Arthritis with Dizziness

[Dolly Dimples]

Hi all, Has anyone who has arthritis ever been subject to dizziness and nausea.

My ribcage swells up,  and  there is a very tight band around upper ribs., it makes my breathing hard to draw.

  I imagine that the swellling is due to the inflammation from the arthritis of the spine,  seeing as the ribcage supports the spine,
        ok ! but its the dizziness and nausea that worries me more, as it knocks me for six, and I have to go to bed .

       I will have to get an appointment with my Doc after this bank holiday. Think I will have to ask to see a Rhumie, as its ten years since I first and last saw one! Meantime I'd appreciate any thoughts about it.
                                                       Thanks Dolly x
       

[sassygal]

Yes, I have arthritis and have long bouts (weeks to months) of nausea and dizziness with loss of balance. I don't believe the arthritis has anything to do with the dizziness and nausea in my case.

The swelling around the rib cage that you describe, I have never experienced. I have however had the feeling of a tight band around my chest that is very uncomfortable and hurts to breath. My doctor is watching me for multiple sclerosis, which is not always easy to dx and can actually mimic sjogrens.

The symptom of a tight band around the chest is called the "MS hug" in the multiple sclerosis world. Obviously the swelling is definitely a sign of inflammation.

You absolutely need to have this checked out by a doctor! Good luck!

Sassygal

[Dolly Dimples]

Thanks Sassygal,  advice taken !  It's a Bank holiday here in the UK so it will be Tuesday before I can see a Doctor.

    I have been for two endoscopes recently,  due to swallowing issues. which was put down to the dryness of my innards!

  Apparently here in UK one has to see a Rheumatologist to be prescribed with any of the big guns for dryness, eg Exovac etc'
          But I know this has to be seen to as I cannot go on much longer with both dryness and eating, problem
      and this rib and dizziness thing. Regards Dolly x
   

[Katybarstool]

Dear Dolly

I'm sorry to hear that you are suffering just now. I wondered whether the sickness or nausea are related to medicines for your arthritis. But I have no idea about the pain around your rib cage.

Good luck with getting an appointment tomorrow.

Hugs (gentle ones!)
KAthyx

[finallyadx]

Hello so sorry to hear about your symptoms.  Could the pain around the ribcage be costochondritis?  The nausea and dizziness I experience as well but was told it is from the sjogrens or is minimally AI related...

I use a heating pad when the pain around my ribcage starts and I use a special rice made heating pad that goes in the microwave for the pain in/around my chest area. 

I have a sister who has MS so I am being watched for it as well - AI's are tricky and I know sometimes once you have one, another one can join in.

If you receive any other information or diagnosis, please let us know.

Hoping you can find some relief for your symptoms and some definitive answers.

Sending positive thoughts your way.

[Dolly Dimples]

 THanks to Kathy and Finallyadx, Dont think the Meds are causing  Dizziness or Nausea.
Both have taken up today thank God.
  Could be caused by quite a few things when I did a search.  The rib issues are from the Arthritis in my spine, which is caused by just that, as Doc said the ribcage supports the spine, hence the swelling up.

    Cant get appointment till next week, but feel somewhat better , so hope it stays that way.

   also the dryness of every part of me is worsening week by week so I need a full body check up!
                         Thanks for support tho'  Dolly x

[ohiolady]

Dolly, I really hope you can get a script for Evoxac.  You have fought this dryness for a long time.  It will help you with eating food.

Anna