u can't manage for another 2 weeks. Obv is better if they can see you without but I have to admit I really couldn't manage and finally caved into having another before my appt- i could barely get out of bed and have a toddler so waiting was not an option, is obv difficult for them to do a das score if uve had the steroid so if u can hang on it will help that and hopefully get u on anti tnf quicker is the same difficult situation I've been in because the appointment takes so long to come through and you try to struggle on but sometimes the wait is rediculous.
    I often get lumpy finger joints and its just capsular swelling that once my ra settles it disappears, mind I've had xrays recently and they were clear of bony growth so I know its not that causing the lumps.
    I guess urs could be either no doubt the rheumy will let u know at the appt.

    Not sure if ure able to or are taking any anti inflammatories but if not u could try some while ure waiting might take the edge off a bit.
    Good luck hope u can get a result soon.xx
  • lizzy100
    lizzy100 Member Posts: 235
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    o dear, poor you.
    er by pa do u mean peripheral arthritis?
    well you can get nodule lumps with RA and OA, but not peripheral arthritis as far as i know.
    yea sounds like you need biologics, although can you get more steroids for the time being? sucks you have to wait that long. hope i dont have to wait that long :(
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Psoriatic arthritis tradionally attacks the smaller joints first, yours sounds a classic case and it appears to be on the move. Obviously you are not on enough medication to control your PsA - at my hospital they now put you onto the anti TNFs after six months of not responding to meth etc - but given your circumstances surely you should be considered now.

    As regards the sabbatical, even if you are put onto medication that does better control matters the arthritis is not going to disappear as such. It will always be a factor and your OH department need to gen up on what this means for you, your work and their obligations towards you. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • debram
    debram Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thank you all for replies. Im now 5days off my rheumi apt but I think I should have rung them. I didnt want to bother them and didnt realise they may have prescribed something over the phone- but wont be so stupid again. Your right I need to be seen without the effect of anti inflammatory. Im afraid they wont belive how bad Ive been as by the very nature of this disease-some days are better than others! In my case-some hours are better than others-I was woken by the pain yest and tday-Im guessing that being immobile during sleep made my fingers "freeze". Dont know how else to describe it but the pain to get them to move again is incredible. I even did a video of my thumb to take to my apt as its clearly coming out of joint or clicking/locking like it is.

    I had a test for Dla in Feb as Id had help £20 a week as I couldnt raise my arm to cook after my op. The GP who assessed me said in my report that Im not disabled and dont need help. On the day he came -I was good-the only thing I couldnt do was touch the floor! I did TELL him what Im like -He ought to see me 6am not 12 oclock lunchtime when Ive worked at getting moving! My husband still has to open jars/peel veg/get stuff out of the oven when I cant!

    My jaw started to ache a month ago but I thought it was because I tried to chew a haribo sweet which are hard work at the best of times! Now I ache after eating normal food and wake up with a jaw ache in both sides.
    I now understand this must be when the Psoriatic arthritis is "active" Ive been told not to take anti inflammatory tablets with my citalopram (I became depressed) but as Tramadol have no effect ,Ill ask about that Mon.

    As for work-I have to try to get back-but Im worried about how Ill cope-maybe the "typing" will help exercise my fingers-typing this with my middle finger taking ages !Im having to hold my knife and fork with my middle finger so perhaps work will provide a voice activated one!

    Ive made contact with the helpline and the lady helping me has been wonderfull! I wish Id done it sooner!
    I also dont know what Id :) have done without the forum, helpline and Arthritis care literature. I think speaking to people makes you feel less alone and Im hoping to join a group locally too.

    Thank you all
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I take citalopram (20mg per day) and I've never been told not to take my anti-inflammatory (diclofenac). It is true that meds can interract in a less than helpful way so maybe one or the other could be changed for you? (I don't know what else you have tried.)

    Does your rheumatology department have a helpline? Mine does, I can ring, leave a message and someone gets back to me within 48 hours. At times they've told me to come in (if that is the case they ring back very quickly) and it is a very useful service. You are still very new to all of this, it takes time to adjust not only to the disease but to what can or cannot be done and by whom - and how much effort you as an individual have to make to sort things out for yourself. It's not easy. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    This crud gets us all down at times, debram. I'm glad you found the helpline and I do hope the rheumatology appointment will prove to make a big difference. Don't hesitate to ring their helpline next time (There will, one way or another, be a next time :roll: ) and remember we're always here.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • debram
    debram Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks both-I had involuntary muscle jerks and as it started the same time as my methotrexate was increased they associated it with that and possibly my Tramadol. The helpline suggested I look at seeing my GP re pain management and I have an apt-3 June-a 3 week wait to see a GP as its a routine appointment!

