Good Morning All,
My name is Heather and I am the Community Leader of the Multiple Sclerosis Forum on MedHelp. While I do have MS, I have new problems going on that signal possible Rhuematoid Arthritis, most noticeably in my right hand.
I have three fingers that lock up and have swollen knuckle joints. Those that have experienced this, know how painful it is. Strange how a limb so small can cause such great pain.
I have had a hands-on (excuse the pun) exam by my doctor and have been found to have many swollen knuckles in my right hand. She did the appropriate blood work. An RA panel, an ANA Titer and an ESR (sed Rate) The RA panel came back 9.6, (with a range of 0.0-14.0) the ANA titer came back negative and the ESR came back 11, with the range being (0-30)
I have had a cortisone injection into the middle finger by an orthopedist some time ago and this relieved my symptoms for many months. I now am set up with an appointment to see a Rheumy in June. Long time to wait.
My question, after that boring history is this..... How do you best control the pain, minus any medication?. I already take pain medication for my MS, but it doesn't touch the pain I feel in my right hand. I soak the hand in warm water or on a heating pad. I have my better'half massage the hand. Painful as the dickens.
I have tried resting the hand, but being a Moderator (Community Leader on a MedHelp Forum) I do not have the luxury of resting for too long. I have a Forum with needy people needing answers to questions....so I type away, day in and day out. I have had a carpal tunnel release on both hands many years ago. What causes the most pain, is using a rake out in the yard or pulling weeds in my flower beds.
Any suggestions from you fine folks would be appreciated. What works for you? Oh by the way, I am 54 years old. "On the back side of life," as they say.
Thanks for your help and all of you have a GREAT DAY!
Heather