Question
First, sorry for the long prologue, Q. is about new symptom about hard skin.
My current diagnosis is sjogren's syndrome. ANA 949, Sjogren's SSA 949, Sjogren's SB WNL (26); RF mildly positive (54.8); SS DNA mildly positive (36). All others tested for so far have been within normal limits. Mild sicca syndrome, except for severe dry eye. My worst symptom thus far is terrible angioedema of the thigh and to a lesser extend calf. (There is no question that this is a flare and it responds to treatment with prednisone).
I recently had a total knee replacement. I have been having a great deal of trouble with flexibility. This would not have been a great deal of concern except I know people who have had this surgery. and I have very hard and taught skin like shrink wrap around my knee holding it and keeping it from bending (and I am working as hard as humanly possible on Physical therapy) and they don't have a clue what I am talking about when I describe the hard shrunken skin around my knee. They also don't have the AI issues I do. Do you know about Scleroderma arising after surgery. I do not have reynauds; my mother, brother, and cousins do. I do however have a strange thing that no one has ever been able to explain (I call it opposite renaud's): when it gets hot out, my skin get's hot puffy and shiny especially in my feet and less so my hands.

Answer
Heidi,

I have never heard of Scleroderma arising after surgery. The cause of this condition is not known. It is not uncommon to see it in connection with Sjogren's.

I am as stumped as everyone else when it comes to your condition.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com/