Bulging vein/ artery in my right arm

[SheffieldJane]

I have PMR/GCA and have been recently diagnosed with Long Covid and have joined a clinic to manage it. I have noticed a painless blue /purple lump on the back of my arm, about 2 inches in length and 1 inch across . I am concerned about Vasculitis. Has anyone else had this?

[Sillydogsmum]

Picture?

[yogabonnie]

HI Jane I am so sorry you have long covid. I must have missed earlier posts ..It all seems Neverending doesnät it. I am predicting the bruise is nothing. probably leaned against the pillow wrong!!! 😜 I am always bruised from the prednisone. I hope you get some relief at the clinic re long covid. It is totally UNFAIR!! sending big healing.

[DorsetLady PMRGCAuk volunteer]

Rule out vasculitis or add it to the list.

SheffieldJane is already diagnosed with GCA/LVV so I’m sure she’ll be discussing with her doctors on this latest occurrence.

[Greensleeves in reply to DorsetLady]

Bless you DL , poor Jane , I’ll be thinking of her . xx

[tangocharlie]

I'd definately get it checked out by your GP as could be anything. Are you still under rheumatology? If so contact them as tht might be the best way to get fast tracked to ultrasound

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Sorry to hear that SJ - will that have any repercussions on you getting to move to Aus?

And yes - as SDM asks, picture?

Though if it is painless, at that size are you sure it isn't a bruise? If it were me. I'd email Sarah with a picture, she is your rheumy after all!

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

Yes I will. It is a lump but it won’t show up much in a photo . They are common apparently, bulging veins or arteries. The internet says that Vasculitis is a concerning thing it could be, but usually they are harmless like varicose veins. It’s just the GCA history that worries me.

The medical is a long way down the track we would be able to wait in Australia for a permanent decision on a 3 or 5 year visa. We can get Medicare. The costs they worry about are in the region and severity of dialysis. Son might not come. So it’s hard. A compromise of long holidays might be better.

I am in a London hotel and saw my arm at an odd angle due to a low mirror and thought what the heck is that! Been together 38 years, anniversary celebration, too shattered to do much.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Congrats on that at least - beginners, we'd been together over 50 years but didn't make our 50th wedding anniversary. I felt a bit cheated on that!

I find London too much and I'm relatively healthy! Lived there for about 8 months many years ago - that was enough to put me off for life!

[SheffieldJane in reply to PMRpro]

I am sorry you two missed your 50th anniversary. Leicester Square was unpleasant so noisy and crowded. I expected to have my bag snatched. We had a lovely meal at J Sheekey Fish Restaurant and went to see a play with Mark Rylance in it and J Smith- Cameron from Succession. I have a small crush on him. Had to tiptoe out in the interval, the seats were killing my back.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to SheffieldJane]

Probably better fish here!!! But maybe not the theatre at this time of year. And as for seats killing backs - try the Arena di Verona for size though the posh seats in the middle are probably OK!

[Conundrum]

Hello Jane

I have no expertise but offer sincere sympathy, you have been going through more than anyone should.

With your history I’m sure you will wisely consult your healthcare teams as soon as possible. I hope they can help and reassure you. Let us know how you get on

Sending lots of love 💕

[Mstiles]

I’m so sorry about this latest worry! I hope you find a reassuring answer soon.

How were you diagnosed with long covid? I couldn’t find a post from you about being diagnosed with it, I’m not good about tech!

Or can somebody point me in the right direction?

Thank you.

[SheffieldJane in reply to Mstiles]

Just my litany of symptoms, nothing scientific.

[Longtimer]

Sorry to hear that ..hope you get answers quickly. My neice has long covid and has found the clinic helpful.....had been wondering if you had moved yet.....good luck and keep us posted....

[SheffieldJane in reply to Longtimer]

I will. Xx

[Suet3942]

Morning Jane

I’m sorry to hear that you have something else to add to your long list of problems. When are you moving to Australia? X

[SheffieldJane]

We take it in turns to have cold feet, so we are doing a long visit from Dec to March, to help us. It’s hard when you are ill. The woman from the Long Covid Clinic is very nice and full of ideas for coping with chronic illness, which I will pinch and share. How are you Sue?

[HeronNS]

You've done it again. Another chapter in your unique health saga! I am not congratulating you, but sending you a virtual hug and best wishes for a reassuring diagnosis. 💐💗🍀

Very good that you can access care for the LC. It seems the virus is particularly good at striking people where they are already vulnerable. When you feel up to it I'd be interested in hearing what sort of ideas they have for dealing with LC, which resembles other chronic diseases, but with its own unpredictable twist.

[SheffieldJane in reply to HeronNS]

well so far she has talked about breathing from the diaphragm to remedy the permanent, difference in our breathing caused by shallow breathing when we have Covid. It definitely remedies the slightly panicked breathing I have noticed in myself. As if there is not enough air in the room especially at night.

[HeronNS in reply to SheffieldJane]

Thanks. I follow a number of LC people on Xitter and I'm sure I've heard this symptom mentioned. Will remember this tip. There are countries where there seems to be little or no help for people with LC.

[PMRpro Ambassador in reply to HeronNS]

Love you calling it Xitter!!!!!!

[Blossom20]

Hi Jane, sorry to hear you've got long covid! But good news that they are offering a special clinic to help you deal with it. I didn't know they had such things.Good luck finding out what the 'bruise' is.

We do bruise so easily. I'm on aspirin now for PAD so I bruise at the slightest touch.

Congratulations on your anniversary snd I hope you manage to enjoy yourself 😅