I was told that all my joints are affected. One finger (the worst) is dislocated. If this was a hip or knee, l would be a candidate for hip or knee replacement. I was also told, but I am not to clear if I remember right or if this is my interpretation: Not to have work done on my joints, like surgery or replacements of joints because it is risky, or not very successful, I am not sure, do not quote me on this. Would glucosamin help? This information was given generally by the radiologists that viewed my X-ray. I will by seeing my physician as soon as I have the report and the copies from the X-rays. I will see what he wll suggest. I just want to know all my options so I can make a well-informed decision. Your answer already is more than helpful. How long does take to get worse. I sew, I paint (artist), I draw, I knit, I do construction work, use power tools. All I do is very manual. I am a secretary and I type naturally. I do not want to loose the use of my hands before I hopefully retire at 60. I have to illustrate children's books. I want to paint. I want to earn a living with my hands. I mean I paint murals. What can you tell me? What can I really do to achieve my goals without loosing the usage of my fingers. What course do you suggest I follow. If there should be surgery to be performed. When do I decide that it is finally time for surgery. Do I go with alternative treatment. When I get to see my doctor, can I get back to you to get your opinion of what he suggests to me.

Thank you in advance

Here is my x-ray report;

Left hand:

There are degenerative changes with moderate joint space narrowing at all of the DIP joints as as well as PIP joints with relative sparing of the 2nd PIP joint. Moderate joint space narrowing is noted at the 3rd MCP joint. There are associated isteophytic changes and bony spurs at the involved joints along with subchondral sclerosis. The radiocarpal joint and 1st carpometacarpal joint are involved to a lesser degree. The findings are in keeping with degenerative osteoarthritis. No focal bone lesion. No soft tissue abnormality.

Read and signed by radiologist at teaching hospital.

Now from this report. What course of action am I to take regarding my 4th left finger that I cannot bend. The 3rd and 4th are stiff as well and I cannot bend them all the way either. Now from the radiologists that have consulted (5 in all), I get different approaches like see a rheumatologist from one, orthopedic surgeon from another, plastic surgeon from another, make they are specialised in fingers, nothing much but take advil, spare my joints, if it was a knee or hip I would be a candidate for hip or knee transplant, etc... what is your take. My worry is if it gets worse which is what they all say, what do I do if I can't bend the fingers. This is what is worrying me the most. I do not whant to screw up my hands either by getting the wrong treatment. This is it. I don't know. What to take also for the pain. They say the spur could be the thing to interfere with the bending of the fingers, or a ligament, or nerve. Maybe the spur can be cut off by a plastic surgeon if this can be done.

Thank you,

waiting for your reply and I will then accept your answer and proceed with payment