Finger cramps

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Chibi

Posted Monday, February 26, 2007 5:50 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:08 PM
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Hi All--

Didn't see this listed so I thought I'd ask if anyone experiences a lot of pain in just a finger? This has been happening to me more frequently, I don't know what else to call it but a cramp. The finger just locks up and is so painful and takes a while to let loose again. It feels like the knuckle slipped out of place is my best description. It happens out of the blue, so it's not like I'm doing something that puts strain on it.
Now my Rheumy is saying that he doesn't think I have RA, that he never did. Yet he can't explain why the MTX seems to be helping. A lot of my pain is gone, I don't know if I'm in remission or really don't have it and it was some fluke thing. I don't have enough markers. He never tested me for Lyme disease, tho that's a long shot too. I've even been out to shovel snow the last 2 days without a lot of repercussions.
So if MTX isn't helping (my hands still ache, besides the one finger doing tricks) I am just wondering what is causing this if not RA.

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Michelle343

Posted Monday, February 26, 2007 11:55 PM

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I just have to ask this: why did he prescribe Mtx if he didnt think you needed it. Something sounds fishy and I suggest you find a different rheumie. As far as the finger, could it be trigger finger? Dont give up! You know your body so keep going until you get answers! Peace and Blessings, Michelle

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Keli in Florida

Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2007 12:10 AM

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I have to agree with Michelle, I think the doctor is wishy washy. There are a lot of auto-immune disease that can sometimes mimic RA and if the doctor is not a specialist and knows what he's talking about then well you get someone like this guy. I've never been put on MXT but have been on other disease modifiying drugs, biologics and it just does not sit right that he would put you on MXT if he didn't think you ever had ra or some rheumatic disease. I know when I'm typing and the keys stick it hurts like I can't explain especially when I'm having a flare. I do get like sharp shooting pains sometimes in my fingers but just push it off as another symptom of arthritis. Your doc should have atleast explained what he was saying a little better. If he may think you have some other rheumatic diseases, sounds like he was just trying to get you out of the office for the day. Good luck!

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Chibi

Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2007 3:47 PM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:08 PM
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Ah yes, I have a few other choice words for him besides wishy washy! He's the only game in town, tho, unless I want to drive myself 20 miles in whatever kind of weather to another county. And you know sometimes when in pain that's awful hard to do. For right now I'll manage with him, if there's some other explanation for this besides RA then I'll deal with it when the time comes. I am thinking clearly today, not preoccupied with pain which I think is reason enough for brain fog! And yes he is a Rheumy. Maybe he slept a lot in class. I think the logic behind putting me on meds from things I've read is, that you can halt the progression of joint damage with early intervention, so they treat it more aggressively than they did 20 yr ago. Or something like that, I'm not quoting anyone. I can begin to cut back the Mtx and see if symptoms get worse, too. I take 6 weekly.
And yes, he doesn't explain very well either. Another reason I do my own research.
And Michelle, what is trigger finger? It's not my index finger, it's the ring finger. Really odd I think. But, manageable for now so I am really grateful!!
Thanks for your support, may you both be blessed with enough spoons and more!

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Keli in Florida

Posted Tuesday, February 27, 2007 8:33 PM

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Last Login: Monday, February 22, 2010 8:07 AM
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I know what if feels like to have a doc like that I put up with one for almost 4 years or maybe a little longer before finding another rheumy. Back in 2001 I switched to my new rheumy which I have been with every since and yes, I do drive about 30 mins or maybe a little further. I refuse to settle for a doc who isn't going to treat me like I deserve to be treated. I am the patient, and I am paying for a service so I'm just not going to settle for what they want me to. I need greatness and caring in a rheumy. Good luck with your doc.

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peacefulplanet

Posted Sunday, March 04, 2007 11:07 AM

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Last Login: Thursday, July 31, 2008 1:11 PM
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Hi Chibi,

Good that you're finding humor with your rheumatologist situation - I enjoyed that!

I had trigger finger in my index and middle on my right hand. The middle happened during the height of my symptoms (just as I was about to move and couldn't use my arms either...). What happened to me was that the joint at the base of the finger had tendinitis, the finger swelled and bent forward, and there was pain and pulling down into the hand. The Prednisone made it all go away but now that I'm on 5mg a day it is starting to come back by clicking in the base joint. The pain is possibly the most annoying of all my pain. I was told to run it under warm water and then gently pull and massage it. For exercises, bend at the middle joint 10 or so times a few times a day, and the same with the base joint, and then full fist.

That all worked with my index finger, but I got a cortisone shot for the stubborn middle finger right away because of the move. It helped a lot but I think the RA kept it from healing.

I guess the good news is that I got better at eating with my left hand...

Hope this helps and that your whole process gets smoother!

Peace,
Diane

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