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Arthritis  (Expert Forum)
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Could I have an autoimmune disease causing bi-lateral swelling?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD Boston - MA
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MedHelp Member's Question

Could I have an autoimmune disease causing bi-lateral swelling?

by deadend, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
I am 31, for the last 6 years have gone through numerous tests and been to many specialists. I’ve had MRI’s, CT’s, Blood work, Ultrasounds, Sonograms, EKG, echocardiogram, x-rays etc... All the test come back normal however the symptoms persist and now for the last 8 months I've had bi-lateral swelling of the legs as a constant condition added to the others I have listed below. The swelling never goes away, somedays are just worst than others. I'm exhausted and frustrated in that we have not been able to find out what's causing my symptoms. The pain is unbearable and I do not know where else to turn. I'm hoping that someone here and offer suggestions. Thank you.



These are the symptoms I deal with daily:

Fainting occasionally, become pale, lips blue

Sensitivity to cold – turn bluish hands and feet

Racing heartbeat occasionally

Lightheadedness

Fatigue

Common colds develop into something more and lasts for weeks

Chronic Sinusitis and persistent coughing

Headaches/Migraines – daily, not sure what’s it like not to have one anymore.

Joint pains – neck, back, knees, ankles, jaw pain, wrists, hip, etc..

Right flank pain comes and goes, sharp pain

Irregular bowel movements

Irregular menstrual cycles

Severe Itching of the legs

Sharp chest pain over left side, occasionally

IBS

Bilateral swelling of my legs from above knees, downward – every day since 9/2005

Swelling is not relieved by elevation

Legs, ankles and feet tender to touch, hurts to walk

Muscle soreness and muscle spasms and cramps

Numbness/tingling in arms – during the night

Trembling of hands every once in a while

Borderline Hypoglycimic

Difficulty Sleeping



I have been seen by a Cardiologist and Urologist which have cleared both my heart and kidneys.  I have also had a few ultrasounds/sonograms of my legs that were clear for any blood clots.



I have also been to chiropractors, physical therapists, accpuncturist, oral surgeon, orthopedic and a neurologist.  Any tests that they have completed comes back normal.  None of the medications that they have provided seem to help.  My primary and I are at a loss in the direction that I should take from here.  I do have one last blood work test that they were going to check my thyroids that I should have the results tomorrow.  My previous blood work didn't show any abnormalities.  Any information you may have will be greatly appreciated. Because right now I'm at a dead-end.

Doctor's Answer

by Kevin Pho, MD, Apr 12, 2006 12:00AM
Many rheumatological diseases can lead to the symptoms you are describing.  You clearly have been through several physicians and have undergone many tests would have ruled out many of the major disorders.



An ANA level as well as a rheumatoid factor level can be considered to evaluate for rheumatological disease.  I would also consider a blood count and markers of inflammation such as a sedimentation rate as well as C-reactive protein.  



These options can be discussed with a rheumatology referral.



Followup with your personal physician is essential.



This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.



Kevin, M.D.

kevinmd_b
Member Comments (13)

by bengalcats, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
GEE YOU SURE HAVE A LARGE HOST OF PROBLEMS. I HAVE MANY OF THE SAME, HAVE BEEN BACK AND FOURTH WITH dOCTORS FOR 15 YEARS, EVERY TEST KNOWN TO MAN, EVERYTHING NEG. SOME OF MY SYMPTOMS ARE THE ITCHING WHICH IS EXTREME AND FOR NO REASON ON MY LEFT FOOT, PLUS ITCHING UNDER MY JAW, THIS LASTED FOR OVER A MONTH THEN WENT AWAY, ONLY MY FOOT GETS IT EVERY NOW AND THEN AND IT WILL LAST A FEW WEEKS. IN ADDITION TO THAT I GET SWELLING IN MY UPPER CHEST AND BACK AREA AND IT MAKES MY BRA VERY TIGHT LEAVING DEEP MARKS IN MY SKIN, THIS LASTS FOR MONTHS AT A TIME THEN GOES AWAY BUT THEN RETURNS, NO ONE KNOWS WHY. i GET WEIRD FEELINGS IN MY BRAIN, AND FREQUENT HEADACHES SINCE SEPT 05, I LIVE WITH SHOULDER ,ELBOW,NECK, KNEE, HAND , LEG BONE PAIN MANY TIMES A YEAR, MY FEER ARE STIFF AND PAINFULL WHEN I WAKE UP BUT IT GOES AWAY IN A FEW MINUTES. I HAVE HAD MANY VISUAL PROBLEMS,WEIRD TINGLING IN MY BLADDER AND TINGLING IN MY HANDS AND LEGS, IT HAS BEEN MORE NOTICABLE AT NIGHT BUT I DO NOT UNDERSTAND WHY.THERE ARE SO MANY OTHER THINGS GOING ON. LOOK INTO THE NEURO AND THE UNDIAGNOSED SECTION OF THE FORUM, I HAVE ALOT OF POSTS THERE. AFTER ALL THESE YEARS i CHANGE NEUROS AND THIS NEW ONE FEELS I HAVE MS SO I HAD A LUMBAR PUNCTURE TO FIND OUT/ HOPE YOU CAN GET SOME ANSEEWERS SOON.

by bengalcats, Apr 11, 2006 12:00AM
I WAS TOLD ONCE I HAVE LYMPHEDMIA, PROBABLY SPELLED WRONG, I HAS SWELLING AND REDNESS ALON MY SHIN BONE FOR A MONTH AND IT WAS VERY PAINFULL.

by who_is_this, Apr 16, 2006 12:00AM
Sally?  Is that you?

by bengalcats, Apr 16, 2006 12:00AM
dont know who you are responding to but no bengal cats is not sally.

by deadend, Apr 17, 2006 12:00AM
Not sally.