Arthritis?
Hi!
I generally lurk about here, but now I’m just wondering…..
For the past several months, I have been having pain in the muscles (I
thought) in my upper legs, and particularly in my left shoulder. Also
my neck at times. My endo (a WONDERFUL man) sent me to an orthopedic
surgeon, who decided that his specialty wasn’t what I needed, so he
sent me to a rheumatologist. She has run some blood tests, declared
my left shoulder nearly useless (probably true - I am learning to
shampoo my hair with one hand!), and has made a first stab at
diagnosing this as "inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis" while she
continues testing to ensure that it isn’t really lupus(!). None of
this has made me very happy, but she has put me on a low dose of
prednisone, which has not interfered with my BG’s (yet), replacing 10
or more ibuprofen, which I had been taking each day, previously.
I am a 45-year old female, having DM for 32 years, pumping for nearly
six years. I take thyroid replacement hormore. I have had three
healthy babies, and fortunately have not had any significant
complications in this whole time. My retinas are perfect (lucky me!)
Have any of you had an "early" onset of arthritis like this? I have
been reading about lupus, and the doctor assures me that she is being
overly cautious about the diagnosis - not a bad thing… I am not
sure what she means by "inflammatory" arthritis, since I think I am
reading that all arthritis is inflammatory. I am hoping that if this
is "inflamed" that at some point (perhaps when its warmer) it may
"deflame" and I will be more comfortable for awhile.
The onset of this was overnight. I went to bed one night in December,
and I was fine, and when I woke up, I was in agony (not a word I use
lightly, either, may I add) This also seems weird to me. I thought I
would work up to this sort of condition (I am worse off than my 87
year old mother!)
Do any of you have suggestions on where I might go to get reliable
information? I get the impression that there are a lot of quacks out
there regarding arthritis. Obviously, the Arthritis Foundation is
good, but have you found others?
Thanks in advance, everyone! It really does mean a lot to have
support. I have never been much of a group-goer, and this is easier!
Joan Jakubowski in Illinois
March 4th, 2006 at 3:37 pm
Joan,
I had the "frozen shoulder" that is so common in diabetics and it showed up just
as you describe. I was never tested for any thing else. Did anyone think to
see if it was "frozen shoulder"?
Hi!
I generally lurk about here, but now I’m just wondering…..
For the past several months, I have been having pain in the muscles (I
thought) in my upper legs, and particularly in my left shoulder. Also
my neck at times. My endo (a WONDERFUL man) sent me to an orthopedic
surgeon, who decided that his specialty wasn’t what I needed, so he
sent me to a rheumatologist. She has run some blood tests, declared
my left shoulder nearly useless (probably true - I am learning to
shampoo my hair with one hand!), and has made a first stab at
diagnosing this as "inflammatory rheumatoid arthritis" while she
continues testing to ensure that it isn’t really lupus(!). None of
this has made me very happy, but she has put me on a low dose of
prednisone, which has not interfered with my BG’s (yet), replacing 10
or more ibuprofen, which I had been taking each day, previously.
I am a 45-year old female, having DM for 32 years, pumping for nearly
six years. I take thyroid replacement hormore. I have had three
healthy babies, and fortunately have not had any significant
complications in this whole time. My retinas are perfect (lucky me!)
Have any of you had an "early" onset of arthritis like this? I have
been reading about lupus, and the doctor assures me that she is being
overly cautious about the diagnosis - not a bad thing… I am not
sure what she means by "inflammatory" arthritis, since I think I am
reading that all arthritis is inflammatory. I am hoping that if this
is "inflamed" that at some point (perhaps when its warmer) it may
"deflame" and I will be more comfortable for awhile.
The onset of this was overnight. I went to bed one night in December,
and I was fine, and when I woke up, I was in agony (not a word I use
lightly, either, may I add) This also seems weird to me. I thought I
would work up to this sort of condition (I am worse off than my 87
year old mother!)
Do any of you have suggestions on where I might go to get reliable
information? I get the impression that there are a lot of quacks out
there regarding arthritis. Obviously, the Arthritis Foundation is
good, but have you found others?
Thanks in advance, everyone! It really does mean a lot to have
support. I have never been much of a group-goer, and this is easier!
