Newly diagnosed with OA in hands and have questions

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Newly diagnosed with OA in hands and have...

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Jane Hobbs

Posted Wednesday, July 29, 2009 12:27 PM

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Last Login: Tuesday, September 29, 2009 11:36 AM
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I was just diagnosed with OA in my hands and I have a few questions I hope someone can help me with.

I'm 43 and I do clerical work for a living (I'm a secretary). I've been having pain and swelling in my left hand which started with my little finger, and then progressed to the ring and middle finger, only it was mostly the outer joints which swelled and were very painful. I've since figured out (and confirm by doctor) that they were Heberden's nodes. (note, I'm right-handed but use my computer mouse with my left-hand--I switch off because I get shoulder pain eventually if I don't.)

I went to my family clinic and saw the first staff doctor available, who diagnosed it a OA--"plain old wear-and-tear arthritis". He didn't seem too terribly concerned. I have a regular physical scheduled next month with my regular doctor, and I will follow up with her more.

My questions right now are: Is 43 a bit young for OA? I've had a lot of joints cracking and popping in the last several months, but put it down to just not being active enough (I'm guilty of not exercising regularly).

Also, does OA like this come on rather suddenly, like in a few months? I would think this would be something that would occur over a long time. Should I be concerned?

Thanks! Jane

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Grandpavan

Posted Wednesday, July 29, 2009 1:46 PM

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Welcome to the board. I have RA and OA but what you describe sounds to me like it could be RA. Unfortunately few doctors other than rheumatologists really know that much about arthritis (either OA or RA) so I strongly recommend that you be checked by a board-certified rheumatologist. Blood work is not sufficient to diagnose RA but it can be helpful. RA is an inflammatory disease so usually the Sed Rate (ESR) and CRP are elevated. This is just a sign of inflammation and it may be RA or something else. The rheumatoid factor is also used as an indication but in early-onset or mild RA it is often negative (I think about half the time). I hope you can see a rheumatologist but if not, ask about the blood work I mentioned. I agree that 43 is young to get OA but it can happen at that age, especially after injury or excessive use. God bless.

Age 82, diagnosed RA 12/2001, married since 1952, 4 sons no daughters, 4 grandsons 1 granddaughter. Doing well on Methotrexate and Remicade.

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LynnieGirl

Posted Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:01 PM

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Last Login: Tuesday, August 18, 2009 2:01 PM
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Hi!

I started noticing heberdon's knodes on a few of my finger when I was in my mid 40's, I, too, was told it was general wear and tear. By my later 40's I was experiencing significant pain in my left foot, hips and shoulders and was told it was inflammatory arthritis. I finally sought the advice of a Rheumatologist when my joint problems started mirroring each other on each side of my body, he is treating me as though I have RA, but the blood tests don't support this diagnosis. We are constantly adjusting my medications to see what works and what doesn't. I can't tell you how important it is to have a RA Dr. who is supportive, caring and a great listener.

I also find it incredibly helpfull talking to other people who are going thru the same thing, their experiences with different meds and treatments are lifesavers! The key is to try your best to have a great attitude, no matter what !

God Bless You,

LynnieGirl

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