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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 12
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hello everyone ...........I NEED SOME ADVICE.......WHERE CAN I BUY SPLINT FOR MY SWAN NECK FINGERS........... I HAVE MADE A COUPLE OF INQUIRIES AND I HAVE BEEN IN A COUPLE OF WEBSITES, EACH SPLINT COSTS AROUND £20, I NEED ABOUT 8, IS THAT THE NORMAL PRICE I AM MEANT TO PAY OR IS THERE A CHEAPER ALTERNATIVE? thanks
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,006 Location: Timperley
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Hi Sheena,
You need to ask for an urgent referral to an Occupational Therapist through either your GP or your Consultant Rheumatologist. I'm surprised your rheummy hasn't already suggested this. They will make the splints for you, including moulded ones for resting.
You may also need some ring splints and, again, your OT will sort these out for you. As there is usually a bit of a wait to see OT, you may need to nag and pester to get an early appointment. Don't be put off, these are your hands and you should get splints and rings for free on the NHS rather than having to pay out such a lot of money.
Let us know how it goes.
Love Jeanxxxx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 561
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Hi Sheena, like Jean said you need to ring the OT they will sort you out with hand splints and finger rings , i too have swan neck finger in one finger on my right hand i went to the OT last week she made me new splints as my old ones were 15 years old and my new ones are so much more comfortable as my hands and wrists have changed shape, i go next week to get the finger ring i think she said i try a plastic one first and then i get the silver ring , must say it looks lovely like a piece of jewelry , hope you can get an appointment soon ,
Sophie x
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Hi Sheena,
I'm in total agreement with the other posts ... you need to get your splints through the OT. The ring splints need to be adjusted to suit your finger or they won't do the job they're designed to do.
Hope you manage to get an appointment soon!
Joanna
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 12
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THANK YOU VERY MUCH TO ALL OF YOU WHO HAVE REPLIED..YES I HAVE BEEN SEEING THE O.T FOR THE LAST FIVE YEARS.....MY FINGERS HAVE GONE WORSE. I HAD ALREADY BOUGHT FEW SPLINT TWO YEARS AGO BUT THEY WERE NOT THIS EXPENSIVE. NOW THEY HAVE DOUBLED IN PRICE AND NEED SOME MORE FOR THE OTHER HAND....THEY WANT ME TO HAVE (IS IT INFUSION)? IN NOVEMBER AND I AM SO SCARED I MAY NOT BE ABLE TO USE MY HAND SO MUCH AND MAY REGRET HAVING THE OPERATION..COULD I GET A SECOND OPINION OR NOT..I AM SO CONFUSED..........COMING BACK TO THE SPLINT ARE YOU SURE I GET IT FREE......ITS THE LIGHT PLASTIC FIGURE 8 TYPE OF SPLINT....I WOULD BE GRATEFUL FOR ANY KI D OF ADVICE......AT THE MOMENT MY FINGERS ARE THROBBING LIKE MAD WHILE I AM TYPING.SO ANY ERRORS PLEASE EXCUSE.....THANK YOU
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Shena,
Yes you can should definitely get a second opinion for your hand. I was offered fusion on two fingers, got a second opinion and was offered replacement finger joints (haven't had it done yet for various reasons).
Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 1/7/2010 Posts: 441 Location: Bristol
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Hi Sheena,
Yes, the ring slpints you are describing will be free if you get them from your OT. They are designed to stop swan neck deformity and must fit properly in order to put the finger in the right position.
I have just had fusion surgery on my little finger of my right hand and can't say as yet whether it's worked or not ... still too early to say. I'm supposed to have four more fingers done over the next few months. I would recommend getting a second oppinion on the surgery and make sure you fully understand what they are going to be doing and why.
Joanna
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/20/2010 Posts: 1,749 Location: Somerset
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Hi Sheena,
Yes as the others had said you should get splints from the OT, I have had night splints and am
now waiting for another appointment for day hand splints
Good luck Rose
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 872
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Hi sheena
Hope you may have had some positive OT advice?
If you are still waiting - i would ring direct - this is omission of a required service and is urgent. You should not have had to pay.
This is definitely free and a good Occy therapist session can be so beneficial.
I wouldnt want to manage without mine.
