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Hi all, I'm new to this forum. I'm a 25 year old male currently in a graduate program in NY. For the past several years I've had cold sweaty/clammy extremities (e.g., feet, hands, nose, knees), with blotchy discoloration. This is rather persistent, and I never really questioned it. A few winters ago, I noticed my hands looked red and irritated (with raised bumps, mildly itchy). I was initially told I had a skin reaction, but after the same thing happened the following winter, my primary care physician assumed it was Raynaud's Phenomenon (RP) . About a month ago, I noticed the same kind of blotchy bumps and went to see my primary care physician, once again, who said it was RP. Out of expressed concern, they ordered an ANA (IFA) test for me. It came back negative, however before I got this result, I booked a follow up with a rheumatologist. When I went in, I gave her my description of my hands in the cold: I have rather persistent discoloration: red hands, without CLEAR cutoff/pallor or phasic shifting. I do however have pretty persistent blanching in all of the area that I previously mentioned that extend to my whole hands (not only fingers), knees and feet, with sluggish blood return. I must say again I've never really had "episodic" reactions to cold, just persistent (possibly acrocyanosis). After discussing the discoloration, I also told her that the nailfolds on my hands are regularly red. She looked at them through a magnifying glass and concluded they were dilated, but no dropouts. Not sure if this could manifest with general poor circulation/acrocyanosis? Because of the nailfolds she ordered several other tests and an ENA: kidney functioning through urine analysis C4 & C3 Sedimentation CRP, SS-A SS-B SM RNP SCL-70 JOL All came back negative/normal except for a SLIGHTLY lower C3 (88mgdl) in normal range of 90-180 Mg/dl and a C4 at 15 in normal range of 10-40 (technically normal range, but seems on low end) Just curious if there are any other blood tests that were missed that may eludicate the conditions of my hands. Again, I don't have any "frank" pain or really specific issues besides cold blotchy hands & reddened nail cuticles. My skin, as a matter of fact, has always been rather elastic, however, "I noticed" that the index finger on my left hand feels a little different than the index finger on my right (non-dominant hand) could just be difference in skin by nondominant-dominant? Obviously, I'm extremely anxious about my health and suffer from rather debilitating Hypochondriasis from time to time, so I'm very sorry for this tirade and if I'm being in any way insensitive. I'm just curious if there are any other things I can do to figure out whats going on with my hands. I'm also curious if my chronic anxiety (that I've had since I was 8) has something to do with sympathetic NS issues that may be causing this.. Thank you for your time. -Kellen

How to beat health problems no one likes to talk about. When it comes to digestive troubles we’re remarkably shy, with more than 40 per cent of people never discussing their symptoms with a doctor. Mail Online, 08/22/2017. (Also see Gastrointestinal Involvement) This item was posted in the ISN Newsroom. Please check the newsroom daily for updates on scleroderma and other related articles.

Hi everyone! I'm glad I found this group! My name is Haley, and I'm 22. Here's my story, I'll try to keep it as brief as possible (I tend to ramble!). I've had Raynaud's for years. Recently saw a dermatologist for an unrelated thing, he mentioned I might have CREST and should be seen by a rheumatologist- Raynaud's, trouble swallowing, and the tiny red dots on my hands are my CREST symptoms. But also extreme fatigue, digestive problems, and muscle and joint pain. I saw the rheumatologist today, and she agreed. We're waiting for all the blood results to come back, then another appointment. But I have a whole bunch of other symptoms, symptoms that generally aren't listed on regular symptom lists I've found online, but seems like some people may have these issues. So right now I'm basically just grasping to see if other people experience these issues with CREST/Limited Scleroderma, to see if they are at all related. Since I feel like a total hypochondriac, and up until recently, all my doctors have made me feel this way. I apologize if any of this is covered in another forum, I haven't browsed around yet. Here are my main complaints: General ill feeling most of the time EXTREME fatigue Night sweats Intolerance to cold (not just the Raynaud's on hands and feet) Erythromelalgia Weak feeling, especially in arms Back/shoulder/neck pain Digestive issues (nutritionist thought maybe I had gluten and/or lactose intolerance, low stomach acid...) NO libido what-so-ever, usually Intolerance to alcohol (weird, I know) Etc. (more minor things) I also have interstitial cystitis. Also, I know the libido thing may not be openly discussed in these forums (understandably!), but if anyone has advice/thoughts/similar experience on that matter with CREST, please feel free to send me a PM. This is probably the most complicated issue I have because it interferes with my relationship greatly. Anyway, I apologize for the lengthy first entry! Once I start typing, I can't stop. :) I'd really really appreciate any information and knowledge anyone has to offer, and am interested in hearing if anyone else has similar issues with CREST. Thank you!! :) Haley