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Original poster

Does this sound like arthritis?

26 replies

Chattycat78 · 30/09/2018 08:49

For the last week or so, I’ve been getting pain/stiffness in my hands which is worse in the morning. It’s at the top and sometimes goes as far as the wrist. I’ve also noticed a similar thing in one of my feet. I haven t done anything specific which would cause this, so I’m wondering if it’s the start of something like rheumatoid arthritisSad. I’m only 39 and I’ve got two pre schoolers so this really worries me!

Any chance it could be something else?

OP posts:
DemocracyDiesInDarkness · 30/09/2018 08:55

I don't know but I could have written your exact post! Watching with interest.

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 30/09/2018 08:59

Yeah? How old are you? Sorry if that’s cheeky to ask

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Original poster
Chattycat78 · 30/09/2018 08:59

Maybe it’s just to do with generally getting older!

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DemocracyDiesInDarkness · 30/09/2018 09:11

39! I do wonder if it's just the beginning of starting to feel not quite young. I don't know.

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 30/09/2018 09:17

How bizarre you’re the same age!

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DemocracyDiesInDarkness · 30/09/2018 09:27

I looked at the symptoms of tendonitis yesterday and hat seems to fit with the pain in my foot. But I do seem to get aching wrists and finger joints quite often too. I wondered if it was an RSI thing or if these things add up to something more than their parts.

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 30/09/2018 09:51

Yeah that’s why I was wondering about the rheumatoid arthritis. Although I hope it isn’t as thats a progressive conditionSad

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The12thMonkey · 30/09/2018 12:09

I am 48 and started with hand pains a few years ago but over the past year, it is getting a lot worse. I have had bloods for CRP and ESR and they were normal. X-rays show osteoarthritis. My right thumb is the most painful and has a large lump on it, I have been told it is subluxed which I gather from Dr Google means it is partially dislocated. Great. I have a lot of pain from even cleaning my teeth and basic tasks.

I am due to see an orthopaedic consultant soon but dont know what will happen, I dont want surgery, I have just started a new job I am a typist Grinso dont want to be off sick but not sure what help there is for me apart from painkillers, I cannot take ibuprofen and just have paracetamol atm. Confused

Have you seen your GP about it?

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 30/09/2018 13:31

Not yet- i was waiting to see if it subsided or not.

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Phoenix76 · 30/09/2018 22:10

I have identical, I’m 42 with two young children. It started in February and got worse until it felt like someone was smashing hammers over the backs of my hands, my wrists were agony and it radiated up to my elbows. It took a lot of begging but I managed to get an appointment with a rheumatologist about 3 weeks ago and she immediately diagnosed inflammatory arthritis (not sure which type though waiting for results on blood tests). I’ve been given steroids which have been amazing until we work out which medication is appropriate pending results. Interestingling, I also developed pain in one foot. I would book in to see your gp asap in case it is an inflammatory arthritis so they can’t get you on the right meds to prevent joint damage. I have also been hearing snippets that this could be brought on by having children but have yet to find any research. Good luck I hope you feel better soon.

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 08:10

Thanks Phoenix. Wow ok. Scared now. Sad
Don’t steroids make you put loads of weight on too?Sad

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Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 08:12

Also is is common for people in our age group?Sad

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cakesandphotos · 01/10/2018 08:25

RA is most common for women in their 40s so at 39 it’s not uncommon. I was diagnosed at 21 which was a shock but I manage fine - I had my first baby 8 months ago. Absolutely get yourself to the GP and don’t let them fob you off with “it’s likely to be this or that” ask for a referal to a Rheumatologist. If it is RA, the sooner you start treatment, the sooner the whole thing will be under control. There’s no cure but it’s compleyely manageable on the right medication. Don’t wait until your entire body is in agony, believe me. It’s much easier to feel better if you start treatment early

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 08:32

Thanks. Do you take steroids? Not very keen on that idea for the possible weight gainSad

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cakesandphotos · 01/10/2018 08:35

I have done. I’ve not had any problems with weight gain. You wouldn’t be taking it in the same quantities that an asthmatic takes it and (certainly in my experience) you wouldn’t be on them long term. They use steroids as a “quick fix” while you’re waiting for treatment or when you’ve started meds and are waiting for them to kick in.

ChishandFips33 · 01/10/2018 08:41

Don't be fobbed off by blood tests coming back normal either!

I have an RA diagnosis and when I was in most pain/stiffness by bloods were ok and vice versa

Fortunately I had a rheumatologist who treat the patient/symptoms not the blood results!

They also say it tends to be symptomatic in symmetry but I didn't always find that. In my early days it was one hand one day the other hand the next

Also see if you can speak to a Physio/occupational therapist - I was lucky and saw both

The Physio spotted things about my feet which I was unaware of and the OT helped with making things more manageable round the house - eh mesh basket inside the pan when boiling potatoes/pasta so you could lift it out rather than try and drain the pan (wrists wouldn't turn at that point)

GP may also try the 'take ibuprofen fir a while' route rather than refer as it's cheaper - again, don't be fobbed off! Squeaky gates get the oil and all that Grin

There's a spoons story too somewhere on here - it's about pacing yourself and learning to let some things go

Hope you get some relief soon

Orchardgreen · 01/10/2018 08:44

Do have psoriasis or a family history of it?

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 12:03

I had psoriasis briefly once after a very stressful period of time- after my parents had died but it went away and didn’t come back. Is there a link?

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Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 12:05

Also how will I know whether I just Have a repetitive strain type thing verses arthritis? I’ve been wondering if If might be connected to pushing the pram a lot or something. But how will I know?

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cakesandphotos · 01/10/2018 12:29

They’ll test your inflammatory markers. Where is the pain? Is there any redness or swelling?

owabno · 01/10/2018 12:31

It could also be aches and pains from a virus

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 12:44

No redness or swelling as such, but a stiffness and sort of burning/tingling which is in both hands. It seems to come and go a bit, and it’s mainly located at the top of my hands - around the forefinger and thumb area and sometimes the wrist. I’ve only had it for a week or ten days which Is why I wondered if it’s here to stay or not.

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Orchardgreen · 01/10/2018 13:32

Yes, there is a condition called psoriatic arthropathy. I have it, no psoriasis but a very strong family history.
It is easy to treat but you do need a diagnosis.

Orchardgreen · 01/10/2018 13:34

www.nhs.uk/conditions/psoriatic-arthritis/

Original poster
Chattycat78 · 01/10/2018 13:46

Ok thanks. Will have a look.

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