Hope you get your appointemnt very soon - you need this
Let us know how you get on,
Take care,
With love from Liz xxxxx
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 12
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HI EVERYONE.THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR KIND REPLY. I WILL BE SEEING MY O.T SOON AND WILL SEE WHAT SHE SAYS.......TELL ME SOMETHING...I STARTED TO DO MY IRONING AFTER A LONG TIME AND NOW MY FINGERS ARE THROBBING LIKE MAD. IS THERE ANY DIFFERENT IRON I SHOULD BE USING. HOW DO U PEOPLE MANAGE TO DO THESE CHORES (APART FROM LETTING SOMEONE ELSE DO IT).....I HATE BEGGING ANYONE FOR ANYTHING AS WE ARE ALL SO INDEPENDENT.......YOU PEOPLE REALLY DO UNDERSTAND EACH OTHERS PROBLEM AND AM SO GRATEFUL TO HAVE YOU AS MY 'INVISIBLE' FRIENDS........THANK YOU ONCE AGAIN
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 3,157 Location: Huddersfield
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Hi Sheena, I've never heard anyone recommend a particular iron, I think they are all as bad as each other! I manage my chores by just gritting my teeth and getting on with it and I tell myself I can rest when I've finished. No heroics, just necessity, if I don't do them no-one else will !!  It's a day to day struggle that just becomes second nature. You could ask your OT if there is any particular iron she recommends, I would be interested to know. Love and hugs, Doreen xx
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 1,081
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Hi Sheena - my OT didn't recommend any iron but did say that none of us with RA should do more that half an hour at a time and to do it in short bursts. (Not much chance of that happening in my house - lol).
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 12
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I SUPPOSE YOU ALL ARE RIGHT....THERE IS NO SHORT CUT TO THE IRONING CHORES.........MAYBE I WILL INVEST INTO ANOTHER IRON WHICH SHOULD BE LIGHT TO HANDLE, AS I DONT IRON MY HUSBAND OR MY SON'S CLOTHES ANYMORE AND MY CLOTHES NEED ONLY LIGHT IRONING..........ALSO I WILL TRY AND IRON FEW CLOTHES AT A TIME...........I WILL DO YOUR HEAD IN TOMORROW BY ASKING OTHER QUESTIONS...THANK YOU MY FRIENDS
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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how about a trouser press? I have swan necking in my fingers and had some silver ring splints at one point. I found them helpful for a time but not when they are very swollen. The best OT for this is at Winchester hospital (Royal Hampshire County Hospital) in Hampshire, her name is Christina MacLeod and she won an award for this work through NRAS. the hospital can refer you or she does take private patients. there is an american website that sells them but the metal is not as good IMO, plus i have seen whole hand contraptions made there that look like some exotic jewelry. Jenni xx how to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 12
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I HAVE NOT BEEN ON THE FORUM AS I HAVE HAD AN EXTREMELY BAD FLARE UP. ABSOLUTELY MIND BLOWING! AND IT ALWAYS HAPPENS ON WEEKEND.. I HAD TO DOUBLE THE DOSE WITHOUT ASKING THE PROFESSION.I KNOW MAYBE I TOOK A RISK BUT WHAT CAN ONE DO OUT OF DESPERATION.........I AM DUE FOR MY 3RD RITUXIMAB NEXT WEEK. THE NURSE WAS SAYING THAT NOW THEY HAVE STARTED GIVING IT EVERY SIX MONTHS INSTEAD OF WAITING FOR FLARE UP.....HAS ANYONE ELSE HEARD OF THIS.....ANYWAY WENT TO O.T YEST. ABOUT FINGER SPLINT AND IT SEEMS I WILL HAVE TO BUY THEM.THEY COST £20 PLUS VAT AND I NEED 6 ALTOGETHER.....WHAT TO DO WILL HAVE TO BUY THEM. N.H.S DOES NOT SUPPLY THEM IN MY AREA...........STILL NOT SURE WHETHER I WANT FUSION OR NOT.TOO MUCH OF A CHICKEN!!!!!!! I LIVE IN DUNSTABLE SO THE HOSPITAL SUGGESTED BY JENNI MAYBE TOO FAR FOR ME TO BE RECCOMENDED FOR SECOND OPINION.......I HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND EVERYTHING I AM SAYING AS I AM SO HYPED UP BY STEROID......HOW DO I CALM MYSELF DOWN.....I FEEL LIKE A HEADLESS CHICKEN...DOES THIS HAPPEN TO ANYONE ELSE OH BOY!
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Rank: Advanced Member  Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 288 Location: LUTON
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Hi Sheena, i have just noticed that you are from my neck of the woods, Luton/Dunstable is my local hosp, i have just had ankle fusion preformed by Mr Sakar, he is a lovley surgeon and although i am 5 mths into recovery due to the non union, i do feel that i am getting there now,. i see that you are quite new to this site, they are a great bunch of people, make you laugh when you are down.