    You are not wrong about it takes time to adjust and Im learning all the time. Im doing the exercises sent by Arthritis care and I know the importance of keeping moving even if I dont always feel like doing anything. The Citaloprams also helped me mentally cope as I went into meltdown last year because I was diagnosed with PA on top of a host of other medical problems. I spent a long time trying to get off them rather than be on them as I felt a failure by not coping. Ive accepted my condition and the medication I have to take-that was a big step for me-pat on the back there! haha

    My next big step is to return to work-phased return and part time-only then will I be able to know if I can cope with that too-. Im going to do it with the knowledge that this time part time means part time-my phone will be off when Im not working and I wont be working 20 more unpaid hours over my agreed contract ( was full time & 35hrs at the time-in at 7 -finish at 7-8 pm-) Thats what my working life was-its whats expected in my position -it was a nightmare but it was part of the reason I became ill so that is NOT goig to happen.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    You seem to be doing all the right things, debram.

    As for the citalopram - there are many ways of 'not coping' and failure to take a med that helps one to cope is surely one of them.

    I do hope the return to work goes as planned. You seem to have a good attitude and good plans but I know 'part time' work is difficult to keep to part time. the best of luck with that.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • debram
    debram Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Seen my rheumi monday who said I will now go on an anti TNF as I have it in more than 2 joints and been 16mths on Methotrexate and 8 mths with Sulfadalizine added.
    I have to wait another month before they see me to discuss which one they will put me on. The rheumi hopes it will slow things down.

    My thumb right thumb seems to be dislocating every night and seems to be getting worse-why at night? Its not the normal clicking/crunching sound its popping in and out-it can be painful . I try to keep it moving as Im afraid it will get stuck and it has waken me up.

    My toes are getting really sausage like and despite my inserts, hurt when I walk. Ive been advised to get a stick so I guess a visit to a specialist shops due.
    Ive spoken to my employer and hes due to contact me regarding what positions and places near to my home are available. I may be downgraded. I asked for occupational health involved before I go back as Im having difficulty with stairs and theres only one branch with a downstairs loo.
    He said he will get them involved when I know where Im going as at first I my be sent anywhere to do my exams. Its really important I am placed nearer home with little driving and Im worried now he thinks Im making a fuss.
  • debram
    debram Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    GOD when will this end?!!! Psoriatic arthritis and what next?

    I rang the hospital rheumi helpline tday for advice. I had an emergency appointment at my GP today because last week my foot started to swell- I put ice on it and its gone down a little but its still painful and swollen. My GP wants bloods to rule out Gout but I cant get an appointments until 25 June. :roll:

    The helpline also avised me that they hadnt received a letter from the rheumi re going on anti tnf so they were glad I rang as they picked it up on notes!! I cant see them now until July when I was expecting an appointment next week. They tell me Ill be assessed first then in a month I'll start the drugs.

    Ive had green and black poo last week too but the Gp didnt seem worried- now today Ive lost a lot of blood down the loo. Ive had piles so I'm used to bleeding but never this much. Ill go back to GP tommorrow for yet another appointment.


    Im supposed to be going back to work and have a meeting tommorrow to discuss this. But I now have this in my foot - I also mentioned to my GP my thumb comes out of joint and my fingers painful so he said its trigger finger & thumb but hasnt told me what to do- its so bad I'm worried -at night its so bad it wont go back to normal and i have to massage and pull my thumb. Whats' the treatment for that>my GP hasnt suggested anything. Im upping my Tramaol painkillers and the rheumi dept has also suggested ibuprofen so Ill take that- Ive also put ice on my foot again.

    Give me hope- is there any one whos had this too? Trigger finger/swollen foot above arch on front- how do you cope???
  • Buka
    Buka Member Posts: 43
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh Debram I do feel for you and wish I had some advice re trigger fingers but I have RA which is different.

    A couple of practical things I have done in the past may help. I had a mix up with referral notes once and so I demanded to be given an earlier appointment/cancellation because it was their mistake and not mine. I was working at the time and trying hard to hold onto my job and I also threw that one into the mix. I got my appointment the following week. There are always cancellations so that one can sometimes work.

