PA spread

[romantiq]

I have PA in my left pointer finger, and I think its going into my left middle finger too. I was just wondering what you folks have tried to ease the pain of spreading? I'm 18 years old and my poor left hand feels like its 81!

I had a really bad experience with Cortizone and since then I'm so sensitive about doctors even come close to my hand. I had a cortizone injection in my knuckle where the PA is. I think so far that is the most painful experience ive had with it.

That is the only treatment I've had for it and that was almost 3 years ago.

Thank goodness I'm right handed! What methods have you used besides Advil?

[Stillworking]

Have you seen a rhuemy for this? If not perhaps you should. I don't think that anything besides medication can slow or stop the spread. Do you have P? This is a great site to find answers to questions and all kinds of info. At least my response will bump you to the top where more people will see this.

[romantiq]

I've seen a rheumy but the only thing he could suggest was cortizone. I should cnsider finding another doc that maybe knows what he's doing.

[Petdoc]

Hi Romantiq,

I developed PA last year and it basically started in my right big toe and gradually (over the course of two months) spread to a few toes on both feet and my pointer and middle finger on my left hand. I was taking large quantities of Advil every day to try to manage the pain. However, nothing stopped the progression until I started Enbrel. As soon as I started my injections (50mg once weekly), the progression stopped and then the swelling and pain gradually subsided. I truely believe that more fingers and toes would be swollen and damaged by now if I had not started the Enbrel. For me, it has been a life saver.

If you do come up with some kind of alternative treatment, please let us know! Good luck and I hope you find something to ease your pain.

Megan