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Why do I have pain in my hand and finger joints?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

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Published At April 22, 2018
Reviewed AtNovember 17, 2022

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 69-year-old male. I have suffered from many types of infections several times in my life from systemic candida infection, valley fever, fungus infections and so on. I also have RA, have experienced Reynauld's several times, I also have SLE and have tested positive for MCTD. I also have male boobs, wide hips and all around feminine shape. Three years ago, I had a mild myocardial infarction, veins are unobstructed, heart in good shape. I was on meds for about three years, to date no further coronary occurrences, no signs of heart problems. I am down to just aspirin and no additional meds. Currently, I have severe pain in my hand and finger joints and also, in the joints of my big toe on both feet.

Recently, I came down with some sort of cold that has turned into bronchitis with a pain on my right side. My doctor has put me on a five-day antibiotic plan again. I had a late start into puberty, started shaving at the age of 25, had small testicles. I worked out with weights for years and was never able to "muscle up". I have small bones, long fingers, long legs, short torso. I have never been tested for Klinefelter's syndrome but have been suggested by several doctors that I may have been born with this condition XXY but they seem to be reluctant to test for it. Is it possible that I am not being treated for the right cause of my illnesses? I am not sure what to do at this point, help.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Repeated infections with different organisms including fungal infection indicate severe immune deficiency which could be due to the steroid therapy you take for MCTD (mixed connective tissue disease) or due to other condition like diabetes.

So, please tell me the following:

  1. Do you take any steroids or other medications for the MCTD?
  2. Do you have diabetes?

The other possibility is immunodeficiency due to the autoimmune disease you have. Please provide me with your CBC (complete blood count) lab report.

I also suggest that you perform karyotyping in order to diagnose Klinefelter's.

I wish you all well being.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abdelrahman Abouibrahim
Dr. Mahmoud Ahmed Abdelrahman Abouibrahim

Internal Medicine

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