Double Diagnosis
I was giving the hand specialist the full history of my thumb pain, and arrived at the part where I went to urgent care.
“The urgent care doctor told me the x-ray didn’t show any arthritis.”
“She was wrong,” he said.
“She said my whole hand falling asleep wasn’t what they see with carpal tunnel syndrome. It would be the thumb and first two fingers.”
“That isn’t right,” he said.
“She thought the joint looked odd, and that it might be a subluxation.”
“It’s not a subluxation.”
That was some visit to the urgent care clinic, wasn’t it? The specialist had full respect for the work the urgent care doctors do, and mentioned that they are a jack-of-all-trades, but master of none.
It seemed to me he already had a diagnosis, before he even listened to my whole story. I asked if he had reviewed my x-ray. He told me that he had, and saw my arthritis immediately. He did a few follow-up tests to confirm, and then told me that I also presented the symptoms of carpal tunnel.
He said that it is not uncommon to see the two afflictions together.
There are a few options available for managing my pain. Of course, there is no cure for arthritis. I am starting with the least invasive of choices: using braces.
It’s funny, just having a positive identification of the cause of the pain provides some relief. As long as I know what it is, and what I can do, or can’t do, my mind is more at ease, and the rest of me relaxes along with it.
Maybe by relaxing, Mozyr became inspired to get a little closer last night. For the first time since we brought him home, he hopped up on the couch by me and then laid down on my leg where I could reach out and scratch his head.
Either that, or he just feels sorry for me.
Relative Something 
I was diagnosed with RA 3 years ago. I’ve consulted different doctors, took a lot of pain relievers, gone through different lab tests… I was determined to find the solution to my condition that time and I almost tried everything. My pain and suffering ended when I had my stem cell therapy. I was treated by Dr Purita and Dr Grossman and the therapy was, by far, successful. I can’t say that I will be RA-free for several more years, what matters to me is that I can live a normal life again. I hope you get well too. 🙂
Michael Garrett
April 20, 2013 at 3:59 am
Thanks, Michael. I will make sure to investigate my options for stem cell therapy. The desire to be able to live pain-free in our normal activities is a strong motivator.
johnwhays
April 20, 2013 at 8:38 am
Sympathy’s for thumb pain! It’s been 11 yrs since I had left thumb surgery (“excision with ligament reconstruction”) I have nothing to complain about since except sure wish I’d had my right one done. So I live with a lot of pain. At the time I just didn’t trust them messing with the right cuz I’m right handed….foolish choice!
Judy
April 19, 2013 at 7:49 am
And so the ‘plot’ thickens, Judy. You may not think I really have much to do with this conversation having both thumbs in action and no arthritis, but look back a generation… I’ll spare you the details. Did you know that Neanderthal man wasn’t the primitive ape that he has been depicted as – he suffered from arthritis. All to say that there are certain environments that enhance the problem and others where it virtually disappears. Well, yes, I am promoting holidays in Portugal:-)
Ian Rowcliffe
April 19, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Judy’s comments regarding regrets at not doing her right hand is exactly why I pushed the doctor to do my second one ASAP after my first thumb. The annoyance and recovery time was MORE than worth it. I did it a year ago and RARELY even think about them anymore!
Mary
April 19, 2013 at 4:12 pm
Well, that is good news. And a triumph for medicine and those who make it possible.
Ian Rowcliffe
April 19, 2013 at 5:29 pm
The doc certainly didn’t inspire me to rush right into the surgery, but something has me wondering, “Why wait?” I asked why I didn’t have a problem with my right hand. His answer was something to the effect of, “You probably already do.” I got the distinct impression that he was confident my other hand would become similarly afflicted.
johnwhays
April 20, 2013 at 8:33 am
Re: where I could reach out and scratch his head – close to your thumb, I bet! That cat is sending you good vibs all right! John, you must be a ‘cat’ whisperer!
Ian Rowcliffe
April 19, 2013 at 7:49 am
Mozyr is certainly appearing to hear something I am trying to communicate. Now, if I only knew what it was that I am doing.
johnwhays
April 20, 2013 at 8:30 am
Cats often home in on you when you start relaxing although at times they go out of their way to encourage you to do so, don’t they?
Ian Rowcliffe
April 20, 2013 at 8:39 am