tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post6158206596459233432..comments2023-10-02T04:06:53.185-04:00Comments on Brass and Ivory: Life with MS and RA: So...My fingers are numb, should I call the doctor?Lisa Emrichhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comBlogger7125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-60657453288730963162009-02-07T15:53:00.000-05:002009-02-07T15:53:00.000-05:00Thanks for the laugh Linda D. in Seattle...I feel ...Thanks for the laugh Linda D. in Seattle...I feel that way some times.Blinders Offhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/03109286529955936165noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-60008298048227915322009-02-05T14:57:00.000-05:002009-02-05T14:57:00.000-05:00I don't call my neuro for anything. His only answe...I don't call my neuro for anything. His only answer ever is "I don't know". What a waste.Miss Chrishttps://www.blogger.com/profile/11731458343222525114noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-85770469782516377252009-02-05T03:28:00.000-05:002009-02-05T03:28:00.000-05:00I prefer to wait until my DOCTOR is numb and tingl...I prefer to wait until my DOCTOR is numb and tingling before I call her...but that's just me. LOL<BR/><BR/>Linda D. in SeattleBRAINCHEESEhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/04478852688645497036noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-15219967118119429312009-02-04T22:02:00.000-05:002009-02-04T22:02:00.000-05:00Nadja,I would keep a close eye on that finger. Th...Nadja,<BR/><BR/>I would keep a close eye on that finger. The 2nd joint on my middle finger became grossly swollen (but not hot) during the time my neuro believed I had carpal tunnel syndrome which ended up being rheumatoid arthritis.<BR/><BR/>Early on with arthritis, the suggested treatment for me would Aleve, but at a double dose (two pills per day). If that helps to take down the swelling, good. If not, well.....<BR/><BR/>Not matter what, there's no reason why NOT to have some bloodwork done. Keep in mind that not everybody with RA has an elevated Rheumatoid Factor (I didn't at first). <BR/><BR/>Certainly, bloodwork should include at least a Complete Blood Count (with platelets), Chem Panel, ESR (Sed rate), RF, ANA, maybe C-reactive protein, vitamin B12 and maybe vitamin D. If you'd like, I could try to find an example of the initial bloodwork my rheumatologist wanted to see.<BR/><BR/>But first, try the Aleve as it works differently than Ibuprofen.Lisa Emrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-6625882186588622772009-02-04T21:56:00.000-05:002009-02-04T21:56:00.000-05:00Wow Melissa, that's a fast diagnosis based on a nu...Wow Melissa, that's a fast diagnosis based on a numb thumb!! Mine was definitely not so quick, nor so clear-cut.Lisa Emrichhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10862232056342347990noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-7818285882954398892009-02-04T20:00:00.000-05:002009-02-04T20:00:00.000-05:00The joint in my middle finger has been swollen and...The joint in my middle finger has been swollen and arthritic for a week. Should I call my doctor. <BR/><BR/>Why bother, he'll suggest ibuprofin.Denver Refashionistahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/17681030016057155728noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3500936220214961312.post-26141887071590123302009-02-04T16:07:00.000-05:002009-02-04T16:07:00.000-05:00LOL this made me remember my own diagnoses. Not th...LOL this made me remember my own diagnoses. Not that it's anything to laugh about but ya know.. what can you do. <BR/><BR/>Noticed the tip of my left thumb was numb driving to work one morning, it spread, walked into Dr next morning at 7:00, MRI at 5:00 with Dr there - diagnosed by 7:00. <BR/><BR/>I think I have the worlds only less-than-48-hour-diagnoses.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com