Joan Jakubowski in Illinois
Search:
March 4th, 2006 at 9:05 pm
<< The onset of this was overnight >>
Joan,
Ive heard from some of the people on here about something called frozen
shoulder that diabetics can get. Anyone? Chrissy
March 5th, 2006 at 5:13 am
<< Frozen shoulder is a common DM complication >>
Ok Jan got it. Thanks. Chrissy
March 6th, 2006 at 6:29 am
I have "frozen shoulder" and I had a cortizone shot (which was useless) and
physical therapy (which was GREAT) to help loosen it up. My problem was
that I didn’t keep up the exercises, so it came back but not near as
painful. I think my shoulder position was pinching a nerve because
sometimes my whole neck and left side of the face would hurt. Here is a
quote that I just happen to read this morning in the May 2001 (page 25)
Diabetes Forecast magazine that might help understand what may be happening
to you. Good luck, Jeana——–:
Robert J. Tanenberg, MD responds, " People with diabetes do have an
increased incidence of shoulder and hand problems. Two types of shoulder
problems are frozen shoulder (adhesive capsulitis) and calcific
periarthritis. Frozen shoulder occurs in about 20 percent of people with
diabetes versus only 5 percent of non-diabetic individuals. Likewise,
calcific shoulder periarthritis is three times more common in people with
diabetes than those without diabetes. Both of these conditions may cause
shoulder pain and limit movement of the arm away from or behind the body.
Just as people with diabetes glycosylate their hemoglobin to form HbA1c
(glucose molecules attach to hemoglobin), they may also glycosylate other
proteins. One of these proteins is collagen, a key substance in cartilage
and tendons. It has been noted that people with diabetes have increased
glycosylation of collagen or deposition of abnormal collagen around joints,
which leads to stiffening and limitation of joint mobility. Other studies
indicate that shoulder problems are more likely to occur in people with
long-standing diabetes, even if their glucose control is good. These
conditions are treated by steroid injections into the joint followed by
physical therapy. In a small percentage of those with frozen shoulder,
however, the condition becomes so severe that orthopedic surgery is
required. " (it went on to talk about trigger finger)
March 6th, 2006 at 4:20 pm
Jan, I too have arthritis. Unfortunately it runs in the family. It’s funny
that I’ve had diabetes all these years, and the arthritis is what put me on
disability!
Rhematoid arthritis unfortunately does strike early, often in the early 30’s.
Also, it is slightly unusual to strike suddenly, but not unheard of. When I
was originally diagnosed, I went from being fine to totally unable to walk in
about 3 days. (And yes, I can walk now after beginning treatment.) I have
gone to bed at night being fine, had a flare-up, and then woke up the next
morning with my hand so curled up I couldn’t open it.
Don’t despair, though. Like diabetes, if you have to have RA, now is the best
time to have it. In the last 5 years, there have been great strides made in
meds and treatment therapies.
FYI, I’m 44 next month.
Patrick
March 6th, 2006 at 9:51 pm
<< it went on to talk about trigger finger) >>
I have that and finally had to have surgery for it. Chrissy
PS: Ive been having some pain in my shoulder on and off. I hope its not the
begining of anything. Probably is but hope its not. It happens when I try
and move my arm up. Dont know. Im not going to get completely worried about
it unless it gets worse. I told my regular dr about it but that was b4 I
knew about frozen shoulder. Its good Im on here so I get this info,
otherwise alot of us would be in the dark about some of this stuff.
March 7th, 2006 at 9:17 am
Chrissy wrote:
>>> I told my regular dr about it but that was b4 I knew about frozen
shoulder. Its good Im on here so I get this info, otherwise alot of us would
be in the dark about some of this stuff. >>>
My frozen shoulder was in ‘73 and lasted 2 years. I had shortwave treatments
at the Chiropractor’s (shoulderologist) as well as manipulation. I had no clue
what it was until I got on the ‘net 2 years ago. Another possibility is
Fibromyalgia - pain in the joints and is common to DMers.
March 7th, 2006 at 2:06 pm
<< Fibromyalgia - pain in the joints and is common to DMers.
>>
It is? I didnt know that. Chrissy
March 7th, 2006 at 10:28 pm
Chrissy,
What exactly is trigger finger?
Gail
>I have that and finally had to have surgery for it. Chrissy
March 9th, 2006 at 9:39 am
Does anyone in the group have trigger finger?
Amanda
March 9th, 2006 at 11:00 pm
<< What exactly is trigger finger?
