Vasculitis. Is it related? I dont even know if I have it. Trying to connect the dots.

[lovemydoggy]

I know vasculitis is an inflammation of blood vessels and have heard it can be related to RA. Sometimes I get bruises that aren't sore and just pop up one day out of nowhere. Typically they don't last long. I'm not on meds so not a side effect. I do have thin skin where you can see veins. I've attached a photo of one of these that popped up this morning.

[Mmrr]

Have you had your bloods checked recently ? Maybe might be worth asking your GP for ?

[lovemydoggy in reply to Mmrr]

Yeah, I have. Bloods always normal. Nothing even borderline high, which of course is seen by doctors as good. Well, it still doesn't explain my symptoms. I'm referring here to my inflammatory arthritis symptoms. I really want to know if I need meds to prevent damage. Pain and swelling is bad, but I can deal with it so far. I'm really concerned about progression. Seems almost everybody is on meds. Even people with PR, and they say that does no damage but they are treated with medication. I don't want to take anything unless I need it, but for heaven's sake. I want to know if I need it and not one doctor seems to want to look for what is causing my symptoms. I suppose because I look fine when I go in and the results of tests are normal. Did they miss a day of med school???? That day when seronegative was discussed.

Sorry for the rant. Didn't intend to go there. Just frustrated.

[Sencosheep in reply to lovemydoggy]

I get bruises too but mine often stay for ages. I mentioned to rheumy nurse who ummed, aahed and said my bloods were fine, medication (MTX) wouldn't cause it and see GP - I haven't (yet). If I get bruises from bumps they take ages to go too.

[AgedCrone in reply to lovemydoggy]

Have you seen a rheumatologist or just a GP?

If only a GP thinks you don't need meds - Please ask for a referral to be sure.

I'm sure if you appear in a doctor's surgery looking clean & tidy and LOOKING healthy GP's glaze over & don't listen.

My friend went to her GP with what felt like a lump in her throat..first time told to gargle with salt water.......second time given throat sweets...third time referred very reluctantly to ENT......she has throat cancer.

So no matter how much courage you have to summon up...stand your ground & get expert advice....it could save your life.

[lovemydoggy in reply to AgedCrone]

I'll be going into GP soon. She's very good. The rheumatologists were useless. Interesting today that spot turned into a flare there and my ankle. It's bilateral, but left milder. Left side usually less affected if it is bilateral. And there is a red area where the bruise is. I also feel puffy today. All of it seems related. I'll tell you I'm at my wits end. Thanks for the advice. I also know people who've been put off by doctors and ended up with cancer, when, if they'd paid attention to these people the cancer would've been curable.

[AgedCrone in reply to lovemydoggy]

Could you ask for a referral to a different rheumatologist?

GP's usually have a very sketchy idea of Auto Immune diseases, & in fact are not allowed to describe some of the drugs needed.

It's a minefield, which after 20 years I am still ducking &'diving through.

[lovemydoggy in reply to AgedCrone]

20 years. That's a long time. Sorry you've been dealing with this stuff for so long. I have seen another rheumatologist in the beginning, when my symptoms started. She did blood work and I have a standing order for ESR and ....CSR? might have the letters mixed up. Anyway, two that show inflammation. Now they say shes unavailable. Weird. I might be able to see someone else in that practice, but not sure how my insurance will be. I'm in the US. Also a bit concerned about not being taken seriously going from one to another. I won't give up though. I just get sick of it, as i know you can identify with. We shouldn't have to do this much work trying to figure out what's wrong with us.

[AgedCrone in reply to lovemydoggy]

Speak to your insurance company ..I lived in NY for a while & I got the impression they'd rather you see the right doctor because in the end it saves them money.

While a GP,is fiddling around with old tests ......an up to date Rhumatologist will cut to a true diagnosis& prescribe accordingly.

My GP has very little knowledge & absolutely no interest in the drugs I take.

Hope you get a true diagnosis & the correct meds very soon.