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Erythromelalgia: What medications or therapies have helped you?
Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Mar 6 8:46pm | Replies (35)Comment receiving replies
@dipperlip1
Hi, when I read your post from 2022 about being diagnosed with EM, Raynaud’s and your toes swollen red and burning, I felt as if it were my words. So hard to get good rest, can’t say how many times I’m running cold water on them just to get to sleep. As you said, swollen and painful when your feet hit the floor then better after a few hours, all to start again by afternoon. I can be sitting in a recliner with feet up and watch and feel them swelling and hurting. I use to complain when they were so cold I couldn’t get them warm but that part is a breeze now. Mine are hot & swollen 75% of the day if not more.
Have you found anything that helps? Dermatologists gave me creams, didn’t help; podiatrist gave me cream that didn’t work and told me to quit smoking or I’d lose my toes because of micro-vascular disease. I can see that happening with Raynauds but when I told him I put my feet in ice water to get relief he said well that’s just the opposite, what about hot water. NOT when there red & swollen, can barely stand warm water.
Mine started in April 2022 @ 52 yrs old which I find strange. I did have Covid in Jan prior. Sorry I’m writing so much, I joined group to see if I could get in touch. Can I ask if your a smoker? I know I need to quit but won’t be in such a rush if your not. Not even sure how I see messages/replies on here yet but hope to talk with you soon. So sorry you’re dealing with these AWFUL, PAINFUL symptoms.
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@hottoes10
Well, you're 3-4 years into this difficult condition and I feel for you. I've had it 20 years and counting; it started in my mid-40's. Raynaud's started in my mid-20's. I've lived in warm climates for the past 25 years so Raynaud's hasn't been so much of an issue (except going into the refrigerated section of Costco!). But the EM has been AWFUL and getting worse. My feet and ankles have been swelling too and I'm wondering if it's lower leg edema from some other cause or if it's due to the EM. How can I tell the difference? My feet are also swollen and burning 75% of the day if not more. 🙁 All the creams and oral medications I've tried over the years either did not help, I could not tolerate the side effects, stopped helping after initially giving me a tad of relief, or were impractical to use (like the creams). I am not a smoker so I can't add anything to your question about that. However, to the extent that EM is a vascular dysfunction, obviously if you quit smoking it can only help. Good luck in your journey to find something helpful.