What could be the reason for swollen joints, red patches on legs, and loss of appetite?
Patient's Query
Hi doctor,
My mother-in-law's finger joints look like swollen little red balloons, and they feel hot to the touch, as though they are inflamed. She keeps getting these red patches on her legs that seem to come and go without any explanation. She has a low-grade fever almost every evening, and her energy has been drained completely. A recent chest X-ray revealed something called pleural effusion, and her blood tests showed an RF level of 92 and an ESR of 62 mm/hr. She has no appetite, has lost 15 pounds in two months, and struggles to stand after sitting. Could this be arthritis?
Please help me.
Thanks.
Hi,
Welcome to icliniq.com.
I can understand your concern.
Your mother-in-law's clinical and blood reports suggest a diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis. However, in her case, the chances of having tuberculosis (TB) have to be ruled out. Pleural effusion fluid can he sent for TB testing. Rather than starting any random drug, I suggest consulting a rheumatologist and a chest medicine specialist so that an appropriate investigation can be done and she can start the appropriate medications.
I hope this information helps you.
Feel free to ask further queries.
Thank you.
Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!
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