Life With Arthrtis

About 5 years ago, I had to have my wedding ring,  engagement ring, and anniversary bands cut off due to swelling in my fingers from arthritis.  After decades of wearing my rings, I felt naked without them. So, I had arthritic shanks made so that I could wear two of my rings. However, over the last year the pain and swelling increased to the point that I could no longer even wear them. Last week I saw a rheumatologist and finally got some relief by way of cortisone injections into my painful joints. I kid you not, childbirth didn't hurt as much as these injections. First, a numbing injection between the joints and then the cortisone injection in both fingers. My fingers felt like balloons that were about to pop from the pressure of the fluid invading my deteriorating joints. The doctor said that with the stage of my arthritis I may not benefit from these shots but it was worth a try. 

My fingers prior to injections

My fingers today, a week after the injections

Although it's been just a week, I have had some relief from the constant joint pain. The joint on my middle finger is considerably smaller and the swelling has decreased to where I don't feel like I'm sporting sausages for fingers. My next appointment is in 4 months, and at that time I will decide whether this course of treatment is one that I want to pursue.  If I chose injections as a sense of relief, I will receive shots every 4 months for life. I guess I better get over my fear of needles!