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Date: 22.04.2014
From: Ahsa baker

Subject: Fat fingers

Hi everyone I'm Ahsa I'm 29 and have been diagnosed with inflammatory arthritis - its in the lower part of my fingers below the knuckle. Every finger in constant pain - they are stiff and throb and sting - can anyone relate I'm at the end of my tether

Waiting to start meds on 11th may
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Date: 23.04.2014
From: Julie

Subject: Re: Fat fingers

Hi Ahsa, Although my fingers do not sting I too have problems with my fingers, I have in the past had very swollen knuckles, although now I am on medication they are very much better.

I found that putting my hands in hot water - not too hot to be unbearable - it helped, and also having a nice bath and keeping my hands under water also helps.

I first started on methotrexate, then they added plaquenil, then sulphasalazine, and prednisolone, folic acid and calcium tablets. Once you get medication you will hopefully feel much better. Painkillers also help but I only like to take at bedtime. Sometimes my fingers are quite stiff when I wake up but once moving they are okay.

Have you been to a physiotherapist? They can give you some support gloves to wear at night, they are made of thin material and these help aswell, I think you can buy them but I would ask advice from a nurse at your clinic before using them.

Take care and hope you feel better soon.
xx
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Date: 23.04.2014
From: Linda Bradley

Subject: Re: Fat fingers

Hi Ahsa, I have the same. Although my fingers dont really swell. But they are painful below the knuckle, sometimes my middle and the forth knuckle hurt too. They are stiff too especially if you have them in the same position for a long time.. eg holding a cup. As Julie said, hot water helps etc. can you take Ibrufofen to tide you over?
Or maybe Gluecosamine gel.
Hope something helps
Linda x
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Date: 27.04.2014
From: Ahsa

Subject: Re: Fat fingers

Hi guys
They are starting me on methotrexate on 12th may - I'm hoping it helps it would just be lovely to have some pain free days - I'm starting to get swollen feet as well so need to mention that to my consultant - I just can't wait to start feeling normal as it is effecting my mood and I am feeling constantly low and emotional all the time x thank you for your replies it's really nice to talk to people who understand how I feel x
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Date: 27.04.2014
From: Eve

Subject: Re: Fat fingers

Hi, do they get really hot as well? Mine get so hot that cold helps me more though not too much. I have an array of cooling things which also help my legs and feet especially when trying to work or sleep. I've used one of those cold freeze sprays before now and have aloe vera aftersun cooling gel and cooling pain gel etc...

I try to keep some light fingerless gloves on when it's not too warm to protect them, they don't like really warm or cold weather or, randomly, rain! I've got special gloves from occupational health too.

Good luck with the methotrexate, really hope it helps. There are meds to help your mood too, it can be very hard physically and emotionally so if it takes some tablets to help you feel a bit more normal, sleep better and be able to cope better then don't worry about speaking to your GP about other things that could help.
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Date: 27.04.2014
From: Ahsa

Subject: Re: Fat fingers

The heat would make it worse! The pain is like when you have been really cold and then put hands in hot water - I have that constant stinging pain all the time - putting my hands on cold things is the best! When I'm in bed we have a leather bed and I'm constantly putting my hands up on the headboard during the night - I'm thinking about asking for something to help my mood - I hate feeling so low and down! I have a 17 month old daughter and need to keep upbeat for her and my hubby! I really hope these drugs work! Anything to help the pain would be good any normal paracetamol/ibroprofen doesn't touch it ;-( xx
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