Ouch 😢 any help or advise appreciated

[Sami13]

Hi any help greatly appreciated

I have limited systemic sclerosis, raynauds and overlap connective tissue disease. I'm on methotrexate weekly (6months). About 2 weeks ago I thought I was getting tennis elbow again. It then seemed to go into my wrist, thumb and palm of my hand. It is beyond painful. Sort of stiff aching pain It' feels like I've had cramp It is painful to touch all over. Went to see my new GP who had to google systemic sclerosis then asked how it was pronounced 🙄. Said not sure what's wrong with it take pain killers. I have a feeling it might be carpel tunnel but it's only a hunch.

Any advise or similar experience?

Thanks

[Ruth462]

The SRUK previously had booklets which you could give to your GP so they can be a little more educated. Give them to the GP ( having read it yourself) then make another appointment . I had to generally make a nuisance of myself until they realised that I wasn't going to go away.

[tall-tim]

Hello Sami13,

I think I know what you mean about the arm. At least, I had similar symptoms before the outbreak of elbow ulcers - hopefully this is not what's happening to you. It may be myositis, when connective tissue in your arm stiffens. I had to have a biopsy test to confirm this, and then subsequently was put on Methotrexate and Prednisolone steroid, which did the trick and rescued me from a progressive muscle collapse scenario. I doubt your local doctor can help with this problem, as he/she will not have specialist knowledge. I would talk to your consultant asap. I'm sorry I cannot be more helpful.

Wishing you all the best.

Tim

[Duttie]

Hello, I have Sclera and had a similar problem. Pain in left wrist and hand, it cleared after a couple of weeks. I then had the same pain in the left ankle, very bad as I was of course putting my weight on it. I went to GP who said possible gout. It continued for a month, the leg became very swollen as well. Went for my Rheumy app and she said she thought it was crystal arthritis, you may need to google this. But I also had a blood test which showed very positive for RA. I also have the same pain now in my left wrist. I am awaiting an MRI scan of the ankle before she will treat it. I had been taking Ibuprofen 3 x daily, but was told not to as it could damage the stomach, to manage with paracetamol, which is next to useless with such severe pain. I have to go out later so I have taken Ibuprofen, other wise I cannot walk. If it doesn't settle I think you need further investigation.