He consulted a rheumatologist who diagnosed tendonitis, or inflammation of the tendon. He gave Russo (whose name has been changed for reasons of patient confidentiality) anti-inflammatory medication. Although the medication initially helped reduce the pain, the condition of his hand worsened over the next month to the point where Russo was in pain even when his hand was at rest.
Having lost confidence in the rheumatologist, Russo turned to the orthopaedic department at the University of Perugia, Italy. Radiographs showed that the bones in his hand were more porous than normal, with signs of cartilage wear and tear in his thumb joint. Russo was diagnosed with carpometacarpal osteoarthritis, and prescribed a hand splint to rest the joint, keep it in position and reduce pain.
Two months later, Russo lost his appetite. A heavy drinker and smoker, he had also been losing weight. His left hand was increasingly swollen and painful. The pain was so excruciating that Russo could not even lift it without pain, much less use it.
Despite the agony and the obvious distortion of his hand, Russo endured the pain, refusing to seek medical help.
The following month, he was admitted to hospital with respiratory distress and severe weakness. The mass on his left hand was so large his hand looked like an inflated rubber glove. The slightest touch would inflict excruciating pain.