Comment from: akaylee, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: March 12
My symptoms came on rather suddenly with cramping in my legs on a Wednesday evening. The pain increased to the point that I could not sleep well that night. It improved some on Thursday with some relief with aspirin treatment. Then it continued through the week and on Sunday I developed a red lacy rash that covered my legs to my hips and by Monday I had some on my arms. Severe pain continued in my lower legs. Tuesday I went to the doctor and he did blood work to check white cell count and electrolytes with that all coming back perfect. He decided to call it Vasculitis and is treating me with 60 mg of Prednisone one time a day for 5 days. The pain improved very quickly and the rash changed to a red prickly rash just on my calves. I'm waiting to see what happens at the end of the Prednisone treatment.
Comment from: alice55, 0-2 MalePublished: February 19
A two year old boy developed a severe rash to his lower legs and feet, although he was hospitalized no diagnosis or treatment was provided to his mother. During the next 2 weeks he became lethargic and constantly ran a fever with occasional vomiting and had a brown foul smelling discharge from his right ear. He fell against an open oven door and burnt his right hand. He had no response to this injury and was again hospitalized for a lumbar puncture and a ct scan, both showed normal results. At this time he also had severe conjunctivitis in both eyes and did receive cortisone eye drops with a marked improvement. Sadly 2 weeks later he was found unresponsive and was successfully resuscitated and transferred to hospital. CT scan showed a brain hemorrhage with no trauma. The hospital then made a decision to accuse his mother of child abuse and held him in the ER for 3 HRS while CPS and police photographed and altered a small abrasion on his abdomen to resemble a burn to support their allegation.
Comment from: sandi, 45-54 Female (Patient)Published: February 19
Several years ago, I was rushed to the hospital with the most intense head pain I had ever experienced (and I had been living with Cl.10 migraines for yrs). After administering all different forms of pain meds., and taking an MRI, they did a spinal and realized I was hemorrhaging. They finally decided to perform and Angiogram. While doing the procedure, the neuro-radiologist severed the artery in my neck accidentally and from that they discovered that all of the vessels in my head had "shut down," causing the blood to only "bead" rather than flow. They started me on a regimen of high doses of prednisone, etc. and, after several more angiograms and many months, all of the vessels had opened except one or two. At one point, my doctor told me that my chances of living beyond a year were between 2% and 5%. This was many years ago (about 15, I think). They never came up with a name for my particular form of vasculitis but it was studied. I still worry that it will happen again as suddenly and severe as it did then. My ANA count remains off the charts. Lately I have experienced multiple UTI's and painful swelling of the ankles, with bruising. Although I'm very grateful to have lived through this and come out as active and healthy as I am today, I never want to go through it again.
Comment from: Windy, 55-64 Female (Patient)Published: February 19
I was diagnosed with Rheumatosis Arthritis about 10 years ago. I have been in remission for about 8 years. Recently, I had muscle pain in my left leg. It was much worse at night when I was resting and I would wake with the pain. This went on for several weeks. I went to doctor but they could not find anything. At the same time I had 4 what I thought were bladder infections, (one every 2 weeks), but although I had blood in my urine, I had no infection. (The bladder infections were treated with antibiotics.) The pain in my leg became nauseating and then I noticed a rash. I thought maybe it was shingles. I went to the ER, but doctor said no. I then went to see my own doctor who diagnosed PAN. The marks on my lower leg were a red rash with two dark red, larger spots on the front and one large dark red on the back of my leg. I am now on Prednisone and although the rash has cleared, I still have pain - like a bruised shin without the bruise although the muscle pain has ceased.
Comment from: chapelin2000, 0-2 Female (Caregiver)Published: October 13
I have a 2 year old diagnosed with Vasculitis. On Sunday she woke up with a back pain on one side and it was kind of swollen so I ran to the ER. The DR. notice some tiny red spots from her knees down not her feet so I did not pay too much attention to the spots because she had fever the night before from a cold that she still has so I thought it was a reaction from that fever. We ended in the hospital for three days. The doctors could not find a diagnosis at that moment because she also had a few mosquito bites from playing in the park. For the doctors the most concern was the back pain so it resulted that she had UTI. When she was discharge the following day she had more red spots on her thighs an buttocks so on Wednesday I took to her pediatrician and suddenly she could not walk she was limping from one leg some x-ray was done and thank God the results were negative, but the pain was there she was prescribe Motrin for the pain. We have not experience the swelling on the ankles or other symptoms related to this condition, again it has only been a week. She also lost her appetite.
