The Ring

Dr. CHAN Pui Shan, Julia

Specialist in Rheumatology

A rheumatoid arthritis patient came to see me for follow-up consultation. Stressed out with the job, she found herself in a vicious cycle of poor sleep,   easy tiredness and poor concentration at work.

Her left ring finger was so swollen that she could hardly take off her ring in the past two weeks. Though she was right-handed, the joint pain simply threw her life into disarray.

“How can I take my ring off without cutting my finger?” she asked in desperation. During our conversation, I also knew that she was worried, even depressed about her mother’s health.   

I first checked her condition with clinical and ultrasound examinations, then gave her a new prescription and suggested physiotherapy. I also tried to reassure her that the joint would be fine if she took some rest.

She came back to see me a week later. “My fingers feel much better now. And I can take off my ring at last. Hope is definitely all round!” she said in all good spirits.  

We as Rheumatologists are used to striking up conversation with and listening to our patients. It may have to do with our specialty or one’s character. Sometime we are just like a family doctor or a psychologist, and it always feels heartwarming when there grow mutual trust and support between us and the patients.

We all have our ups and downs, especially when sick. For treating immune system diseases, it is more than medications; a holistic, whole-person approach that cares for one’s physical, psychological and social needs, along with lifestyle changes and a positive attitude, is also important for good recovery.