Discoloration

Monday,  July 6, 2009

I  noticed that as of last summer I bit my lip, just lightly, it swelled to the point that it was puffy in that area.  Since then this has occured on numerous occasions.  I can biting my lip in the past and it just hurting and not swelling.  I have also notice that the inside of my lips are beginning to turn dark - as though I smoke.  However, I am not a smoker.  Is this a sign of something related with the rheumatoid arthritis or does this indicate that my condition is getting worse?  I also notice that at times, my fingers get dark as well.  It could be when I wake up in the morning or just recently, I went for a walk one morning.  It was a little humid and my fingers were swollen and dark.

I have been taking Orencia since the beginning of February.  However, these symptoms did not just begin.  The ends of my fingers are also puffy at times.  I indicated this to a hand surgeon.  He stated that this may be a sign of respiratory problems.  My primary referred me for the proper tests which did not indicate any issues in that area.  What do you think about the symptoms that I have described?

[txsilver]

You did the right thing by bringing this to the attention of your doctors and having it investigated.  Are you taking any kind of anti-inflammatory?