arm-symptoms

[jolo]

I’m 47 years old and for more then three years I’ve suffered from a sensation of pain, stiffness, loss of power and a cramplike feeling in the right arm that make it very difficult to work with the fingers, like handwriting, brushing the teeth, peeling an onion etc, as well as most everyday activities. Even when I rest the cramplike feeling is there combined with a dull toothache-like pain at the outer part of the forearm towards the edge of the ulna-bone. In the same area I have often rashes, irritated skin or small acne-like eruptions that itches for a while and then leave with a scar or hardening. The stiffness often include right shoulder and part of the back up to the right ear.
Sometimes I have pain even in my legs and knees, and a feeling of heaviness when I breathe, but don't know if it has anything to do with the arm.
Since I work (or worked) as an illustrator my symptoms is a disaster for my profession career, and greatly affects everyday life. Especially the cramplike feeling is hard to endure.
I have seen a number of doctors and physiotherapeuts, including neurologs, orthopeds, hand surgeon and psychologists and nobody have found anything wrong with me. My testings are all ok, even the electric tests for nerv velocity, x-rays are normal and there is no obvious sign of inflammation or infection. I’ve tried antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs with no result, as well as training programs for RSI-problems. I feel more and more desperate and hope for, if not a cure so at least a clue to diagnosis.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Without examining you and reviewing your tests I cannot provide a clinical diagnosis. Your case is very complex, and no one particular diagnosis stands out. A MRI of the cervical spine would be recommended to exclude structural problems. However, this would not explain the rash. Perhaps a consultation with a rheumatologist to exclude a connective tissue disorder or a vasculitic like condition would be reasonable. I would recommend traveling to a large academic center for further consultations. Good luck.

[TroyK]

Have you been tested for cytomegalavirus?