Still searching for answers

[scscsc]

Hi,

I posted here a few years ago about my symptoms and that I'd seen a rheumatologist who diagnosed me with hypermobility syndrome. I remain convinced I have another underlying condition in the autoimmune family.

I have recently been diagnosed with erythema nodosum (painful lumps on my left leg) by my GP and as it didn't clear up for over 3 months she has referred me back to rheumatology.

I have a list of symptoms: pain and stiffness in my legs, hips, lower and upper back, rashes and bruises, fatigue, cognitive issues (twice last week I put the potato peel in the pan and threw the potatoes away 😖), borderline positive ANA at 1:80 speckled.

I have attached a photo of the type of bruises/sore and swollen fingers I get several times a week.

I'm on the rheumy waiting list. Will be 3 to 6 months before I'm seen and I feel awful. Are there any other tests I can ask the GP for? Or medication I can try or other tips?

Thanks

[Hidden]

🙏Best of luck. I hope they get to the bottom of things for you. I’m so sorry.

[scscsc in reply to Hidden]

Thank you

[KayHimm]

You have had a long and frustrating journey. In response to your question, you might want to ask your GP if there was anything in your bloodwork that would explain your bruises. Since your fingers only flare up occasionally, it would be good to have documentation of this by GP. Photos are better than nothing but not always taken as seriously as an person examination. At least that has been my experience. Try to get an appointment when you have symptoms.

Your GP sounds good. Sometimes they just have to watch to see if new symptoms develop and re-refer. I was a “watch and wait” patient too.

Good luck.

K

[scscsc in reply to KayHimm]

Thanks Kayhimm. I'll try to get to the doctors when I have those bruises and swelling. I think everything else was normal in my bloods except borderline crp but not raised enough to be concerned.

I have been to the GP when I had a blood filled mouth ulcer which happens often and they just said 'weird'.