
Suggest Treatment For Pain In The Wrists And Thumb

Question: I have osteoarthritis with severe pain is my wrists and thumb, 5 bulging disks, spinal stenosis, temporal arteritis, an acquired deformity of my right foot, neck and shoulder pain and medically induced hypothyroid disease. I am 78 years old, living on my own with no relatives within 200 miles. Some days I am so tired I can hardly get out of bed. I am not allowed painkillers because steroid treatment contraindicates it and the government has my doctor convinced that prescribing opioids creates addicts. Only tylenol is allowed. What can I do?
Brief Answer:
Why you are taking steroids
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have studied your case. Fatigue can be due to weak muscles and bones. I want to know why you are taking steroids? When you are steroid for long time then it is much dangerous for you. Also taking pain killer is not contraindicated with steroids. So please tell me why you are taking steroids and can you stop them?
Thanks
Why you are taking steroids
Detailed Answer:
Hello, I have studied your case. Fatigue can be due to weak muscles and bones. I want to know why you are taking steroids? When you are steroid for long time then it is much dangerous for you. Also taking pain killer is not contraindicated with steroids. So please tell me why you are taking steroids and can you stop them?
Thanks
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


I took prednisone tapering 70 mg to none over the course of a year AND now take methyltrexate once a week (6tablets) for temporal arteritis. It doesn't help my osteoarthritis like the prednisone did. The prednisone is responsible for the damage to my spine however so it is not an option for me. Is there anything that is not addictive but would help relieve my pain? I have had cortisone injections in my back. I use a wheel chair most of the time and can only walk for short distances with a rollator. Wven then the pain in my wrists and the joint at the base of my thumb make it difficult to use the walker or crutches. I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia 20 years ago. also Lyme disease and mono. Could one of these cause the tremendous fatigue I have now. My doctor has urged me to go to a nursing home but I am going to stay in my own home. at least until my next bad fall. What can I do to regain enough stamina to stay home? I have a small dog that I will not leave. Thank you for letting me vent to you!
Do you have any answers to my situation yet?
I guess what I really want to know is if I should keep trying or just give up and go veg in a nursing home.
Do you have any answers to my situation yet?
I guess what I really want to know is if I should keep trying or just give up and go veg in a nursing home.
Brief Answer:
you could go in nursing home
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is very difficult to take care of your self alone. So assistance is always better. You will find people like you so company is also useful. As far as Pain in back is concern I think you should try Teriparatide. it is injection which can be applied by your self only daily for three months.It will take care of pain in back and prevent other fracture. And yes it is not addictive.
Other pain killer which is safe is tramadol. Steroids can be taken in small doses only when pain is severe but it should not be taken for long time. Methotrexate is a disease modifying drug for rheumatoid arthritis and it can cause fatigue.
Also take calcium and vitamin D3 regularly. I hope these steps will be helpful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks
you could go in nursing home
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
It is very difficult to take care of your self alone. So assistance is always better. You will find people like you so company is also useful. As far as Pain in back is concern I think you should try Teriparatide. it is injection which can be applied by your self only daily for three months.It will take care of pain in back and prevent other fracture. And yes it is not addictive.
Other pain killer which is safe is tramadol. Steroids can be taken in small doses only when pain is severe but it should not be taken for long time. Methotrexate is a disease modifying drug for rheumatoid arthritis and it can cause fatigue.
Also take calcium and vitamin D3 regularly. I hope these steps will be helpful for you.Let me know if there is any other followup questions.
thanks
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Answered by

Dr. Dr. Naveen Kumar Sharma
Orthopaedic Surgeon, Joint Replacement
Practicing since :2002
Answered : 4486 Questions
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