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Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune disease that causes chronic inflammation of the joints, the tissue around the joints, as well as other organs in the body. Because it can affect multiple other organs of the body, rheumatoid arthritis is referred to as a systemic illness and is sometimes called rheumatoid disease.
Sjögren's syndrome is an autoimmune disease involving the abnormal production of extra antibodies that attack the glands and connective tissue. Sjögren's syndrome with gland inflammation (resulting dry eyes and mouth, etc.) that is not associated with another connective tissue disease is referred to as primary Sjögren's syndrome. Sjögren's syndrome that is also associated with a connective tissue disease, such as rheumatoid arthritis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or scleroderma, is referred to as secondary Sjögren's syndrome. Though there is no cure for Sjögren's syndrome, the symptoms may be treated by using lubricating eye ointments, drinking plenty of water, humidifying the air, and using glycerin swabs. Medications are also available to treat dry eye and dry mouth.
Systemic lupus erythematosus is a condition characterized by chronic inflammation of body tissues caused by autoimmune disease. Lupus can cause disease of the skin, heart, lungs, kidneys, joints, and nervous
system. When only the skin is involved, the condition is called discoid lupus.
When internal organs are involved, the condition is called systemic lupus
erythematosus (SLE).
Hepatitis C is an inflammation of the liver due to the hepatitis C virus (HCV), which is usually spread by
blood transfusion, hemodialysis, and needle sticks, especially with intravenous
drug abuse. Chronic hepatitis C may be treated with interferon, usually in combination with anti-virals.
Dementia is a significant loss of intellectual abilities such as memory capacity, severe enough to interfere with social or occupational functioning. There are different criteria classification schemes for dementias such as cortical, subcortical, progressive, primary, and secondary dementias. Other conditions and medication reactions can also cause dementia. Dementia is diagnosed based on a certain set of criteria. Treatment for dementia is generally focused on the symptoms of the disease.
The hepatitis B virus is a unique, coated DNA virus belonging to the Hepadnaviridae family of viruses. The course of the virus is determined primarily by the age at which the infection is acquired and the interaction between the virus and the body's immune system. Successful treatment is associated with a reduction in liver injury and fibrosis (scarring), a decreased likelihood of developing cirrhosis and its complications, including liver cancer, and a prolonged survival.
Thrombocytopenia refers to a decreased number of platelets in the blood. There are many causes of thrombocytopenia such as decreased platelet production (viral infections for example rubella, mumps, chickenpox, hepatitis C, and HIV); increased platelet destruction or consumption (for example sulfonamide antibiotics, heparin, blood transfusions, and lupus); or increased splenic sequestration (enlarged spleen due to conditions for example liver disease, blood cancers, and more). Treatment of thrombocytopenia depends on the cause.
Henoch-Schonlein Purpura (HSP or anaphylactoid purpura), a type of blood vessel inflammation, results in rash, arthritis, and occasional abdominal cramping. HSP often resolves on its own. Joint pain may be treated with anti-inflammatory and cortisone medications.
Polymyalgia rheumatica (PMR) is a disorder of the muscles and joints that causes pain and stiffness in the arms, neck, shoulders, and buttocks. Treatment for polymyalgia rheumatica aims to reduce inflammation with aspirin, ibuprofen and low doses of cortisone medications. Giant cell arteritis, inflammation of blood vessel walls, affects 10-15 percent of polymyalgia rheumatica patients. Symptoms of giant cell arteritis include fatigue, weight loss, low-grade fever, jaw pain when chewing, scalp tenderness, and headaches. High doses of cortisone medications are used to treat giant cell arteritis.
Kawasaki disease is a rare children's disease characterized by a fever that lasts more than five days and at least four of the following five symptoms are present: rash, swollen neck lymph gland, red tongue, swelling or redness of the hands or feet, and conjunctivitis. High doses of aspirin are used to treat Kawasaki disease. Cortisone and antiinflammatory drugs may also be used during treatment.
