Hello there,
I really don't post a lot, but I do read a lot of what you guys are discussing, and just want everyone to know how much I appreciate and respect this group! It can bring a lot of comfort knowing that you aren't alone...there is a lot of good information shared here.
Anyway, I have UC, but in the last 5 months I have developed these swollen purple painful toes...found out just over a month ago that they are Chilblains. The Derm. I saw didn't make a fuss over them, but wanted me to have my Cryoglobulin tested. Didn't really worry since she didn't seem concerned, but about 3 weeks later I found our that the test had come back positive. Not knowing what that meant, I of course just had to Google it...many different reasons why it can be that way, but they all seem pretty scary! I was sent for ANA bloodwork, saw her on Tuesday, and now that has also come back positive! 
She has now taken a biopsy of my worst toe, and I'll see her in a couple of weeks for the results. She made it seem like the best outcome of the biopsy would be Lupus...don't even want to think about what the worst outcome could be! I'm trying to keep myself busy, and try not to worry...but it's hard, and I don't want to scare my husband or anyone else in my family by talking too much about it...that's why I'm here...need to get some fear out!!! 
My question is: has anyone here had Chilblains or Lupus as well as IBD? I guess that a messed up immune system can cause many things to go wrong? This is a lot to take in and think about!
Thanks for listening!!
Paula 