>>
Well the symptoms are when you try and bend your finger it get stuck in a
bent postion. The only way to unstick it for me is use my other hand and
pull. Our tendons run thru a sheath so when we bend them the tendon moves up
and down. In trigger finger the sheath narrows so the tendon hangs up and
gets stuck. It can be painful. I suffered w/it for a long time. I did get
cortisone shots for it for a while but as you all know it raised my BGs
really high. It was also very very painful!!! I also had trigger finger in
my wrist. I would almost scream in pain when the dr would give me the shot.
I finally said I cant take this anymore and had surgery which totally
rectafied the situation. Ive had 2 surgeries for this. The dr said usually
once you have the surgery it doesnt reoccur. But since I have 10 fingers and
2 wrists it could happen in any of those places and I would have to have
surgery for it each time. So far its been several years since it has
happened. I hope it stays that way. Chrissy
March 10th, 2006 at 7:08 am
<< Does anyone in the group have trigger finger?
>>
I do. Chrissy (See previous post.)
March 11th, 2006 at 10:25 am
Thanks Chrissy I read your post, I have recently been diagnosed with trigger
finger, I too had the cortisone shot, just one! I really don’t want to take
anymore cortisone, so I think after speaking with my doctor I will probably
have surgery! I only have it in one finger! Does it usually happen in more
than on finger after a period of time? Just curious, because the doctor I
went to was a yes man! Thanks for answering!
Amanda
March 13th, 2006 at 8:31 am
Chrissy,
I have started having severe cramping and it draws my first two fingers on
both hands down and sometimes it feels like it is in my wrist. I can pull
them in the other direction, but they will draw again till the cramping is
over. This may last anywhere from five min. to twenty min. I cannot see any
connection to what I am doing. Is this trigger finger?
Gail
March 13th, 2006 at 7:43 pm
Gail,
With the amount of water pills you are taking, do you suppose it’s cramping
like legs/feet at night due to potassium/water loss? That’s why I have the
Quinine pills that I have found out I cannot take without vomiting / passing
out!!!
Jan (~_^)
March 14th, 2006 at 12:46 am
I definitely plan on asking the Dr. I am having my blood drawn next week
then see my internal med. dr the next week, then my endo the next. Got alot
to go over, breathing problems and chest pain. My potassium has always been
on the high level of normal and they alway watch it, never have taken any
potassium and I have been on diuretics for 25 yrs.
Gail
March 14th, 2006 at 8:40 am
<< I only have it in one finger! Does it usually happen in more
than on finger after a period of time? Just curious, because the doctor I
went to was a yes man! Thanks for answering!
Amanda >>
I dont know if it usually only happens in one finger. For me the first time
I dealt w/it it was one finger on each hand and in one wrist. I went ahead
and had them both operated on at the same time. Man talk about indisposed!!
I could hardly do anything. But it was worth it. The second time I had it
in one finger (I think) Im kinda getting mixed up. Oh well suffice it to
say Im glad I had the surgery. If I have to do it again (hopefully not) I
will. Good luck. Chrissy
March 15th, 2006 at 12:55 am
<< This may last anywhere from five min. to twenty min. I cannot see any
connection to what I am doing. Is this trigger finger?
>>
I dont really know Gail. My symptoms were my fingers sticking when I would
bend them. They would not do anything on there own. I would check w/your
dr. I ended up going to a reumatologist for my trigger finger. Chrissy
March 17th, 2006 at 1:07 pm
Chiropractors (wristologists) can help a lot for carpal tunnel syndrome. BTDT.
March 17th, 2006 at 7:20 pm
BTDT??
fp
March 18th, 2006 at 3:27 am
BTW, Jan, I like your "Apology To China" right on the money!!
fp
March 18th, 2006 at 1:30 pm
Been There, Done That
March 18th, 2006 at 9:38 pm
I’m a good *passer onner* - ’tweren’t mine. (~_^)
Jan
> BTW, Jan, I like your "Apology To China" right on the money!!
> fp
March 19th, 2006 at 3:50 am
I figured that. but it’s still right on the money!!
March 19th, 2006 at 7:39 am
Chrissy,
Does trigger finger ever have just a single episode and then never bother you
again? I’m just curious because of something that happened with my hand before
Christmas. I was painting an ornament with some of those stained glass paints
in
the squeeze bottle and I had a fine tip on it to make thin lines. I had put a
lot of pressure on the bottle for a lengthy period of time to draw the design.
