@pb50, @dadcue, and all...I also have a trigger finger issue. My right ring finger had a trigger that catches frequently, for about a decade. I had several years of steroid shots for the trigger and the deteriorating and very painful, debilitating arthritis in both hands and wrists, but especially severe in the right hand. Today, I can't use the right hand at all but to type a bit with a lot of mistakes and increased pain. I overused my hands yesterday and paid for it last night with pain all night and all day today, limited use, and extra problems with the trigger and the worsened thumb.

Both thumbs, worse with the right hand, have worse pain and deterioration. My right thumb gets caught close to the hand, with extreme pain, and is locked in place until I massage it and use steroid cream on it to help it loosen. I haven't seen a doctor for this yet, as I've been dealing with more serious issues re COVID-19, followed by bronchitis, PMR, and GCA.

I've been taking prednisone since the PMR and GCA appeared, with a high SED rate and CRP,
the new pain from them and extreme fatigue even after an iron infusion. It helped relieve the pain from both and helped lessen my extreme fatigue and I was able to get out of bed recently and out of the house to run an errand yesterday. Bad move...I'm back in bed with pain, and fatigue and can't use my right hand today, after no sleep the last 2 nights. I've taken Prednisone beginning at age 40, now 77, at varying levels for varying lengths of time, not experiencing the sleep issue except when taking high doses, until now. On a small dose for PMR and GCA, I have not slept for the last 3 nights. I was up at night for most of the last few months when taking a different steroid for bronchitis. The doctor prescribed a different medication to knock it out since it quickly followed COVID-19. Then, a low dose of Prednisone for the PMR and GCA. I'm now on 5mg prednisone, 2 tablets daily then taper down. I'm taking 2 tablets in the morning, at 4-5ish when up for the potty, and then mid-morning, attempting to extend the pain relief and reduce the awake night. Helps with pain, not so much the sleep! He suggests these are Covid related illnesses and I may be on Prednisone for a few months. Quite a trip the last several months.

I've stopped several times writing this to pop my trigger finger and apply a steroid cream to my hands. I limit the cream to avoid having steroid side effects like thin skin, etc. But, the trigger is worse and needs surgery to release it and the thumbs need something. At my age in my physical condition, thumb surgery is not recommended as it's a very long surgery with a long recovery. I probably could not do well with the anesthesia, and certainly not well with recovery. Suggestions are welcome!

This is a conundrum for me as I have bone issues, had a Relcast infusion this year with side effects for a week, and have a 2nd scheduled next year. I have multiple autoimmune diseases, bone issues, Sarcoid flare at the moment with a rash now on my shins and arms, degenerative arthritis, PMR and GCA, diabetes from steroid use, just gained 30 pounds due to steroids since July, etc. Not complaining at this point, just listing.

Hopefully, someone will benefit from my information and experiences. I surely do from meeting each of you and learning from you. Thank you.

Blessings, elizabeth