Lupus Support Group

So the rheumy says he's not sure I have lupus or RA because I don't demonstrate constant swelling. Then he says he can't say for sure because I am on a cortico-steroid which "influences" everything. But have a look at this picture. More often than not, my fingers are this swollen for the first half of the day. Any ideas why -- if it's not lupus or RA? Is this how some of your fingers look?? I forgot to mention that this ring easily slips off and on on a normal day. That day, I couldn't get it past my knuckle, no matter what I tried (water, soap etc.)

Post edited by: MarthaM, at: 08/15/2011 08:48 AM

Hello, I'm sorry your having trouble with getting a diagnosis. Lupus is hard to diagnose. My knuckles are always swollen but there are definitely days that are worse! My rheumy always says my knuckles look like 'classic lupus'. The Lupus Foundation has some great info on diagnosing Lupus:

http://www.lupus.org/webmodules/webarticlesnet/templates/ new_learndiagnosing.aspx?articleid=2239&zoneid=524

Does the swelling get better w/prednisone? I sure hope you some relief soon and a diagnosis!

Take Care,

Amy

Hello. Sorry you're having a difficult time. I too suffered with extremely swollen fingers when I was diagnosed with Lupus. I can no longer where my wedding ring, and I just got married last year. There were days when the left hand would be three times the size of the right hand, and completely impossible to move and completely painful on all levels. I also was told it looked like classic Lupus Arthritis. The good news is that since getting on Prednisone and Plaquinel, I have not had these problems. Although I still don't wear my ring because it's still too tight.

Oh MY! I am sorry you have this swelling. It looks painful. I think you should show your Dr. this picture! Is this pre-exercise? The reason I am asking is because my fingers will swell up when I am on the Elliptical sometimes and definitely if I power walk outside in the heat and humidity. God Bless and Hugs!

This is before exercising. Oddly enough my swelling often is abated with exercise. I take corticosteroids every day and it hasn't made it better.

Post edited by: MarthaM, at: 08/16/2011 07:19 AM

ncgirl, I am glad you wrote about this because I have been wondering about this for awhile. My fingers do get more swollen when I exercice. But you sure know how we always doubt about everything until someone tells us that it can be real... Sometimes I feels that people (including my rheumy) must think that I am an hypochondriac!!! Dealing with lupus has been a difficult road so far...

My hands are often swollen. When they're bad I can't close them. My face and legs swell too, it's very very painful and I wear compression garments on the body parts that I can. For me, exercise helps reduce it.

Same here unripping.