I'm A Bit Confused

[thelewisgang]

I have had problems with my left hand for several years (some of you might remember much earlier posts about this) & have had two operations, the last in 2013 both without a successful outcome.
I had sudden onset of trigger finger in that year. My ring finger has been locked down to my palm since Nov '13 & my middle finger is twisted to the side (a mess!) but I have lived with this since being told months after my 2nd operation by the surgeon that in his opinion it was all in my mind (supratentorial origin as he put it).
Anyway, when I saw my GP in May about something unrelated he noticed my hand & asked questions. He then said he was going to refer me to see an orthopaedic consultant (I live in a different area now).
I had an appointment a couple of weeks ago & had x-rays plus he is going to arrange an ultrasound, an MRI & a nerve function test. I didn't get the results of the x-rays on that day as he said he would see me after the other tests had been done.
Tonight I popped onto my doctor's website to book an appointment for a medication review & noticed under the "recent tests" tab, it said about a hand frailty index showing 0.17. I have no idea what this is. Could this be determined by the x-ray? I had no other tests when I was with the consultant.
I am still waiting for the appointments to come through for the other tests. I am Just curious really

[jourdain2]

Wait for sqad! I have left hand problems, too, but the simple (if unwelcome) solution is to remove the trapezoid (?) bone so nothing helpful for you. Just thought you might like some sympathy re. left hand.

[thelewisgang]

we have things in common Jourdain. Pretty sure it was you who replied to my post a few weeks ago about my lower spine problem & also the pain under my foot which is still damn painful! The consultant I saw this time noticed that the tendons running up my hand are passing through the sides of the knuckles when I (try) to make a fist, rather than across them. Every other doctor/consultant I have seen in the past have always concentrated on my palm which is very tight & protruded. I am just curious really what this frailty index is but as you say, I'm sure Sqad will/try to make me understand this

[Mamyalynne]

I'm sure you're both right and Sqad may be able to shed more light.

However looking at Frailty within a group of patients is a vital tool for GPs these days.


A little reading here though obviously not specific to you personally.

https://www.england.nhs.uk/ourwork/ltc-op-eolc/older-people/frailty/supporting-resources-general-practice/

[thelewisgang]

thanks Mamyalynne. I will have a look at the link. I am definitely not a frail person. ok, this hand problem causes me lots of problems, carrying shopping, walking my dog (as I can only use my (good) right hand) & although I do have lower spinal arthritis I am very active for my age, not long turned 70.

[Mamyalynne]

I think it's the use of the word that makes us think 'old and frail' but of course it's more than that and also the link I gave may be nothing to do with what is on your notes.

Hope you get it explained soon.

[jourdain2]

It does seem so thelewisgang. At least there are others out there to understand and sympathise. :) The plantar fasciitis lurks, but is OK at the mo. Lower spine is a problem with me - saw neuro-surgeon last week who says only solution is a fusion op (he will do it, problem is bad enough) it is left up to me. I am now swimming (at his suggestion) to try last-ditch effort to strengthen back muscles to co. L5/S1 problem is severe, now he's seen the MRI.. The op. is scary and recovery long. If it goes wrong it is a wheelchair :(
Sorry for hijacking your thread. Stiff upper lips all round:)

[thelewisgang]

I'm having a procedure called a Rhizotomy on my L5 S1 on 17th August. Consultant has told me there's a 50/50 chance it will work but if it does, I should be pain free for some time. Just hoping I'm one of the lucky ones! You haven't hijacked my post... it's nice to "chat". I wish you well

[Mamyalynne]

I wish you both well , pain can be all consuming I know.x

[jourdain2]

On 17th August I will have everything crossed for you (my birthday is 20th, so I'll remember). Would you mind if I prayed for you?

[thelewisgang]

That's lovely of you to say that jourdain. Thank you!

[Sqad]

Frailty Index of 0.17 suggests that you at slowly moving out of "middle age" into "old age".......slowly mind you, but surely ;-)
The F.I is made up of varying facets of life..e,g tremor, breathlessness, inability to feed oneself and about a dozen of these are used to grade, your degree of ......."fragility".
To be honest, that is my lot on the subject and as far as you are concerned the test is not so helpful or worrying.

[thelewisgang]

Thanks Sqad. Was just curious.