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Wondering if dr is right

Posted , 6 users are following.

jennifer1234
jennifer1234

Went to dr late Aug. With swollen index finger, just woke up like that, thought maybe it was gout. Dr. Did blood work, uric acid levels were well within normal ranges but CRP and sed rates were high. Repeated blood work a few weeks later with the same result. Finger got better after a few days and the only other pain I had was what I assumed for the last 8 months was planter fascitis....gave me high dose ibuprofen and set me up to see rheumatologist this past Friday. Rheumatologist says he feels strongly that I have psoriatic arthritis, said he would know for sure after doing some blood work and I would know for sure by Tuesday. Can I know for sure? I hurt all over wrist, ankles,foot but unlike the swollen finger pain, this is a gnawing ache. I feel so frustrated right now.any insight?

1 like, 10 replies

10 Replies

  • barry2803
    barry2803 jennifer1234

    Posted

    Blood tests to what I understand some hard to predict which arthritis it is. But for me reading up on the differences nd the fact I have psoriasis is a sign in its self that my condition as psoriatic arthritis. Treatments are all more or less the same.. diffrent treatments work for diffrent people. Hope that they manage to control it for you.
  • robert271163
    robert271163 jennifer1234

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer 

    Sadly it all has the classic signs of PSA (psoratic arthritis), Hopefully the results come back quickly. 

    There is many meds to control it, although not cureable it can be controlled,  find the right drug that works for you can be time consuming as most take 3 months to start working fully, as with most drugs they all have side effects and like most its down to the individual how you respond and if your effected by the side effects. 

    I am 3 years into medication, which has been increased and chaged attempting to find the right combination for me, I have good and bad days. 

    Best of luck with your results.  This forum is great by the way your not alone and you can ask any question with out feeling silly. No question is a silly question, there is so many questions but there is also so much support here. 

    Rob 

    • barry2803
      barry2803 robert271163

      Posted

      I agree with you rob. I have gained a lot of help and advise whilst being registered with the site. It's good to know that we who has the condition so there to help each other.

  • ruth010
    ruth010 jennifer1234

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer, I have similarly had an issue with my index finger which swelled up badly earlier this year. Am now seeing a rheumy doctor and on meds, but the damage is done and the finger will always be swollen, but I am managing more movement in it. Looking back, however, I recall I have had an issue with it previously were if I knocked it or did too much it would ache and go puffy. I guess my point is to listen to your body, I'm now much more aware that minor aches and clicks could well be a sign of problems to come. This condition may seem like it appears from nowhere, but don't ignore the little warning pains, and be sure to mention them to your doctor - just to be on the safe side. Hope you feel better soon.

  • robert271163
    robert271163 jennifer1234

    Posted

    There is also a condition call swan neck finger, See photos below. 

    My finger is bent it that position permanently and the second is the total movement i have, I believe it is ostio arthritis, so im told. again no cure they can inject in to the knuckle but it hurts like hell, I had one injection but refused the second because of the pain, there is no guarntee that the injection will work either. 

    • hope4cure
      hope4cure robert271163

      Posted

      Hi Robert,

       Very sorry u have the finger deformity. I had two fingers first and second frozen shura from a disease call duypretrens contracture.Having no way to open doors cabinents at wear gloves was also painful. 

      I don't know if this will help you but mabe worth a mention for you to check with specialist in your area.

      i had Xiaflex injections in my two fingers . It's a protien that only dissolves the collagen build up that causes the fingers to contract to the palm. I also had injections in my shoulder for frozen shoulder.

      i wear a nightly Fixx Glove splint to keep my fingers from contracting at night during sleep. They can perhaps help swan neck. See online design. 

      If if bone is involved it may no be possible. My fingers are a little curved but not nearly as deformed as they were. 

       

    • robert271163
      robert271163 hope4cure

      Posted

      Hi 

      I did have an injection in to the middle knuckle which hurt like hell, this was the first of 2 but i refused to have the second because the pain from the first was unbareable, dispite my rhumy pleading with my wife to get me to have the second injection.......... ( Erm no chance pal it bloody hurt first time there is no chance im letting you do it again have i got stupid stamped on my forehead) It does not help im needle phobic either. so unless the put me to sleep there is no chance of me having it done again. 

      I have a splint that i can wear to stop it getting worse but when my finger swells it is too tight to wear. 

      I will have a look for the FIXX GLOVE 

  • rachy796
    rachy796 jennifer1234

    Posted

    Hi Jennifer, yes over a year ago I had plantar facitis, that was painful, no I have swollen fingers and stiffness when I move them, I'm 37 and is really frustrated, I used to do cross stitch, but is unable to hold a needle, I'm trying crochet, but I'm finding it difficult to hold the hook. Yes that's how I got diagnosed with PSA, I'm also tired and have no energy. I'm hoping to have another appointment soon, if not I'm contacting my Rheumatologist nurse.

    Rachel

    • jennifer1234
      jennifer1234 rachy796

      Posted

      I have felt really crappy for the last year and my foot has hurt something awful, I turned 40 in September so I have just been telling myself that it's just getting older. Now I am scared just how bad this could get. I pray you get some relief soon. What meds are you taking?

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