Question
Thanks, Rusty for the great answer yesterday.  I checked out the arthritis website and read about gout.  The symptoms seem somewhat similar, but they didn't come in episodes as described in the website. But, I know I didn't have the uric acid test.  I remember the doctor mentioning gout and for some reason didn't think that was the diagnosis.  I should have mentioned to you yesterday that I am on high-blood pressure medication.  I was taking lisinipril with a diuretic when the swelling occurred and had just added the diuretic a few months previously.  When my pharmacist acknowledged that this drug could cause swelling, I asked my doctor if I could switch to a different drug.   I am now on diovan. One more thing-when I first had the swelling, I also had some pain in one of my shoulders.  It didn't seem like it was in the joint, more like in the front of the upper arm, maybe a tendon. So, if you have any other ideas, I'd appreciate it.  I guess an appointment with a rheumatologist is my next move.  Thanks again for all your help.

Nikki

Answer
Nikki,

The appointment with the rhuematologist is important.

I would not rule out drugs yet either because Diovan has the same set of side effects as does Lisinopril. They are both Ace Inhibitors for the same drug family. Both can cause swelling in the hands and joint pain.

I wish you good health.

Rusty