Pain and joint question

Hi King, Sorry you are still in limbo. I'm not familiar with the joint cracking . . . but in Lupus land we are all so different that I can't speak for the others. Not sure what "feet buzzing" is. Is it like numbness? Tingling? My feet and hands do go numb and tingle. I wonder about the buzzing because I don't know much about MS, but that might be something to ask about on their board because MS affects the nerves. If I'm achy/sore/stiff in a certain area/areas, then those areas will be problematic for a stretch of time. I did however start with pain in the upper body and upper extremities . . . which finally (years) improved, only to have my feet, legs and hips become a big issue. I also have issues with my spine which may be a totally separate issue. Most of us, on this board, have overlapping conditions so its hard to know which disease or syndrome is causing what . . but most of it is managed in the same way. If you TSH is fluctuating . . . that really could cause a LOT of problems. If you research low thyroid problems it can really mimic a lot of the lupus issues. Hair, skin, joints, fatigue, etc. So make sure that you stay on top of that one. I had issues from about your age (I'm 55 now) and doctors each said it was depression. I really dismissed that dx for about 10 years until I understood how depression can really be a chemical imbalance and not necessarily a "mind over matter" issue. I always thought I was level headed, positive thinker and I didn't "feel" depressed. But when I decided after so many years of fatigue and other issues, to try an anti-depressant, I was surprised that I did get much relief. I did try about three different anti-d's to get the right one for me . . . but it was a real blessing. After another few years, my symptoms progressed to the point where I needed other meds and a rheumatologist. Sometimes you just won't know for a long time what is causing trouble in your body. I know how frustrating it can be trying to figure out what is wrong. Do keep track of that TSH. Blessings!

Oh . . . I 'think' those TSH numbers are fine. Do you have any rashes, mouth sores or sun sensativity (like rashes or flu-like feeling after sun exposure?). That would be another thing that lupus might cause. I hope your issues disappear. Are you taking supplements or OTC stuff that could be building in your system?? That can cause trouble too. *sigh* Sorry you are in limbo. Not fun. Blessings!

(((((( King )))))))) So sorry about your dad. That is really hard. I lost my dad to Alzheimer's a year and a half ago. Anxiety, stress, nerves, worries, grieving . . . can all cause major body issues. Are you able to do some mild exercise, like walking or something?? You might get some relief if your issues are stress related. I started knitting and crocheting when my dad was really ill and it has turned out to be great therapy. I really enjoy it. Make sure to keep a symptom journal and keep all those lab reports in a folder so you can refer to them later. If you have any more questions . . . feel free to ask. Blessings!

King,

Lupus does affect the joints and can cause inflammation.  It can also attack muscles and the combination of joint and muscle problems can cause the "cracking".  I have had that my whole life (could never have been a "cat burglar" ) but it got much worse when lupus hit my joints.  I also have polymyositis which is a muscle disease and the combination of the 2 caused muscle weakness, limited range of motion (more like no range of motion) problems.  Even though I have physically recovered substantially my joints still crack a lot.

Lupus can be very difficult to diagnose....for some, years.  It has been called the disease with a 1000 faces and often mimics symptoms of other diseases.  It can manifest symptoms or lab results at times and then nothing.  My case was diagnosed within a year based on severe symptoms and positive labs but I believe that I had telltale labs (low plateletes and mild anemia) for at least 15 years before any clinical symptoms.  up to that time I was perfectly healthy.

Have you tried to go to a clinic like Mayos? 

Bill

I know that a visual field test is one of the first screening tests for MS. Has anyone discussed possibility of Fibro? I know that nerve pain and muscle pain that moves around can be present with Fibro, along with the buzzing sensation. I'd check out the Fibro boards and see if anything seems to match your symptoms. I have cracking joints, but I also have a very high RA factor, although no signs of joint damage on x-rays(thank God!) and my pain and cracking is limited to my hands, feet and sometimes back. This is such a trying time to be in DX limbo, my thoughts and prayers are with you. God Bless.

Hi King,

 

You have ALL the symptoms of Fibromyalgia.  I'm learning more and more about it because it is now the most aggressive disorder I have going on.  My feet and hands tingle and buzz all the time, non stop. Muscle twitching is constant, fleeting pain that moves around.  With Fibro, the pain feels like it's right in the joints, but it's not.  The pain is from the muscles, ligaments and tendons that surround the joints. 

 

YOu also mentioned bumps and indents on your nails, that is a fibro symptom.  So is the dizziness and fatigue.

 

Fibro causes a metabolic imbalance in the body that can affect the thyroid, adrenal glands, etc.  That metabolic imbalance will cause those fingernail bumps, etc.

 

Your blood work came back normal, which is great!  If you have fibro, your blood work will look perfect.  But you'll feel far from perfect!

 

I'd check in with the gang in the Fibromyalgia forum.  Also mention this to your doctor/rheumy.

 

Good luck,

 

Ginny

I'm never sure when I'm having pain how to I tell if it is muscle or joint, sometimes I can't figure out the differance. That of couse unless it is both of them at times.