When I was done, I wasn’t able to let go of the bottle. I had to use my left
hand to pry fingers from around the bottle and was still unable to move them for
a long time. I haven’t had that problem since that one time (I also haven’t
been
doing the same painting either). Could that be trigger finger or just regular
cramping?
Connie
March 21st, 2006 at 6:07 am
Chrissy,
I think that I will probably have to get the surgery, it sounds like ti has
helped you a lot! Thank you for your input I really appreciate it!
Amanda
March 21st, 2006 at 11:21 am
<< Does trigger finger ever have just a single episode and then never bother
you
again? I’m just curious because of something that happened with my hand
before
Christmas. I was painting an ornament with some of those stained glass
paints in
the squeeze bottle and I had a fine tip on it to make thin lines. I had put
a
lot of pressure on the bottle for a lengthy period of time to draw the
design.
When I was done, I wasn’t able to let go of the bottle. I had to use my left
hand to pry fingers from around the bottle and was still unable to move them
for
a long time. I haven’t had that problem since that one time (I also haven’t
been
doing the same painting either). Could that be trigger finger or just
regular
cramping?
>>
Well when it first developed in me it would come and go then it just got
worse and didnt leave. I hope in your case its just because you were using
your hands for awhile w/alot of pressure. Just be aware of it I would say.
I really wouldnt worry about it unless it would continue and not go away.
Chrissy
March 22nd, 2006 at 3:36 am
<< I think that I will probably have to get the surgery, it sounds like ti
>>
has
helped you a lot! Thank you for your input I really appreciate it!
Amanda
No problemo Amanda. It really isnt that bad and very much worth it. Good
luck and let me know when you do it. I will pray it goes very smoothly.
Chrissy
March 22nd, 2006 at 2:12 pm
"frozen shoulders", "trigger fingers", and little bumps on our palms. All
related to long standing DMers. Had it all. My horrorscope
says that I have problems with my hands. So I knew the possibilities a long
time ago… long before I ever had the frozen shoulders, etc.
My recent (as in "now") frozen shoulder has developed since Christmas when my
Honey and I were dancing at a wedding. Knowing the
feeling of that lack of motion range, I’ve been going to Physio for a couple of
weeks and it is already better. About 12 years ago I let
the pain develop for about 3 years and ended up doing the ortho surgery under
gas. The tearing of the scar tissue wasn’t bad… but
the physio for the next 3-4 months was excrutiating. To our friend who thinks
he/she has arthiritis–run, don’t walk for treatment
now.
March 22nd, 2006 at 10:32 pm
"bumps in our palms"??? What is that? I have one and I was getting scared
about it.
"frozen shoulders", "trigger fingers", and little bumps on our palms. All
related to long standing DMers. Had it all. My horrorscope
says that I have problems with my hands. So I knew the possibilities a long
time ago… long before I ever had the frozen shoulders, etc.
My recent (as in "now") frozen shoulder has developed since Christmas when my
Honey and I were dancing at a wedding. Knowing the
feeling of that lack of motion range, I’ve been going to Physio for a couple
of weeks and it is already better. About 12 years ago I let
the pain develop for about 3 years and ended up doing the ortho surgery under
gas. The tearing of the scar tissue wasn’t bad… but
the physio for the next 3-4 months was excrutiating. To our friend who thinks
he/she has arthiritis–run, don’t walk for treatment
now.
March 23rd, 2006 at 7:18 am
I have a bump on my thumb joint near the nail. I was told it is a ganglion.
Anyone else?
> "bumps in our palms"??? What is that? I have one and I was getting scared
about it.
>
> Catie
March 23rd, 2006 at 2:35 pm
"bumps in your palms" - These bumps feel like little pearl-sized
bumps that, on me, are between the 2 top lines in my palm. I have a
few
of them. My Dr. explained something to me that sounded similar to
"trigger finger" symptoms and causes. (I can’t remember exactly
what, sorry). Anyway, I was told that they are doing no harm because
they are not restricting finger movement. If that ever happens,
then they will be surgically removed.
RE: SURGERY As a long time Type 1 (42 years), I hate hospitals and
have avoided them. When I found so much relief from the pain I
had for so long by getting the trigger finger "released", I now don’t
bother waiting. I don’t deserve the ongoing, unremitting pain. The
surgery is small, a few stitches that are out in a week, and total
movement immediately after surgery. Hate hospitals, hate pain, love
relief. WORTH IT WORTH IT WORTH IT!!!
