I've got a great hand doctor. One thing I really respect about him is that he admits when he's stumped. He told me that at my appointment.
This is my hand x-ray. A trained eye can see I have basal joint arthritis in my thumb joints (yes. both hands). An untrained eye such as mine, needed to be told that the kind of clear knob at the base of my thumb and the light shadow in the webbing area between my thumb and forefinger are both bone spurs. Those cause considerable discomfort in those area.
What he can't find is the cause for my discomfort in the area of the knuckle on my forefinger (where the arrow is). He doesn't see any arthritis, nor any previous injury that might be the culprit. I've been going to physical therapy for ultrasound treatments and hand exercises, and am being treated as though inflammation might be the reason. The goofy weather changes don't help either.
So my doctor apologized, saying he doesn't think he's being a good doctor for not sorting out my problem, but I'll continue a couple more weeks of pt, take an anti-inflammatory, and pray the weather stops beating me up. In the meantime, I'm going to get back to my needlework, too. If this is going to be my new normal, I better put on my big girl panties, suck it up, and just soldier through. Otherwise, I'll be sitting around feeling sorry for myself and not doing any of the things I love to do. You know that's not how I operate.
I'm going to take care of the critters, have a cuppa, and then do something productive. I think moderation will be the key. I'll let you know how it goes.
I'm sorry your doctor cannot find the reason for your pain.
ReplyDeleteI do hope you can continue doing what you love.
Marilyn
Hi Marilyn:
DeleteIt's not easy getting old(er). I'm resigned to the fact that I've got aches and pains. Perhaps I should buy that concoction advertised on tv all the time (Balance of Nature)? lol Heat feels better than cold, so I give myself little treatments as I need them.
Thanks for your concern.
xoxo
Donna
Not all the answers you need, but, a good attitude! Yes, "putting on the big girl panties" is often the wise and best option to respond and deal with an issue, but, sometimes I have to wonder how many pairs of those things we are supposed to be wearing... 😧😆 I will share, hopefully as an encouragement, that my 85-year-old mother has terrible, disfiguring arthritis in her hands but still continues to pick up her colored pencils and produce lovely artwork. Continuing to be creative is such a blessing to the soul. Hoping the doctor can have an "ah-ha" moment and find you some relief!
ReplyDeleteHi Lois:
DeleteI just decided I can't sit around feeling sorry for myself. I'll get some CBD or essential oil to rub into the offending joint so I can keep going. Our generation comes from strong stock. We don't sit around. We face our troubles head on. This, too, shall pass. Your mum is an inspiration. Thanks for sharing, dear.
xoxo
Donna
Maybe you could ask for another opinion? I'm so sorry the doctor couldn't come up with a solution.
ReplyDeleteI suspect my thumbs have the same issues as yours...it's either bone spurs or 'Arthur' (or a combination). I haven't had them looked at because I don't want to know! I follow the advice of a friend I had who was well into her 80's and had arthritis in her hands and she maintained the only reason she could continue to crochet was because she refused to give in. Resident Chef thinks I'm nuts when I complain about my hands hurting and I'm still either stitching or knitting...he thinks I should just quit until they feel better. I'm terrified that if I quit, even for a little while, I won't be able to continue later on.
Something you might like to try though - see if you can find a product called 'Veterinary Liniment Gel' by Absorbine. Might have to order it from Amazon or if you have a store in the area that specializes in things for horses and farm animals, they might have it. And yes, I know it's supposedly for animals, but I grew up using the original Absorbine linament with no issues. It says it's for 'deep penetrating warmth for optimal muscle health and joint mobility'. It helps, so try it if you can!
Hi MA:
DeleteThis doctor has been caring for my husband and his hand issues successfully for a few years. I'm confident with him, especially since he admits when he doesn't know something. I really respect that. I'm not going to give in either. I'm going to do the pampering I need to do, while still fulfilling my creative impulses. The aches and pains come and go, so I'll just soldier through this setback until it, too, takes a break. I'm going to check out that linament, too! I've used horse "potions" before, and topically, they're very effective. It doesn't bother me one little bit that this is something I'll get from the feed mill. Heat definitely feels better than cold. Thanks for the recommendation!
xoxo
Donna
If you can't get the Absorbine Gel at the feed mill, Amazon has it for sure. There's also a bottled version that's liquid and a little more difficult to apply without it getting all over and it is a little more 'scented' than the gel. There's an Absorbine Jr. that I think you could get at the drug store but it's like using water and not the least bit helpful (at least in my mind anyway)
DeleteThat's great to know! Thanks so much. I'll be looking for the gel at the mill, or I'll order it on Amazon.
DeleteHugs!
Sherry of createology: Never give up doing what you love. Keep using your hands and that will help them to stay lubricated and flexible. I speak from experience of over 40 years. When the pain gets too unbearable I slow down but never quit. My Grandma never quit even though her pain was really unbearable at times…I could see it in her face. None of us are alike however we are strong and have a purpose. I like your honest doctor. Blessings my Dear.
ReplyDeleteHi Sherry:
DeleteI completely agree. I'd be more miserable not following my creative muse than pampering my aches and pains. I'll just take it easy and get in lots of breaks while I work. Our grandmas were such inspiration. They never had time to just sit around. We can learn much from them. We are strong, aren't we? We come from "never quit" stock. I respect my doctor for being truthful with me. He's a good guy.
Thanks for your concern, dear.
xoxo
Donna
That Doctor is one in a million. How many others would say well let's try surgery, let's try this or that and have no idea what for. And there are way too many people that go along with these suggestions. As long as that forefinger lets you put on those big girl panties, you're good.
ReplyDeleteShirley
Hi Shirley:
DeleteI agree! Most of them could easily BS me. I appreciate that he admits he doesn't see a reason for my "troubles" looking at the x-ray or my hand. I may face surgery in the future for the bone spurs, but he said that's not done until they become unbearable and unusable. I have a long way to go. Pullin' on panties isn't good. Zippers are murder right now, but this too, will get easier. Thanks!
xoxo
Donna