Sqad if you are about...

[flobadob]

Sqad I've been getting advice on and off from you about swollen fingers that I've had since last June. I've been to an orthopedic specialist and am now in the middle of a second course of diclofenac sodium, which to me seems to be doing absolutely nothing of benefit. I got blood results today which ruled out any arthritis as a cause. I know you've said I should have been sent to a rheumatologist and I may ask my GP about that in the near future.

However today I called a guy who deals with sports injuries and such and he did wonders for me last year with a back problem that I had for years. I've decided to see him about the hand in the hope that it is linked in some way to my back/neck/shoulder. Do you think that could be the case?

[Eve]

I didn't think they can rule out arthritis with just blood tests, they can potentially rule out rhumatoid if there is no rhumatoid factor present.

Have they done bloods for inflammatory markers, ESR/CRP etc... and xrays or any scans?

I have inflammatory arthritis and no rhumatoid factor in my blood (as not rhumatoid arthritis) but have raised inflammatory markers. I was referred to rhumatology though.

[flobadob]

I think it is inflamed tendons that I have. Yes I had xrays done that came back normal.

[Sqad]

flobadob......I suppose there is an outside chance that your hand problems is in some way linked to your neck, but I would doubt it.

There is no harm in seeing this Sports Injuries chap but I must say that I agree with Jenna, that a Consultant Rheumatologist is the answer.

Keep us informed flob.

[flobadob]

Went to see him today and he's pointed out that the issue is is the part of my fingers with the nail, is it called the tip? Anyway he showed how that is the only part that won't bend 90 degrees. I've been thinking it was the middle knuckle that was causing it all but I can see what he was saying. It's just that the pain comes in the middle knuckle.

He did a bit of massaging from my arm down to my neck and I'll call back next week probably. Not too much pain today but no real improvement in the movement of my fingers either. I got myself a Stig stress toy last week so I'll keep squeezing on it for the time being and keep taking the diclofenac sodium and see what happens.

[Sqad]

flob.......I appreciate the feedback.