Any ideas on what this condition is?

Bones, joints and muscles
1

The start of my problems started about 8 months ago. 

I woke upwith terrible pain in my right hand, this followed some heavy work I had been doing carrying logs and wheel harrowing them for a few days. I have been doing this work for a number of years so it was nothing new. 

I went to casualty as the pain was so bad. They did a visual diagnosis and concluded it was probably tendinitis, gave me naproxen (anti inflammatory) and sent me home after a day or two the pain subsided. 

Also I'm a musician so between my job and hobbies I use my hands a great deal. 

I wasnt totally happy with the diagnosis And sought a second opinion from my gp, again I was given a visual diagnosis and the gp agreed with the original diagnosis. 

Then I had a reoccurrence in my other hand a month or so later. This I felt may have had something to do with the fact that I did lots of guitar practice over a relatively short period of time. ( even though I have played as many as 32 consecutive gigs in the not to distant past without any adverse effects) as I'm in the musicians union, they have a number of clinicians and gp's who specialise in music based injuries. I booked an appointment and saw a professional who after a more thorough examination also felt it was probably tendonitis.. 

Since all these episodes I have tried to be very mindful about the tasks I have to carry out day to day, this has certainly made a difference.. However if I forget and dive into physical work without thinking, I invariably suffer. 

Prior to all this happening I used to go to the gym 4 times a week cycle 80 moles per wk and had an active life, when I was first seen it was the doctors opinion that I should stop going the gym and generally ease off. 

After yet another episode I went back to the doctor,I explained  I would be happier if this problem could be investigated further. He felt sending me for blood tests would be a first step, all came back fine, apart from one which was inconclusive re arthritis, so he wanted to and me for another more detailed one (CRP) I also asked how they could rule out RSI or carpal just by visual diagnosis ? He said they couldn't and I'm now awaiting nerve conduction tests and an appointment with a rheumatologist even though he is not sure I have it ?

i have had another episode this time in my shoulder top of arm..

would be very interested in any opinions / help 

 

2

Hmmm.... it does sound more like tendonitis and not so much Rheumatoid Arthritis because it is not bilateral as RA usually is...

Having said that, keep in mind that 20% of clinically diagnosed RA sufferers do not come up RA positive in their blood tests.

As all your occupations put stress on your hands and shoulders (wheelbarrows, guitar, gym) I would imagine that your best bet would be to take a complete break from it all, if you can bear to, and see what happens then.

Just a non professional opinion from a long-time RA sufferer.

I wish you well.

3

Had another bout of this problem, driving me insane! Everytime I do something I end up half crippled with pain. Maybe the docs have it right and it is tendonitis ? I have to say before this latest bout I was working ( (as I have been for the last 30yrs) quite hard. As mentioned above another bout ensued..

So I dosed up on af's (Naproxen) the pain seemed to go to my forearm and then went away, couple of days later had a gentle play of my guitar next thing I know im waking up in the middle of the night in agony, it seems when I go to bed this condition worsens ? As a result I have a slight phobia about going to bed, as I know what to expect.. 

Im currently waiting for nerve conduction RSI & Carpal test also waiting to see rheumatologist, however I thought I would go back to the doc, in the hope he might help with sleeping problems. He gave me some painkillers to take, which he reckons will allow me to sleep, Zapain i believe, I don't like taking pills, but when I get this pain, I would take anything to make it go away! Hopefully when I go for tests something will show up that they can identify and treat, as this has really been a life changing experience, gp said I shouldn't work for 2 months but being self employed does not allow me that luxury. Therein may lie the problem, ie if I don't take a complete break from work for 2 months I will never know..

 

4

Joe,I am sure the rheumatologist will do blood work on you and it will tell him where all the "flags" are, and if it turns out to be PMR he will probably put you on prednisone........let us know how you make out

\

5

Thanks claudia...

6

you are SO welcome Joe....Good luck with your tests