Hand Swelling

[newbs36]

My hands have been swelling every morning for months now. I was referred to a rheumatologist who I saw a couple of months ago and he said he couldn't diagnose me with a specific illness but thought my symptoms were "more like lupus than anything else". He said my ANA was positive and my white cells were low and he would see me again in 12 months. The swelling is now getting worse, my left hand swells very badly and now goes up my arm as well, my right hand seems to just involve the hand for now. I also have pain down my left arm and numbness in my hand. Heat helps a little, anti-inflammatories do not. My question is does this sound like a lupus related thing or maybe it is something else entirely. It is affecting driving and sleep.

[MEW53]

Newbs36,

This doesn't sound good, you need to get this investigated quickly.

If this is an autoimmune disease time is of an essence, because they progress so quickly. My hands got very bad in 2014 and started curling and swelling, I was unable to do anything then other parts of the body kicked in

I saw a good rheumatologist once in June 2014 privately and by August I was admitted into hospital for lots of tests, having been monitored by him twice on the NHS.

My ANA was positive and white cells were low. I have Myositis with a scleroderma overlap. Unfortunately, we are not doctors so don't really know what the diagnosis can be but we can ensure that we try and get investigations done quickly in case anything is likely to deteriorate quickly.

The SRUK part of this forum is great.

[Wizz13]

Im newly diagnosed with lupus and have had swelling and stiffness in my hands and feet. Am on meds now which took the swelling down almost overnight and I'm in a lot less pain. Don't think you should wait 12 months.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi newbs36 ,

If your symptoms are getting worse I would recommend that you go to your GP and see if they can either arrange for you to go back to the rheumatologist sooner, or refer you for a second opinion. If you are in this much pain 12 months is a very long time to leave between appointments.

If you need more information about lupus and how it is diagnosed, we have a free pack which you can request or download at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

We also have a blog article about pain management which has some tips which you may find helpful in the meantime - lupusuk.org.uk/pain-managem...

[newbs36]

Thank you for your replies. I went back to my GP on yesterday and she has arranged for me to have more blood tests done tomorrow, and also referred me for some physio. She thinks she will need to refer me back to rheumatology but is waiting to see my results and if the physio helps at all.