Frustrated, need some guidance and really just people to talk to
Hello, I want to thank everyone for taking the time to read and if you can post!
I'm 60 years old, feel like 90 most days. About 4 months ago had a sever staph infection. To the extent that my left knee had to operated on and cleaned out. About the same time my right hand thumb started swelling. I thought it was the staph. The doctors treated with antibiotics and steroids. Already on antibiotics, gave me steroids for inflammation.
Finally the the right hand started clearing up. My left hand started swelling. The doctors don't have any answers but sending me to RA specialist. No RA markers in blood work, but from what I've read it still can be RA.
Problem is my appointment is not until 3 March. My PCP tried a MethylPreddnisolone 4mg dose pack. After the first couple of days, noticed improvement. By the last day it had returned even worse. It's hard for me to believe it's RA. I know it's fast but like this.
Please look at pics and tell me what you think. I'm in a lot of pain and it seems to get worse at night. When I rub the skin feels like fire and if it just touches something not a hard hit, tremendous pain.
As of today , palm side right below swollen for finger knuckle has swollen.
Best Regards, Russell
, first, I just want to say that I'm sorry you're going through this and experiencing such bad pain. Waiting for an appointment and hopefully answers can be very trying. For your safety, we are unable to offer a possible diagnosis online. In the interest of collecting information, I thought this article on RA nodules may be helpful https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/rheumatoid-nodules. I hope your appointment in March provides you with some much needed answers and relief. Please reach out anytime, and if you're comfortable, let us know how you are doing. We're here for you. All my best, Julie (team member) , thank you for caring! Something I didn't mention, 3 years ago diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.
So, guessing the post needs rephrasing before it can be released to community?Hi
, your post can be viewed by the community, were you having trouble finding it? I hope others will chime in shortly. Managing chronic conditions can be very difficult, and having a community that understands and cares can be very supportive. I thought you may also be interested in our sister site https://parkinsonsdisease.net/. Hoping you are having a nice weekend. -Julie (team member)
Russell,
Back in the early 90’s when I was in my early 40’s, I caught a cold which included a strep throat. I recovered after a month. A few months later I woke up with a left knee swollen to twice its size [or more]. Went to an orthopedic surgeon that my endocrinologist recommended. He aspirated fluid and discovered CPPD. Injected Kenalog, swelling resolved. Then he referred me to a rheumatologist because other joints were swelling. Long story short, I had both PsA and sero-negative RA.
Quick diagnoses allowed for rapid treatment with Methotrexate. Years later Humira would be added.
One of the things I’ve discovered is that oral steroids, like Pred, which is definitely a wonder drug, come with a price. I rebound terribly after I’m off the drug, no matter how slowly I wean off. I avoid Pred like the plague. But that’s just me. Others have great success.
Ironically, Kenalog, an injectable long lasting [couple months] steroid directly into the joint is a godsend. My body deals very well with this form of steroid.
Hang tight for your rheumatology appointment in March, but once you have a diagnosis you might want to see a sports medicine/orth surgeon and discuss Kenalog. I don’t believe it’s pragmatic to get these injections before the rheumatology appointment as it can mask symptoms and obfuscate the diagnosis.
The photo of your hand – tell your specialist to run an HLA-B27 test. If positive it may point to Psoriatic Arthritis. Ironically, my hand joints were identical to yours.
Good luck!
BTW - there have been some studies and empiric postings that show that diagnoses of RA and PsA were "heralded" with a strep or staph infection.
Hi
. Sorry you are having these issues. As said, for your protection, we cannot offer medical advice. That said, you are correct that blood tests don't always tell the whole story (see: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/seronegative-diagnosis). The diagnostic process is more complicated and this article from our editorial team gives an overview: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis. Concerning the timing of the appointment, you may want to ask if the doctor has a cancellation list you can be put on. It would require you to be able to go to the doctor on short notice if they contact you with an opening, but it can often get one a quicker appointment. Hoping you can get some answers and treatment soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) Richard, thank you. Not looking for a diagnosis from a forum/message board. Hard enough to find a actual trustworthy physician. Just people that are going / went through the same situation. Telling their past history and events that lead to a diagnosis of RA or something else.
