Hi everyone,
I don't have a definite dx yet but my hand stiffness, pain in shoulders, arms, wrists and hands came on quite suddenly. I've been on prednisone for3mo. and have tapered down from 15 mg to 5 mg. Finally have an appt with a rheumy Tuesday. I noticed several weeks ago that I have engorged veins at the base of my fingers that I never had before. Do any of you have this and what does it mean???
Jule
I have swollen veins on my fingers, hands, and feet.
I don't know what it means, probably that there is inflammation. Does it hurt where the veins are swollen? Mine do. Make sure you tell your doc on Tuesday and let us know.
Good luck
CinDee
When my joints are inflamed sometimes the veins are either more visible or swollen and sometimes I even will get a bruise where I have swelling. I asked my RD and she said this is common.
Hope this helps,
Karen
Jule,
I have the veins also but i was under the impression that they just show mor because the prednisone cause "thin skin" allowing the veins to bulge and look larger. Almost anyone that takes prednisone will have "thin skin". If you take mtx along with the prednisone as i do then the skin will really be thin as mtx stops new skin growth. The "thin skin" diagnosis is just mine and i have never asked a DR, so take my advise with a diagnosis with a grain of salt.
LEV
There is also the chance of it being vasculitis - mention it to the doctor, just to get it rolling in his/her head. It's not as common, but does show up in people with RA more so than people without. It's basically the swelling of your veins (makes sense...lol) Be sure to ask, better safe than sorry! :)