Worried ..

[Emfrenette]

Just got more test done for my hands and wrist . Rheumy thinks I'm starting to get calcinosis build up on my Fingers. Also I've had this cough I mentioned to him and he said it wasnt related . But I've had it for more than a month now and now for 2 days I've had this pain in my breast bone when I cough sneeze and take a deep breath ? Has anyone had this should I contact my doctor the rheumy ? I feel like I never have enough time with them to get all the right stuff dealt with at al time of appointments

[LucyJean]

Hi there, were you asking anything specific about the calcinosis? it is pretty common to get it in your fingers, especially if you have the limited form of scleroderma. It can be seen on X-ray really clearly. It looks like white clouds.

Re. the cough. I guess you need to get a proper check out with your GP or a Respiratory consultant if it doesn't go away. Most people with scleroderma will have annual lung function tests which can help to identify any issues. Standard chest X-rays will show a chest infections. Sometimes people get dry mouth/throat and that can cause a tickly cough. Sometimes people have changes to the soft tissues in their nose and this can cause a post nasal drip which causes mucus to drip down the back of your throat and causes you to cough.

If you cough a lot then the muscles in and around your chest can get irritated and inflamed and this can cause chest pain. In addition people can get inflammation of the cartilage in between the ribs (costochondritis). This can be incredibly painful and cause intense chest pain that can cause difficulty breathing.

If in doubt check it out. Have a conversation with your GP or Rheumatologist...or perhaps the service that you are involved with has a specialist nurse practitioner you could have a chat to.

All my best

Lucy xxx