Wegener's granulomatosis, a condition that usually affects young or middle-aged adults, is an inflammation of the arteries supplying blood to the sinuses, lungs, and kidneys. Symptoms of Wegener's granulomatosis include bloody sputum, fatigue, weight loss, joint pain, sinusitis, shortness of breath, and fever. Wegener's granulomatosis may be fatal within months without treatment. Treatment aims to stop inflammation with high doses of prednisone and cyclophosphamide.
Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the diameter of the renal arteries. When the renal arteries narrow, the result is restricted blood flow to the kidneys, which may lead to impaired kidney function and high blood pressure (referred to as renovascular hypertension (RVHT). Renal artery stenosis can occur in one or both kidneys. The primary cause of renal artery stenosis is atherosclerosis. Risk factors for renal artery stenosis include high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, age, cigarette smoking, and diabetes. Symptoms of renal artery stenosis include high blood pressure that does not respond to treatment, severe high blood pressure in individuals younger than 30 or greater than 50 years of age. Renal artery stenosis is diagnosed with imaging and functional tests. Treatment for renal artery stenosis include medication or surgery.
Behcet's syndrome is a disease characterized by three symptoms: genital ulcers, recurring mouth ulcers, and inflammation around the pupil of the eye. Symptoms of Behcet's syndrome may also include inflammation of other areas of the body, such as the brain, joints, skin, retina, and bowels. Oral steroids, antiinflammatory drugs, and steroid gels, pastes, and creams may be used to treat Behcet's syndrome.
Relapsing polychondritis is an uncommon, chronic disorder of the cartilage that is characterized by recurrent episodes of inflammation of the cartilage of various tissues of the body. Tissues containing cartilage that can become inflamed include the ears, nose, joints, spine, and windpipe (trachea). Tissues that have a biochemical makeup similar to that of cartilage such as the eyes, heart, and blood vessels, can also be affected. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) is used as treatment for mild cases of the disease. Steroid-related medications also are usually required.
Churg-Strauss Syndrome is a form of vasculitis. Vasculitis is an inflammation of the blood vessels. Symptoms of Churg-Strauss syndrome include fatigue, weight loss, inflammation of the nasal passages, numbness, and weakness. Treatment is directed toward both quieting the vasculitis and suppressing the immune system.
Takayasu disease (also referred to as Takayasu arteritis) is a chronic inflammation of the aorta and it's branch arteries. Takayasu disease is most common of Women of Asian descent and usually begins between 10 and 30 years of age. Symptoms include: painful extremities, dizziness, headaches, chest and abdominal pain, and a low-grade fever. Treatment for Takayasu disease includes cortisone medication to suppress the inflammation.
Polyarteritis nodosa is a rare autoimmune disease characterized by spontaneous inflammation of the arteries of the body. The most common areas of involvement include the muscles, joints, intestines (bowels), nerves, kidneys, and skin. Poor function or pain in any of these organs can be a symptom. Polyarteritis nodosa is most common in middle age persons. Polyarteritis is a serious illness that can be fatal. Treatment is focused on decreasing the inflammation of the arteries by suppressing the immune system.
Severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS) is a respiratory disease caused by the coronavirus SARS-CoV. Symptoms include fever and shortness of breath. Patients with SARS often require oxygen and severe cases require mechanical ventilation.
Essential mixed cryoglobulinemia is a condition caused by abnormal blood proteins called cryoglobulins. Symptoms include joint pain, swelling, skin vasculitis, enlarged spleen, and nerve and kidney disease. Treatment involves medications that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system.
If you think you have a medical emergency, call your doctor or 911 immediately.
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My symptoms came on rather suddenly with cramping in my legs on a Wednesday evening. The pain increased to the point that I could not sleep well that night. It improved some on Thursday with some relief with aspirin treatment. Then it continued through the week and on Sunday I developed a red lacy rash that covered my legs to my hips and by Monday I had some on my arms. Severe pain continued in my lower legs. Tuesday I went to the doctor and he did blood work to check white cell count and electrolytes with that all coming back perfect. He decided to call it Vasculitis and is treating me with 60 mg of Prednisone one time a day for 5 days. The pain improved very quickly and the rash changed to a red prickly rash just on my calves. I'm waiting to see what happens at the end of the Prednisone treatment.
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