Dear Dr. Oomis:
Your diagnosis is absolutely correct. It started about 5 years ago and I saw a plastic surgeon who put me on the waiting list for surgery (one hand at a time). In the meantime, I saw my rheumatologist and told him about it. He said that I should try injections first. He injected both of my thumbs and that was the end of the pain and the problem. About a month ago, I woke up and both of my thumbs were sore again. I had a routine appointment with the rheum a couple of weeks later and he said he will inject again. I have had a couple of episodes similar to what you described – almost like a charley horse. I looked back in my old appointment books and found that the injections he gave me were almost 5 years ago. So, hopefully these cortisone shots will last as long as the last ones – then I consider myself getting off very lucky. As I recall, the last ones weren’t too too bad. At least when I am driving home the thumbs will be frozen. However, I do have a meeting to go to tonight and I hope I can make it. Anyway, thank you so much for your good wishes. I really don’t need to worry about Shabbat – my freezer holds a treasure trove of goodies – I even have a spare challah in there and I made a yummy soup yesterday – I really doctored up the Manischewitz split pea soup mix with fresh basil and parsley from my balcony garden and a bunch of other veggies. Well, it is time to leave for the doc’s office. Hopefully, I will be able to type tomorrow and I shall update you. I really appreciate your concern.