Question
-------------------------Any thoughts on kind of specialist I should be looking to see?  Any major hospitals or clinics that may have doctors that might diagnose my condition?  Thank you for your stated concern.  Maxine
Followup To
Question -
I have aching in both of my arms and both hands for the last 10 months.  It is getting increasingly worse.  My family doctor has no idea what it is and has sent me for an MRI of my spine which seems to be fine (although I have one slightly protruding disc that can not be causing the arm pain because of its location).  My hands swell (very visibly) and turn dark blue from time to time in the soft tissue between by thumbs and pointer fingers).  The only time I get some relief is when I lie on my back with my hands across my chest.  I also have pain in nearly all of my finger joints.  There is a history of arthritis in my family, but there s no joint swelling.  I am also fatigued even when I first get up in the morning.  Any ideas of what might be wrong?  
Answer -
Maxine,

Sorry to hear that you are suffering in this way.

It is possible that it could be a rheumatoid condition. Rheumatoid arthritis does not always cause joint swelling. Gout can cause hand swelling; it usually effects joints and or muscles in the hands or feet. But the type of swelling you describe is not normal for rheumatic disease. It sounds more like a vascular or cardio-vascular problem. The blue color suggests an accumulation of blood in your hands that is causing the swelling.

It is probably time to ask for a referral from your family doctor to see a specialist. Ten months is way to long to go with out a diagnosis, especially since it does not sound like he or she has a clue.

I wish you good health.

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com


Answer
Maxine,

It depends on the kind of test your doctor has run. If your doctor has not checked you for cardiovascular disease then I would see a cardiologist first. This is because it is the most important to rule out first because of the risk factors involved.

Then talking to that specialist you can decide if it is better to see a Rheumatologist next or a neurologist.

I wish you well

Rusty
http://arthritis-symptom.com