Audra
getting my pump by next Monday.
…am I excited!!
March 23rd, 2006 at 8:29 pm
I have had a ganglion removered from my palm near my first finger on my
left hand.
Years ago, no problem and none has come back.
Gail
March 26th, 2006 at 8:03 am
Chrissy,
One quick question about the surgery, are you awake during it?
Amanda
March 28th, 2006 at 5:55 am
<< Physio >>
What is that? Chrissy
March 28th, 2006 at 2:02 pm
<< I have a bump on my thumb joint near the nail. I was told it is a ganglion.
Anyone else?
>>
I have never heard of bumps on palms before. Chrissy
March 29th, 2006 at 2:25 pm
<< One quick question about the surgery, are you awake during it?
>>
Amanda
No, I was totally put to sleep. Chrissy
March 30th, 2006 at 1:51 am
I have found that when I INSIST on being put to sleep they cooperate with me.
Jan H (~_^)
March 30th, 2006 at 10:00 am
Gail,
With the amount of water pills you are taking, do you suppose it’s cramping
like legs/feet at night due to potassium/water loss? That’s why I have the
Quinine pills that I have found out I cannot take without vomiting / passing
out!!!
Jan (~_^)
>>
A favorite remedy that’s available from health food stores and recommended by
Dr. Joe Prendergast at diabeteswell.com
L-arginine 1000 mg 2x/day
Vit E 400 IU 2x/day
Vit C 500 mg 2x/day
Aspirin 81 mg 2x/day
after 2-3 days on this regimen, the leg cramps that used to make me up with
my toes curled in all directions just stopped!!!
It’s a wonderful thing and one that is known to help with the effects of
cardiovascular disease and diabetes….Joan :)))
March 31st, 2006 at 12:19 am
Joan, do you know a good (reasonable Priced) source for this stuff in the
Northeast?.
fp
March 31st, 2006 at 10:23 am
<< Joan, do you know a good (reasonable Priced) source for this stuff in the
Northeast?.
fp
March 31st, 2006 at 6:05 pm
Thanks Chrissy, for your reply, I had read somewhere that patients were awake
during the procedure so that they could move there fingers and tell the
doctor if it hurts or not! I got the information online, Ivguess everyone
does it differently!
Amanda
April 5th, 2006 at 1:05 am
Joan,
I take vit E, can’t take the tablets vit C, but do eat something with lots
of vit. C daily. I know that is crazy, but it does not hurt my stomach. I
buy clementenes, which are like an orange, but sweeter and they do not hurt
my stomach. I can’t take aspirin, but will look into finding the other you
mentioned.
Thanks.
Gail
April 8th, 2006 at 5:20 am
<< I take vit E, can’t take the tablets vit C, but do eat something with lots
of vit. C daily. I know that is crazy, but it does not hurt my stomach. I
buy clementenes, which are like an orange, but sweeter and they do not hurt
my stomach. I can’t take aspirin, but will look into finding the other you
mentioned.
Thanks.
Gail
>>
Hi Gail:
I can’t take regular C either, but there is rose hip C and there is ester
April 8th, 2006 at 1:27 pm
<< I take vit E, can’t take the tablets vit C, but do eat something with lots
of vit. C daily. I know that is crazy, but it does not hurt my stomach. I
buy clementenes, which are like an orange, but sweeter and they do not hurt
my stomach. I can’t take aspirin, but will look into finding the other you
mentioned.
Thanks.
Gail
>>
Hi Gail:
I can’t take regular C either, but there is rose hip C and there is ester
again with the touch pad!
ester C which is a gentler form.
are you allergic to aspirin or are you on coumadin??
if it’s stomach, ecotrin - which is coated so it doesn’t dissolve in your
stomach, but rather in your intestines, shouldn’t hurt.
There is a timed release C too.
you’d have to eat quite a few clementines to get 1000 mg of C per day.
Oranges have a good C content, and potassium that we’ve been talking about.
That and bananas are the highest. Other high potassium foods, but those are
the highest. That’s why we tell patients to take their blood pressure meds
with either one daily to replace what they lose.
Joan:)))))
April 15th, 2006 at 1:03 pm
Joan,
I also have on the high side of potassium, even though I have taken high
doses of diuretic for years. So I try to watch the potassium.
Gail