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Hello, For Background, I Am A 64 Year Old Male.
Question: Hello,
For background, I am a 64 year old male. I have a small fiber neuropathy (autoimmune TS-HDS) that I am being treated with IV-IG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) Gammagard 40Grams twice a month. I have developed in the past few months’ pain my right hand and specifically the knuckles, it is becoming hard to close the hand, and I also have a trigger finger in my pinkie finger. The pain is getting worse by the day. About 2 weeks ago I woke up and my left hand is now in pain, becoming very similar to the right.
The fear is it is likely RA and I have an appointment next week with a rheumatologist. He has already ordered the blood work and today I had an ultrasound on both hands.
I did have a RA test about 6 months ago and it was 222 but I had zero symptoms, and it is down now I see.
I am anxious to know what these tests show in anticipation for my appointment next week. Can you briefly distill the results of these tests for me, at least a general approximation? Thank you.
Mark
ps: I take 200Mg of Lyrica a day and .75mg of Pamelor plus BP and other meds.
For background, I am a 64 year old male. I have a small fiber neuropathy (autoimmune TS-HDS) that I am being treated with IV-IG (Intravenous Immunoglobulin) Gammagard 40Grams twice a month. I have developed in the past few months’ pain my right hand and specifically the knuckles, it is becoming hard to close the hand, and I also have a trigger finger in my pinkie finger. The pain is getting worse by the day. About 2 weeks ago I woke up and my left hand is now in pain, becoming very similar to the right.
The fear is it is likely RA and I have an appointment next week with a rheumatologist. He has already ordered the blood work and today I had an ultrasound on both hands.
I did have a RA test about 6 months ago and it was 222 but I had zero symptoms, and it is down now I see.
I am anxious to know what these tests show in anticipation for my appointment next week. Can you briefly distill the results of these tests for me, at least a general approximation? Thank you.
Mark
ps: I take 200Mg of Lyrica a day and .75mg of Pamelor plus BP and other meds.
Brief Answer:
RA is possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query,
I have gone through your reports and I can understand your concerns.
As you are already having an autoimmune disorder. There is high chance to develop other autoimmune related conditions especially that affecting the joints.
There are many conditions that can cause arthropathies including RA.
Your RA factor is pretty high, it is non specific and may get increased in many conditions including autoimmune joint disease.
As you are symptomatic, supportive treatment has to be initiated.
Your rheumatologist can provide more details.
Please feel free to ask any further questions.
Thanks
RA is possible
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the query,
I have gone through your reports and I can understand your concerns.
As you are already having an autoimmune disorder. There is high chance to develop other autoimmune related conditions especially that affecting the joints.
There are many conditions that can cause arthropathies including RA.
Your RA factor is pretty high, it is non specific and may get increased in many conditions including autoimmune joint disease.
As you are symptomatic, supportive treatment has to be initiated.
Your rheumatologist can provide more details.
Please feel free to ask any further questions.
Thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. LAKSHMI
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