Been having some serious issues lately, and two primary care doctors can't figure it out. One wasn't interested in pursuing it, and one sent me to a specialist...however, none of the specialists in the state can get me in until June or later. I'm trying to avoid the E.R. as best as possible, but it is nearing the point where I may need to suck it up and go. I'll describe everything the best I can, if I miss anything just ask. I'm hoping someone knows someone who had similair issues and can give me some ideas.
About three years ago, I had the pinky finger on my left hand swell up the size of my thumb, and obviously, get very painful. Doctor suggested a strained tendon and sent me to therapy. I was on an anti imflammatory for a month, and it didn't do anything (visually) to resolve it. A month after that, it fixed itself and I forgot it ever happened.
Last year, a few times throughout the year it happened again, but this time the ring and pinky fingers. Short bouts of about a week or so each time. I dealt with it, then again,out of sight out of mind.
This year, it's the final go around for me. For the last three months it's been near constant. It'll go away for a couple days then return. It's now affected both hands, and every finger but the thumb. They get extremely swollen, purple/white/and VERY hot. At times, one or two will go numb, either the entire finger, or just a random section will go numb and only that spot will be totally white. During this time, there is no capillary refill at the nail bed.
I can generally tell when it's about to flare up, it will completely floor me. If I sit down, I will almost surely fall right asleep as if i've been up for a week straight, and sleep for 12+ hours. Then wake up to my hands on fire. I also can't take hot showers, or it sends my hands into shock where I just want to cut them off. If you've ever been outside in the cold so long your hands hurt, and you made the poor decision of putting them under hot water...picture that times two.
Blood work shows the following, surely some of you can understand it better than i can. i'll pick out the parts that seem important due to either being over/under/near the range:
Alkaline phosphates 10 points lower than range.
chloride 10 points over range
monocytes 10 points over range
neutrophiles 12 points under range
sedimentation rate 1 out of a range of 0-15
It seems clear that I have some type of infection. But what? I've dropped 10lbs over the last few months, and I first contributed that to not being able to lift or be active anymore but i'm wondering if it's something affecting my nervous system? Lyme, lupus? Anyone have experience with these? My memory is shot, my vision has been changing monthly, and my insurance won't cover the frequent prescription changes.
Right now, my fingers are blotchy pale white/red and extremely swollen. I naturally have darker skin so it's very noticeable. Ideas ideas ideas?
About three years ago, I had the pinky finger on my left hand swell up the size of my thumb, and obviously, get very painful. Doctor suggested a strained tendon and sent me to therapy. I was on an anti imflammatory for a month, and it didn't do anything (visually) to resolve it. A month after that, it fixed itself and I forgot it ever happened.
Last year, a few times throughout the year it happened again, but this time the ring and pinky fingers. Short bouts of about a week or so each time. I dealt with it, then again,out of sight out of mind.
This year, it's the final go around for me. For the last three months it's been near constant. It'll go away for a couple days then return. It's now affected both hands, and every finger but the thumb. They get extremely swollen, purple/white/and VERY hot. At times, one or two will go numb, either the entire finger, or just a random section will go numb and only that spot will be totally white. During this time, there is no capillary refill at the nail bed.
I can generally tell when it's about to flare up, it will completely floor me. If I sit down, I will almost surely fall right asleep as if i've been up for a week straight, and sleep for 12+ hours. Then wake up to my hands on fire. I also can't take hot showers, or it sends my hands into shock where I just want to cut them off. If you've ever been outside in the cold so long your hands hurt, and you made the poor decision of putting them under hot water...picture that times two.
Blood work shows the following, surely some of you can understand it better than i can. i'll pick out the parts that seem important due to either being over/under/near the range:
Alkaline phosphates 10 points lower than range.
chloride 10 points over range
monocytes 10 points over range
neutrophiles 12 points under range
sedimentation rate 1 out of a range of 0-15
It seems clear that I have some type of infection. But what? I've dropped 10lbs over the last few months, and I first contributed that to not being able to lift or be active anymore but i'm wondering if it's something affecting my nervous system? Lyme, lupus? Anyone have experience with these? My memory is shot, my vision has been changing monthly, and my insurance won't cover the frequent prescription changes.
Right now, my fingers are blotchy pale white/red and extremely swollen. I naturally have darker skin so it's very noticeable. Ideas ideas ideas?