Rheumatoid Arthritis Support Group
Rheumatoid arthritis is a chronic, inflammatory, multisystem, autoimmune disorder. It is a disabling and painful condition which can lead to substantial loss of mobility due to pain and joint destruction. The disease is also systemic in that it often also affects many extra-articular tissues throughout the body including the skin, blood vessels, heart, lungs, and...
Good news first! Saw rheum yesterday for two month check up - all going well. We are going to maintain my Humira injections and MTX. And I get to see her in three months instead of two months! Bonus for me! :)
Now for the other news - ahwile ago I posted about tingling in right hand. Well, went to occupational therapist (OT) today on recommendatoin of rheum. She did a bunch of tests and diagnosed me with cubital tunnel from the ulnar nerve being trapped in my elbow. It could be from the RA but not sure. No one has requested imaging yet to determine if it's related to RA. I see her 2x a week for the next few weeks. Hopefully the therapy will work but if not then surgery. Ugh. At least I know now what it is. I had my meltdown in the car home after my appt. Haven't had a good one of those since my diagnosis to be honest. I was feeling so excited yesterday after my appt. This was a disappointment.
Doing better now. :)
Despite being upset with another problem (and possible surgery) an explanation can be relieving and validating. At least it can take away some stress of the unknown, and now you can move on to some treatment. But a good meltdown also feels good!
I have been having significant problems with my wrist -- exacerbated by gardening this past weekend! And with occasional, transient numbness and tingling I have wondered if I have cubital syndrome. The problem can come from compression of the nerve anywhere from the wrist up to the shoulder.
Hopefully your OT (and maybe PT) can be helpful -- they tend to be creative in coming up with ways to help with splinting, positioning, and other exercises, to hopefully avoid surgery.
Good luck and keep us posted.