Chronic Erythema Nodosum & Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (EDS)
Does anyone else suffer from Chronic Erythema Nodosum? It's been 10 years since I was first diagnosed with this and each year it seems as if it gets worse. I've seen Dermatologist, Rheumatologist, Immunologist and now a Neurologist. No one has ever been able to figure out why my flare ups come and there is no way to know when it will happen. I've had blood tests after blood tests done as well as biopsies but they only show my platelets extremely high and inflammation, which I already knew about. The worst flare ups came in 2014 and did some kind of damage to my nerves or at least that's what dr's think. For the past 2 1/2 years I have lived with chronic pain in my legs. I've had tests done on my arteries & veins as well as the nerves & MRI's but NOTHING ever shows up. It's frustrating because I know I'm in pain but nobody can figure out where it came from or why its happening. When I do have a flare up its easy for people to see why I'm hurting but they still can't know the intensity of the pain the knots cause. When I'm not having a flare up I still deal with the pain in my legs and then I get how I look fine so how can I be hurting. Even some dr's I've seen can question my pain. It's so frustrating. I'm tired of taking meds when they're obviously not helping. I'm just wondering if anyone else may have some of the same symptoms I do or have any suggestions.
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Thank you so much for this suggestion. I plan to look into it as the pain continues! I haven't committed myself to trying gluten free yet. I just wish I knew who I should see about this as I live in a small town in central Minnesota.
I, too, have suffered with EN for many years, but, fortunately, have never experienced the pain so many have expressed in this network. I started taking two Advil in the morning and one Advil at night before bed about two months ago and have seen unbelievable improvement in the level of inflammation.
I have had the same frustration through the years with dermatologists that I have seen. All just want to treat my EN with heavy prescription drugs, but never address the cause or suggest any changes in diet.
My flare ups started when I was in 8th grade, so 6 years ago. I have blood test done as well, and my flare ups are at least twice a year. I take steroids for mine and they’re gone. But when they are gone my legs are still a bit tender
Hello @meaghanashely,
Welcome to Connect; we're so glad to have you join us. I hope you’ve had a chance to read through previous messages @kgjd97 @kety @blossom2016 @beff2468 @stacidaye @sadie_jane @jillianm and others in this conversation.
@meaghanashely, you mentioned that the flareups occur at least twice a year; are there specific times or seasons when you notice that? Besides medication, what else helps you cope?
I was diagnosed with Erythema No Dosum at 7 yrs old. I am now 54. They didn't even know what it was back then. I spent most of my childhood in bed. I was miserable most of my life, until 9 yrs ago. I moved and went to a new Rheumatologist. He prescribed Methotrexate. The drug doesn't cure this disease, but it puts you in remission indefinitely. I have been in total remission for 9 yrs! It has been a miracle. No side effects, no knots, no pain, no fever, no aches, no fatigue. It's amazing!! Anyone with this disease needs to get to a Rhemotologists and ask for Methotrexate. It saved my life!
Hello @89630208,
Welcome to Connect, we are happy to have you join us. Thank you for sharing your story! I'm really glad you found an answer that works for you and that you came here to share it with other Connect members with erythema nodosum. Happy happy news! Thanks again for sharing.
John
Welcome to Connect, @89630208, and thank you so much for adding your story to the EN journeys shared by members in this group.
@kgjd97 @kety @freemary @blossom2016 @beff2468 @lshell @mmontgomery008 @stacidaye @sadie_jane @esfourplus @jillianm, do you have any thoughts or insights to add?
@89630208, may I ask what treatments you've tried that had adverse side effects, or that were not effective? Have you made significant changes to diet as well?
I was treated in the past with Cortisone injections and Prednisone pills. Both put weight on me and I had so much Cortisone that it weakened my bones. I have spent my entire adult life with one fracture after another. I just had my 20th surgery in Aug. If I fall or bump into something, I will fracture a bone. If I lean over to clean the bathtub, I will fracture ribs. I take Prolia to help with my bone density. However, I still fracture bones every now and then.
I did not change my diet because I am a diabetic and I was already eating healthy. But, they tried changing my diet when I was 7 or 8 and it made no difference.
Little was known about this disease when I was 7. I spent my childhood at Emory Hospital in Atlanta with doctors from all over the world coming to see me, so I know a lot about this illness. For this reason, I would be happy to answer any questions.
Exactly everything you said is exactly the same with me for 3 years now no answers , blood test high deductible rate specialist but no answers I'm do frustrated and yes pains all over lumps all over biopsies no answer accept for Eryethema nodosum , please keep me posted on any answer you get