Stimulants Meth & possible vascular issues?? Help?

[Allison7one5]

Hey all! Daily IV meth user for 10+ years. 5 year break, now back at it again. This time around is different tho. For starters, I'm nearly 40yo. So, there's that. But my primary concern is that while I'm not going "balls to the wall with my usage, I seem to be having plenty of negative bodily health reactions. Not sure if it's mutually exclusive to using tho. Symptoms include: bright red, swollen hands & fingers....extreme & debilitating knee pain....ridiculously cold extremities, continuously and without other explanation. I have had myriad unremarkable blood draws for rheumatology, met with orthopedics also, among other specialty providers....to no avail. Currently I am of the mindset that the dope is the only variable. Just not quite convinced since none of these symptoms has ever occurred in the past, which was far more unkind. Any insight is appreciated. ❤

 

[negrogesic]

Hate to say it but i have to say the only way to be sure it is the meth or not is to stop for a while and see if the symptoms subside...

 

[Dopekrystal86]

I feel the same way. I would like to see a vascular and vein specialist for a work up to see if anything is going on. Its definitely from the meth with me though prior to shooting meth the last couple years I had easy veins, and better circulation. I was more active before meth cause I worked and worked out so sometimes I think it's because the meth has me stuck on one project not moving that my circulation is not optimal.

 

[Allison7one5]

I agree. I've not done any for awhile now, and have no intentions to. Will keep y'all posted. Thanks all. It's also worth mentioning that my hair hasn't been growing either, such a bizarre set of circumstances.

 

[Isnortice91]

You shouldn't be shooting meth anymore.
You had you're fun now is the time to snort lines and watch good porn.

 

[tweakerguy]

You shouldn't be shooting meth anymore.
You had you're fun now is the time to snort lines and watch good porn.

 

[MysticalButterFly]

Hey all! Daily IV meth user for 10+ years. 5 year break, now back at it again. This time around is different tho. For starters, I'm nearly 40yo. So, there's that. But my primary concern is that while I'm not going "balls to the wall with my usage, I seem to be having plenty of negative bodily health reactions. Not sure if it's mutually exclusive to using tho. Symptoms include: bright red, swollen hands & fingers....extreme & debilitating knee pain....ridiculously cold extremities, continuously and without other explanation. I have had myriad unremarkable blood draws for rheumatology, met with orthopedics also, among other specialty providers....to no avail. Currently I am of the mindset that the dope is the only variable. Just not quite convinced since none of these symptoms has ever occurred in the past, which was far more unkind. Any insight is appreciated. ❤

It kinda sounds like a thyroid problem. I had the same symptoms but long before I got high. After a ton of testing by my family doc, he sent me to an endocrinologist. That Dr tested me for various auto-immune disorders. I was positive for Hashimoto’s Thyroidits. The OG of auto-immune diseases. Your family doc doesn’t test for this. I knew I had a thyroid problem but he kept saying it was normal. Hashimotos is different because your body is attacking your thyroid gland, until it breaks down. I went on for 10 years before my blood work, that was ordered by my family doc, showed that my numbers had dropped below normal. With hashimotos, you do get low thyroid symptoms before your thyroid levels are low. So it’s definitely worth looking into.

 

[Allison7one5]

Thanks so much....I will look into this and mention to my doctor at my upcoming appt. Much appreciated!

 

[Skinnywhiteboy93]

Im having the exact same problem. My knuckles and tips of fingers turn bright red, the middle knuckles go white, major swelling, and the skin on entire top side of my hand gets dry/scaly/ or sometimes wax like. The same regions that are bright red i experience significant pain, such as fingertips. My knees turn purple. The symptoms listed for rheumatoid arthritis is spot on with what im experiencing. Ive been slamming daily since May, this problem of mine, that you seem to be experiencing as well, has been going on for only 2-3 weeks. Last week i went a long 4 days without using and my hands were almost back to normal but came on again when i was just making my first shot, just by handling it

 

[Skinnywhiteboy93]

Its very ugly and embarassing to be honest, its only my hands too. Im used to my naturally soft skin despite daily whiskey and methamphetamine intake while remodeling/cabinet building/welding for 6 yrs. I guess i couldnt be so lucky forever lol

 

[JCart78]

Came here and found this thread for similar issues I'm having. 4.5 years of meth smoking on and off, and now I suffer from bad circulation in my hands, but especially my feet. I have to constantly soak them in hot water and wear heated socks. I've been clean now only 8 days, so I know it's still really early, but will I ever regain normal circulation in my hands and feet? Thanks for any help!

 

[G_Chem]

All these are likely related to the vasoconstriction for sure.. Meth is bad on it and IV use takes out the veins slowly (or not so slowly depending on technique) as well so you can imagine circulation is going to hell and with it the parts that need that blood to function.

I highly suggest for those experiencing these symptoms to at least consider a different ROA to save the veins you do have cuz your already majorly overworking the system in general.

-GC