[Elysium]

Hey ya'll. I am 33 yrs old and over the last couple of years, I have been experiencing worsening symptoms of Raynauds. I've also developed several pea sized, hard knots in my hands and elbow areas. Some are sensitive, others not so much. I am wondering if these are the calcifications.

I have had GERD and minor swallowing issues for a while. Even though I am taking acid inhibitors, it doesn't seem to prevent the acid reflux completely.

My skin on my feet/toes is really thick and hardened. The skin on my hands isn't as hard, but my fingers swell occasionally and they get difficult to bend. I have a bunch of spider vein things too.

I'm not sure what to do. I do not currently have medical insurance and can't afford to pay for the testing for diagnosis/treatment.

I didn't really put all the symptoms together until I spoke with my Mother recently. Her docs think she has RA.

Anyways....just looking for someone else who has CREST or knows a bit about it. One of my most unusual symptoms is on my inner thighs, just above the crux of my knee. When I get cold...the skin there begins to mottle and it turns blotchy white and purplish until I warm up, then it gets red. It doesn't get as bad if I wear socks and long pants. I've never heard of inner thighs being affected with Raynauds though so I'm a little nervous.

Any info would be appreciated.

Thanks

[sabby]

(((((((((((( Elysium )))))))))))))))

I'm sorry to hear about you symptoms and how uncomfy they can be for you. I did look up Crest Syndrome at the following link:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/cre...CTION=symptoms

What interested me was that many who have Reynauds' Syndrome will in time contract Crest syndrome as well. Of course not everyone does.

Do you have any hospitals in the area that have programs for the un or under insured? Are you woking at this time? If not, have you considered applying for state/federal aid? I don't know where you reside so I'm not sure what is available for you.

I hope you can find some help here soon as this isn't something you want to fester without getting a dx and help with the symptoms. If I can help with anything more, please feel free to pm me.

[January]

I have Reynauds' Syndrome also and I'm so concerned about you. Please do whatever you have to do to get help. Please keep us posted.

I'll try to watch and see if my legs mottle and let you know. I try so hard to keep my temps on an even keel that I normally don't get really cold unless I'm outside in winter.

When my fingers swell like yours I run warm water over them until they loosen up a bit. I know it's not much, but I hope it helps a little.