Are you under a rheumy there? I am with Mr Fishman, i sometimes feel a little intimidated by him, i think its just that he is so tall, next time i talk with him i think i will stand. lol lol
I am from the Leagrave area.
Anne-m xx ps i am suffering probs with fingers, the joints keep locking and the little fingers are drifting, not to bad so i refused opp, had enough for a while. I was seeing Miss Gonzalas for finger probs.
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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Hi Sheena
Hope you are "more on the planet" after the steroid hike.
You might like to look here
http://users.ecs.soton.ac.uk/cdm/splints.php
I find sleep routine very important on the steroid particularly. If you can swim and exercise a bit then try that too. I am very sensitive to the steroid and off my tree afterwards.
Robert Campbell (Bob) had a infusion of RTX every 6 mths after his first round didnt really work. It made all the difference to him- he wrote about it on his Blog.
Another time if you get desperate, go to A and E- they will stab you with depomedrome which will make all the difference.
Hope the flair is long gone and you are back to "normal" having seen the GP.
Jenni xhow to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 2,237 Location: nr Southampton
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http://www.nras.org.uk/h...tients_perspective.aspx
Is another article to look at. how to be a velvet bulldoser
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Rank: Member
Groups: Registered
Joined: 4/24/2010
Posts: 12
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HI ANNE......YES I DO GO TO LUTON AND DUNSTABLE HOSPITAL AND I LIVE IN DUNSTABLE........HAVE YOU SPOKEN TO JULIE, THE RHEUMY NURSE ABOUT THE NRAS GET TOGETHER IN NOVEMBER THIS YEAR.......YES I HAVE BEEN TO SEE MISS GONZALEZ FOR MY FINGERS......BUT I HATE BEING DEPENDENT ON MY FAMILY ONCE I HAVE THIS FUSION..AND ALSO SHE SAID I CANNOT GO OUT OF THE COUNTRY FOR THE SIX MONTHS AND EVEN AFTER THAT SHE SAID THERE IS NO GUARANTEE THAT MY FINGERS WILL GET BETTER...........AM I BEING PARANOID.........  ...FOR SOME REASON I HAVE LOST THE PLOT....LAST WEEK I WAS SO MUCH OUT OF MY HEAD WITH STEROID.......MY HUSBAND TOOK ME TO LAKE DISTRICT FOR FEW DAYS TO CLEAR MY HEAD..........THE DAY I WAS RETURNING I WAS IN SO MUCH PAIN.......HOWEVER FAR I GO MY ACHES AND PAINS ARE ALWAYS WITH ME......I AM JUST WAITING FOR MY THIRD RITUXIMAB JAB AND HOPE TO GET BACK TO SOME KIND OF NORMALITY..... AT THE MOMENT I HAVE SUCH A BAD STOMACH PAIN ON MY LEFT HAND SIDE ..MAYBE SIDE AFFECT OF STEROID....I JUST GIVE UP.CAN ANYONE PLEASE HELP ME
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Rank: Advanced Member Groups: Registered
Joined: 12/3/2009 Posts: 288 Location: LUTON
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Hello Sheena and welcome, its nice to see someone on here that lives close by. No i haven't spoken to Julie lately i didnt know about the get together, is it local? are you going?
Sheena i know where you are coming from ie independence but if it helps in the long run you have to go with it, i have had 5 1/2 mths asking family get me this pass me that, i do carry stuff on the handle of my crutches but its so difficult i cant carry a cup off coffee across the room, as i would i am sure i would end up wearing it. (It would be a little hot also lol)
i was told not to fly after ankle fusion i think this is due to the plaster, Hubby and i visited my parents in Ireland, we went by boat.
sorry you are feeling so rough i do hope you are feeling better soon, how long will the rituximab take to work? will you be injecting your self? sorry i dont know if you can with that i am on 2omg of M.T.X i had so much trouble with sickness on the tabs i am much better on the jab.
Sheena maybe you should contact the nurse if the pain is so bad, i am not to sure about the effects you get on your meds, please dont suffer in silence. you must never give up things Will get better, i felt like that at one stage and even after my opp, i am feeling a lot more positive about things.
are you on a stomach protector? i am on lansoprazoel if not i think you should ask the nurse
must go, keep in contact.
Hugs Anne-m xx
Sheena just noticed the bit re steroid's and feeling hyped up, i was just like that i was unable to sleep and felt high a lot of the time you need to mention this to the nurse also.
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