Swollen finger- rheumatoid arthritis? :(

[Ilikeviognier]

My middle right hand finger is swollen- has been for about 3 months. I can’t get my ring off. It’s a bit stiff when I bend it. No pain as such unless I press on it. I’ve tried antibiotics, steroid cream and no effect. So I pushed for a face to face appointment which I had this morning.

Gp is sending me for bloods- rheumatoid Arthritis was mentioned as in only 42 and now I’ve googled it and I’m very worried!

Anyone got this? Is it manageable? Could it be anything else?

I have small children and the thought of being seriously disabled etc is terrifying.

The way my RA presented was pain in both of my hands and arms. Mine is mild and I have no damage. I’m on hydro chloroquine and ibuprofen

Could it be tendinitis? U had tennis elbow that my rheumatologist treated r were it’s a steroid injection. I also have a burning pain in one of thumbs, not swollen and she might treat it the same way

Honest answer is I have no idea. It’s not painful- just swollen. Only pain is if pressed on. No pain or swelling on the other side - I’ve read that it often affects both joints at the same time which isn’t the case here. So i don’t know.

Glad to hear yours is mild and no damage.

I also had a swollen finger (trigger finger) just one one side, which led to me being diagnosed with RA about 4 years ago (so about the same age as you). I am on hydroxychloroquine too, although the rheumatologist from time to time starts talking about stronger drugs I have managed to resist so far. My trigger finger has since cleared up and I haven't had any other major problems. Although i do feel my joints are more tender and 'bruised' about a week before my period. I feel that it has more to do with perimenopause than RA... Because of the diagnosis, it does mean that I get checked over on an annual basis to make sure there is no damage being done (and also meant I got an early coronavirus vaccination!)

Have you ever had psoriasis?

Thankyou x Jen- that’s reassuring to hear. Do you have any medication side effects? Would you say it hasn’t really affected your quality of life then? I have two little boys and I’m worried I won’t be able to run around with them.

Yes I have had psoriasis actually- after a period of stress when both my parents died. Just the once. Is it linked?

I have psoriatic arthritis - it affects the end joints in my fingers and it can affect toes as well, but it doesn't affect other joints.

Thankyou. She didn’t mention any other types but I suppose any is possible.if I’ve had psoriasis does it make it more likely it’s that type?

Anyone else?

I was diagnosed at 16. But mine is quite aggressive. There are loads of treatments available now.

I’m so Sorry to hear that. I’m definitely getting the impression that there are treatments though which is of course a good thing!

No I don't have any side effects at the moment. When I first started on hydroxychloroquine my hair started to fall out at quite an alarming rate, although I don't think anyone else noticed. It seemed to stabilise after a few weeks. I also need regular eye checks as it can have an effect on eye sight I believe. The rheumatologist has suggested that I start to wean off the tablets and see how it goes.

Agree that there are loads of treatments now.

Hi OP

My experience with RA sounds very different to yours. I literally got out of bed one morning and it hurt to put my feet down on the floor, almost like I was walking on pebbles . I remember picking the kettle up and dropping it as the pain in my hands and wrists was so bad, this all came totally out of the blue. These were my very first symptoms and even then it took quite some time before RA the as diagnosed and before the swelling became a permanent feature.

I got some pain in one joint in one of my little fingers. It wasn't too bad but then a bony lump appeared. One blood test later revealed osteo arthritis. I now have nodules on multiple finger joints. They are occasionally mildly painful and my grip is not as strong as it used to be, but I'm not on any medication. I was 43 or 44 when the first nodule appeared.

Sorry posted too soon!

I’m surprised that your Doctor has already mentioned RA as a possible diagnosis, before bloods are back and you’ve been seen by the Rheumatologist, but as previous posters have mentioned there are lots of different types and treatments available so hopefully if it does come back that you have an Inflammatory arthritis, there are many options available.

Yes I was surprised too- she also said it could be “normal” arthritis but because of my age, needed to look into inflammatory arthritis too.

I did wonder about osteoarthritis too.

I had the same as you when I was 43. GP frightened me to death by suggesting lupus or RA. It was psoriatic arthritis. Psoriasis in family but I've never had it.
I was on hydroxychloroqiune for years. Now manage with naproxen. Only in hands and feet. Flares up occasionally but manageable.
I still work full time in a busy job.

Thankyou- I have had psoriasis just once after my parents died, so yes I suppose it’s possible. And you’re right- the GP HAS scared me to death!

Hi, I have just come across this thread and was just wondering if you had been diagnosed with anything Ilikeviognier? I had a baby 5 months ago and started with similar symptoms to you. I have a doctor's appointment booked but Google has scared the living daylights out of me. Just wondered how you were getting on?