Swollen knee and sausage finger
Hello everyone I'm new here.
Before Christmas my left knee was swelling and gp gave me something for it. Didn't work.
Then my index finger and my middle finger on right hand started to get stiff in a bent position in the morning times, along with tingling and also numbness, then in my hand and wrist. But went away after a week.
My index finger started to swell up and the pain in my finger joint was crippling and had to stick that finger out when holding a cup, also I was dragging myself upstairs, forearm flat against the rail and my other hand flat against the wall, walking one step at a time up and down.
6th of January saw gp, he gave me 2 weeks of ACECLOFENAC tabs and said it looks like rheumatoid arthritis, tablets had no effect also took blood but test came back clear.
29th of January another gp gave me 5 days of DELTACORTRIL and pantopazole but only could take steroids for 5 days because i have osteopenia.
Pain went within a few hours and i felt so relieved but swelling didn't go down in knee and finger.
Went to the chemist they gave me VOLTAROL cream, what a waste of money didn't work.
12 th February gp gave me CODIPAR tablets for 5 days, did not work.
24th February gp gave me VIMOVO, still didn't take swelling down or the pain.
On 11th March gp gave me COLCHICINE tablets and said it could be gout in my finger and something to do with immune system going on with knee, and as finally is sending me to a
Rheumatologist
Pippa, I am sorry you have been having pain! It sounds like a referral to a Rheumatologist is what you need. I hope you don't have to wait too long to get in. The fact you responded well to steroids makes an inflammatory process seem possible. In the mean time, I hope the Cochicine helps. I'd look for ways to decrease the demands on your sore joints while awaiting your appointment. It's easy to suggest resting your body and joints, but another thing to work it into your life. You may want to try a paraffin bath for your hand - they are available on line and can really help the hands and fingers. You could trial hot or cold compresses for your knee. Some people try compression gloves or knee wraps. Hang in there. Browse this website for insight. Take notes of your symptoms and attempted treatment with you to your consult. Write down your questions - it's nerve wracking when you finally get that Rheuamtologist in the room with you. My doctors all love my notes and questions - don't be embarrassed! With Hope and Best Wishes, Jo
Thank you Jo for your reply.
I have been on my new tablets for a week now and should start to work within a few hours but sadly they are not working, even though they don't make you sleepy or effect energy, my fatigue is worse than when i have had bad cases of seasonal flu.
My good leg is starting to get weakness and i sat down and cried when i made a drink and spilt it.
All i feel like is a head that is breathing, my body so much fatigue it feels like the rest of my body isn't connected to my head.
When i was on the steroids the pain went within a few hours and my energy levels came back, but after the 5 days course was up, the day after my fatigue and pain was with me again. The steroids did not make any difference to my swelling only the pain. I have recently turned 52 but my body feels years older with what is happening to me.
Well, it sounds like you are heading in the right direction, doctor wise. I know it can be a long haul and overwhelming when you are first diagnosed but it does get easier. Most people find a routine that works for them and in the meantime we are here to help however we can! You don't have to go through it alone! Keep on keepin' on, DPM Thank you Daniel, one of my sons come round after he finished work, he said i won't be able to walk soon.
I really need a walking aid like a crutch or my routine shortly will be bed bound reading books.
Keep moving. Get a cane. It will help.
Hi
. Sorry you are struggling. The diagnostic process for inflammatory conditions can be rough. As my colleagues noted, it is good to hear that you are finally going to see a rheumatologist. Most GPs actually have very little training in rheumatic conditions. It is not a required rotation in their schooling. In this article one of our contributors discusses the importance of specialists: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/living/specialist-treatment. Sounds like the GP was finally acknowledging that you may have a rheumatic condition in the referral and treating you for potential gout (gout is rheumatic - see overview of some of the conditions here: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/types-of-arthritis). That said, colchicine decreases the uric acid that causes the inflammation in gout, so if you have a different rheumatic condition it will not be effective. A rheumatologist should do a a much more thorough diagnostic process and this article gives an overview: https://rheumatoidarthritis.net/diagnosis. Hoping you get some answers and relief soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team) She also said that i need to ask my main doctor if he as referred me yet.
It's so mentally difficult when you crouch down on the floor and you can not stand back up by yourself anymore, having to ask your son to help you stand up.
For a split second i had forgotten that my knees no longer can help me get up without holding on to something to pull myself up with.
Not long after that he went to work but said if i need him just phone. I cried with the frustration of it all after he left, I did not want him to stay off work as it is a new job for him
, I hear you. It *is* difficult when your body is just not acting or responding the way it should. I do hope the Vimovo tablets help until you can see your regular physician. Hang in there. We're thinking of you.
Best, Erin, RheumatoidArthritis.net Team Member.
