Systemic Sclerosis - Pain in arms and groin

Hello SarahJane, welcome to this wonderful site, we are a friendly bunch and will always help in whatever way we can. As regards to the pains you mention, all I can say is SNAP! I have just put it down to this very interesting condition we live with, and everyday it throws us some new symptoms for us to live with. Next time you see your rheumy mention it, so it puts your mind at rest. Smile and wave, smile and wave. xx

Pleased to meet you SarahJane - I too have systemic sclerosis and have pain in my shoulders. It's got so bad I have had to give up knitting. I'm uncomfortable in bed and can't lie on any shoulder for too long. I get a lot of pain in the right side of my lower back after walking a very short distance and when I first get up in the morning. I think the aches and pains are part of this disease as I understand rheumatoid arthritis is all part of this condition. Very occasionally my rheumatology department gives me a steroid injection in my shoulder joints. I also find that carrying bags, even not very heavy ones, sets off shoulder pain. I now choose the most lightweight handbags I can find, usually fabric ones, as leather has weight even when it's empty; and I find it a good excuse to indulge in Kipling handbags which I love - they're lightweight and washable and come in all sorts of styles and colours. [ No I'm not a sales person nor am I on commission, just a bit nerdy (lol) ]. It's great to have you with us - you'll find that this is the only place you can have a good moan and people will understand what you're talking about.

I definitely have the groin thing happening just on my left side though. Sometimes it feels as though my leg is going to fail me and I am going to go down as it comes and goes and there's no rythym to it. As you say thank goodness others have the same. Keep moving I guess is the answer.

Hi!!

Wow! Just read your post! Yes! Yes! Yes! Its been getting worse lately, its odd, sometimes the pain is so intense.

I don't understand....

Hi again everyone. I too have a wedge pillow. A good one is about £60 - if you Google reflux pillow you'll find the ones made of good quality foam that will last without going all saggy. I was advised to use one to help with reflux and uncomfortable stomach. Now that I'm used to it I can't manage without it. What makes me laugh is that when we go away it doesn't do your street cred any good have to swan into a hotel with the big wedge monster under your arm so I hide it in one of my husband's zip up suit cover bags. I use the wedge thing with my my normal pillow on top of it. The wedge is quite long so that you don't get a crick in your back.

I get this too although I have Sjögren’s rather than Scleroderma so far, originally diagnosed with RA. The groin pain can take my breath away with each step - it’s right in my genital area just now - so undignified! My GP thinks it might be sacroiliac in origin and I’m wondering about some sort of spondyloarthritis as I have other nail problems and painful fingertip top joints.

I think most of these conditions bring about arthritis or arthralgia of some sort. Mine is presently in the base of my spine and my groin. Sometimes in my shoulders too. If I lift anything at all I pay in my lower back and groin and if i make myself walk as much as possible each day I pay too - but not as much as I think I will pay if I don’t!

My inflammation levels are always pretty elevated so I’m minded to think that the two go together - although these days I have no inflamed looking joints to speak up for me. And I use memory foam pillows to prop myself and extra soft pillows for arms and legs. The bed is such a tangle by morning - my husband says I’m impossible!

I tried this (AIP diet) last year but it seemed to only make things worse in my case?