What causes discomfort under the armpit when suffering from RA?
Patient: My wife recently had discomfort on her left side, beneath her left arm pit. She saw her doctor and he had a d dimer blood test run. Normal range is under 250 we understand. Her result was 5036. Our doctor ordered a ct scan, which was performed a few days later. The results were negative. Our doctor then said to let him know if the pain didn t go away,or got worse. There was no additional information provided as to the cause of the elevated d dimer number. My wife has RA, which we understand might effect the d dimer number, but no one has told us anything additional to calm our fears which are born out of our ignorance of the situation. Can you offer any possible explanations in this matter? Doctor: Dear patient elevated d dimers level is sign of acute pulmonary embolism. This.may happen in patients with increased susceptibility for clot formation in blood ie increased clotting factors in blood.  Steroid intake for long time may have side effect of increased coagulability in blood. Since some of patients suffering from rheumatoid arthritis are prescribed steroids this may be reason. Are you taking steroids? Ct scan of chest will help to confirm diagnosis of pulmonary embolism. So that may  be the reason for ordering ct scan. Pain in arm pit may be the due to minor embolism episode. I think have solved your queries.