    When I finally got to see the consultant I explained that my whole career/life was at stake and he did agree to move everything on a lot faster. I think it is a case of really finding the strength to kick up a fuss. I know it's not easy when you hurt so much and you are so down but it may work!

    I used access to work to get a laptop and broadband connection to use on bad days/early mornings at home which took a lot of the stress out of having to be somewhere on time. I dont know if you can work from home - I had to go out to meetings as well but i just arranged them for later in the day. That helped and later when my fingers got so bad I had the voice activated software put on my machine. Took a while to get used to it but it helped a lot for report writing etc.

    Don't let work talk you out of anything yet - some people get great results from anti tnf's and they notice a difference quickly. I would use your meeting to ask for any help you think you will need on your return so they can apply for it now and you go back with things in place. You may or may not get a good result with the TNF but there is always a chance you could feel so much more together by September when you return. Just push for help earlier on the basis that your career is at stake and someone may listen.

    I use prednisolone daily at the moment (just a small 5mg dose) but it makes the pain duller. Maybe either an injection/tabs in the short term could just calm things down until you get storted.

    Really wish you well and hope better things are just around the corner for you.

    Bukax
  • debram
    debram Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for your advice Buka -I will try that because its the consultants fault that I havent had my appointment as planned.If they cant fit me in when I call I will also tell them that if they have a cancellation in the future - I can go at the "drop of a hat!"

    Thanks again,

    Deb x

    :)
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I'm sorry I can't be much help. You have a lot to put up with. That was a good suggestion of Buka's. I'm just a tad worried about the colour of your faeces. Please let the GP know that your rheumatology department have prescribed ibuprophen. It's important that everyone knows every med you take even if it's not they themselves who have prescribed it. Good luck for tomorrow.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I really symphise with you.
    I have OA and Fibro, but I am sorry that you are suffering at the moment. The OA in my fingers has caused 'lumps' on my fingers and sometimes they really hurt. The trouble is too, we use them so much and find it hard to cope when they get so painful.

    I hope all goes well for you with the hospital.
  • maria09
    maria09 Member Posts: 1,905
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Just catching up on posts
    How are you getting on?
    Any improvements?
    Sending you a big hug (((((( ))))))))
    Maria
  • DebbieT
    DebbieT Member Posts: 1,033
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Deb,

    I'm sorry I've only just seen ure thread huni. Wow uve really been going thru it haven't you :( (((soft hugs)))

    I hope things are settling for you a little. I hope you went back to ure GP with ure concerns? Have you had ure Rheumy appointment thru yet?

    That's quick to be getting put on biologics, I'm so glad they aren't making you wait!!

    Thinking of you. Take care.x
    Healing Hugs
    Debbie.x
  • DebbieT
    DebbieT Member Posts: 1,033
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi again,

    I found this article on 'trigger finger/thumb' & thought at least understanding wot is going on inside of ure finger & thumb may help you huni.x

    http://www.webmd.com/osteoarthritis/guide/trigger-finger
    Healing Hugs
    Debbie.x
  • debram
    debram Member Posts: 115
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks everyone for the hugs, links and advice! I havent been on here lately as I'd forgotten my log in details!

    I found the link on trigger finger useful -helps me understand what that is. I tried to get in to see rheumi sooner re my swollen foot but can not get in until end July .
    I will be going for blood tests next week to see if its gout in my foot and Im going to anti TNF clinic in 2 weeks. Ill tell them that my job is at risk so I need help to get sorted quicker-thats the truth!

    Met my bosses last week-they offered me a job nearer home part time but with salary & grade reduction which means I lose my health ins. Something ive relied on to get where I am.
    It will greatly reduce my pension as Im on final salary pension-not good as Im 51 tommorrow! . Ok moneys not everything but more importantly I think the job will be harder! It will involve several hours interviewing-Im stiff after 30 mins of sitting down and each interview last around a hour-normally 4-5 a day. Job also involves lifting and loads of other things so I think Ill be in a worse position.[*]
    Ive refused that so now my employer wants oc health to contact my health care professionals to see if Im fit to work-if not Ill have 30 days notice of termination
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,697
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I’m sorry I can’t help with the job-related stuff. Maybe if you posted on Working Matters.

    As for the anti-tnfs, I do hope you get them and they work.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright