1. < Autoimmune Diseases

RA and sudden hand pain, couldn't hold my pen: Anyone?

Posted by anet @anet, Dec 15, 2021

I am 76 years old and have had RA since my 40’s. I have done well on methotrexate,my,aquenil, prednisone, and naprosyn. I have some problems with my right wrist—can hardly bend it. And the joint at the base of my thumb is deformed and sometimes painful. However, I was still able to use my hand ok until two days ago. I was signing some cards and when I finished I dropped my pencil and then could not pick it up. I discovered that I could not bend my thumb at the joint nearest the end of my thumb. I tried to write again and cannot hold the pencil like I always have. My thumb will not press on the pencil for me to write. I cannot figure out what happened so fast. One minute I was writing and a few minutes later could not. I have a routine appointment with my rheumatologist on December 21, but I wonder if anyone has had this happen. The joint in my thumb will not bend toward my index finger. I can push it over, but it comes back. It is like the muscle or tendon is not working at all. I am hoping something can be done about it. I can bend all of the other fingers, but the thumb will not go over to make a fist.

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anet | @anet | Jan 9, 2022
In reply to @fourof5zs "@anet I understand your frustration. With covid revving again appointments have changed somewhat with me too...." + (show)
@fourof5zs

@anet
I understand your frustration. With covid revving again appointments have changed somewhat with me too. They say they are shorthanded. I will be so glad when covid calms to a crawl.

If you can get your paperwork beforehand. Sometimes available online at their office website or they will let you pick it up or they can mail it to you. You will may need help like I did to fill it out and it is easier to do it at home.

Make sure you have written notes of your symptoms. .. and questions. I typed mine out on the computer and printed being I could not handwrite.

I am like Sue and have had thumb surgery. … it was almost 2 years ago. I actually had one at the right thumb base joint and another at the tendon at the joint below the nail (trigger thumb). It would catch and I could not move my thumb without assistance from my other hand. Writing became impossible. I'm still not sure why I did not have the surgeries at the same time.. maybe my surgeon just forgot about the trigger thumb… guess I should have asked more right before the surgery… but I thought she was doing it at same time.

I am 70 now and have always had an attention span problem. .. and now do not hear well. So now I haul my husband to appointments to help me. I had to go it alone because of covid rules in place on the trigger thumb surgery and I could not continue with physical therapy. I did well at home with videos.. balls, play dough with different size buttons hidden it for me to dig out. .. also squeezed the play dough. I worked with clothes pins and anything else I could think of the strengthen my hand. My hand did not go back to full strength and have not been able to do much crochet… just a small amount at a time.

I can wash and put away dishes without dropping them. I can fasten and unfasten buttons and zippers. My left left hand is weak and am having some thumb pain with it… I had to use it so much while recovering from the surgeries. I am now keeping up with exercises on both hands to keep the strength up.

I have osteoarthritis throughout my body… now bone on bone in one foot and think the same is happening in the other. Then there are other health problems..

Aging.. 🙄

If I can help you in any way just give me a holler.

ZeeGee

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Thank you so much for the suggestions. I had thought about all the paperwork that will have to be filled out and I am going to call tomorrow and ask if I can get it beforehand. I have rheumatoid arthritis but so far had been doing ok with my hands until the thumb thing. They hurt sometimes but I could still write. I have figured out a new way to hold a pencil, but can’t write very fast. I will type out my medications, etc. before I go, but I’m hoping to be able to get the forms online. I am 76. My husband is 77 and he is still able to help me a good bit even though he has health problems of his own. We have to go 50 miles to most of our doctor appointments, but we can both drive ok. I will let you know what happens and will probably be asking for advice. Thanks so much!
Anet

REPLY
jilliemo12345 | @jilliemo12345 | Jan 9, 2022
In reply to @anet "My appointment with the hand surgeon was supposed to be on January 5, but it was..." + (show)
@anet

My appointment with the hand surgeon was supposed to be on January 5, but it was changed to the 19th. I am upset at having to wait so long. I am afraid it will be more difficult to fix. I am doing ok with my hand except that I sometimes get electric shock feelings when I move it in a certain way. I am taking gabapentin for that and Tylenol for pain. I found a good pain relieving cream, too. I am certain I will need surgery, but won’t know when they will be able to schedule it until my appointment,

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I have RA and have intermittent pain with my hands. I use adaptive kitchen tools to help such as can opener, potato peeler. I’ve moved everyday China to lower shelves etc..
I tried CBD cream for pain until I realized I can’t take it with blood thinners. The CBD cream stopped the pain and brought me great relief. Check with your doctor about using this.
I wish you the best, Jill

REPLY
1 reply
anet | @anet | Jan 10, 2022

Thanks, I have some pain cream that says it for feet but I have been using it till I can get to the doctor. It helps but it could be better. Between that and gabapentin it is tolerable. My daughter is a pharmacist and I e heard her mention the CBD cream. Is it a prescription? If not maybe she can get me some. Thanks
Anet

REPLY
1 reply
anet | @anet | Jan 10, 2022
In reply to @jilliemo12345 "I have RA and have intermittent pain with my hands. I use adaptive kitchen tools to..." + (show)
@jilliemo12345

I have RA and have intermittent pain with my hands. I use adaptive kitchen tools to help such as can opener, potato peeler. I’ve moved everyday China to lower shelves etc..
I tried CBD cream for pain until I realized I can’t take it with blood thinners. The CBD cream stopped the pain and brought me great relief. Check with your doctor about using this.
I wish you the best, Jill

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I have some cream that is supposedly meant for feet, but I’m using it and it is pretty good. Is the CBD cream a prescription? My daughter is a pharmacist and I have heard her mention CBD. Maybe she can help me with it. Thanks. Anet

REPLY
jilliemo12345 | @jilliemo12345 | Jan 11, 2022
In reply to @anet "Thanks, I have some pain cream that says it for feet but I have been using..." + (show)
@anet

Thanks, I have some pain cream that says it for feet but I have been using it till I can get to the doctor. It helps but it could be better. Between that and gabapentin it is tolerable. My daughter is a pharmacist and I e heard her mention the CBD cream. Is it a prescription? If not maybe she can get me some. Thanks
Anet

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CBC cream can be purchased in many pharmacies and even in some grocery stores. Just check with your doctor as CBD can affect the metabolism of some prescription drugs.
Good luck.

REPLY
1 reply
anet | @anet | Jan 11, 2022
In reply to @jilliemo12345 "CBC cream can be purchased in many pharmacies and even in some grocery stores. Just check..." + (show)
@jilliemo12345

CBC cream can be purchased in many pharmacies and even in some grocery stores. Just check with your doctor as CBD can affect the metabolism of some prescription drugs.
Good luck.

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Thanks!

REPLY
marye2 | @marye2 | Jan 11, 2022

Visit your Dr for images of your hand. It sounds to me like your tendon(s) need treatment--sooner than later. An orthopedic hand doctor may be your best bet. A splint for your hand in the meantime may help rest the inflamed area. If you use CBD, buy a good quality ointment--we use Happy Salve and get it from a local smoke shop. It is hemp based and you can find it online. Heat and cold pack, epsom salt warm soak, gentle hand exercises can help.

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monadotr | @monadotr | Jan 11, 2022

I've had a similar experience, with RA, and learned that my thumb had "trigger finger". Short description: swollen area on tendon causes pain and sometimes inability to bend or straighten the thumb, when the swollen area can't pass through a narrow area like it needs to when bending or straightening the finger. A steroid injection fixed it for me. Good luck!

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shani | @shani | Feb 21, 2022
In reply to @colleenyoung "Hey @anet, I added your question to the Autoimmune Diseases group as well to help you..." + (show)
@colleenyoung

Hey @anet, I added your question to the Autoimmune Diseases group as well to help you connect with others dealing with rheumatoid arthritis like @hilary62 @ellens @tarmansbks @boomerexpert @vickiekay @jewel8888 @bluebird6156 @kozlo52 @marm7756 @kenyalama @sueinmn. I'm hoping someone will be able to share from their experience.

Anet, had you written a lot of cards and held your hand in the same position for a long time? Have you had this happen before?

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My recommendation is to see a hand surgeon, NOT an orthopedist who does hips and knees, after your rheumatologist. Until you have a diagnosis, you may find using the large foam tube from a curler on your pen, toothbrush will allow you to easily hold them, also showing you how tightly you are holding the pen....tight, stress grip leads to problems.

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