I was in the Gulf War,and my fingers have progressively became deformed..I don't have any diagnosis of arthritis of any kind. I don't know what I was exposed to in the big sandbox over there,but I wake up with swollen fingers everyday,and when I work with them,more so heavy labor,they feel as if they were stompped on all day long. I been to everyone in the VA. system,and they have never seen anything like it in their 25+ years of practice. They have done numerous procedures,and diagnosed a lot of cases,but for me,it's a head scratcher. What can deform the fingers,and mock arthritis,but isn't so?
I'm also a Gulf War veteran. I was in Khobar Towers in Daharan.
I have since been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, pulmonary nodules (possibly sarcoidosis or cancer), myofacial pain syndrome, and uterine fibroids.
I continue to believe this is all Gulf War connected but gave up on the VA system helping me a long time ago. I'm currently being treated at a pain mgmt clinic. My PM dr. just switched me to morphine last week. I also have a Pulmonologist monitoring the lung nodules and a Rheumatologist for the fibro and osteoarthritis.
I still wish I could get some REAL answers but more than that I just want relief. Good luck to you in finding your answers.
Penny
The following user gives a hug of support to PixieToes: mwss173 (03-28-2012)
I'm also a Gulf War veteran. I was in Khobar Towers in Daharan.
I have since been diagnosed with fibromyalgia, osteoarthritis, pulmonary nodules (possibly sarcoidosis or cancer), myofacial pain syndrome, and uterine fibroids.
I continue to believe this is all Gulf War connected but gave up on the VA system helping me a long time ago. I'm currently being treated at a pain mgmt clinic. My PM dr. just switched me to morphine last week. I also have a Pulmonologist monitoring the lung nodules and a Rheumatologist for the fibro and osteoarthritis.
I still wish I could get some REAL answers but more than that I just want relief. Good luck to you in finding your answers.
Penny
I don't regret serving my country,nor will I ever. I have other problems also. You on the other hand,have been hit by the whole brick wall. I feel for you. We take the chance when we ink the contract,and become Fed. employees. I was messed up when I got back,and the Govt. screwed around until my discharge in 92. Over a period of years,I am like you,and they just keep finding things,and some don't have any answers. Hopefully you get better,but I don't know what the extent of your damages are,but do the best you can,and hang in there. Thanks for your service..Jeffrey
chronic pain 
