I have undifferentiated mixed connective tissue disease and have had armpit/side chest pain for many years. Plaquenil has improved many of my other symptoms but this one persists. I used to think it was the bra causing the pain. I now think that for me it’s the chest area under the armpit that has some lymph nodes that are always inflamed.

I also get muscle pain in the arms, Natasha. It would be unusual for poor circulation to affect the armpits and upper arms, as it usually affects the parts of the limbs farthest from the heart and much more commonly affects the legs. Lupus can cause muscle inflammation and pain.

Like Calli, I get relief from more rest and heat to the areas. I hope you feel better soon! 😘🙏🏽

Yes I did, that is how I had first flare. I had toe surgery in June of 2022 and started having pain in the muscles in the top of both arms. The doctor sent to physical therapy because the doctor thought I had strained my arms using crutches. It was so bad that I couldn't raise my arms. So, I went to physical therapy and was put on prednisone for the pain, the pain went away. But when the prednisone was gone, the pain came back. Then the doctor thought I had rheumatoid arthritis, so the doctor sent me to a rheumatologist. The rheumatologist ran 2 or 3 tests and determined that I did not have rheumatoid arthritis but that I had Lupus SLE. She prescribed Hydroxychloroquine substituted for Plaquenil 200mg twice a day, and Prednisone. The Prednisone for a few months. I asked my rheumatologists questions about Lupus, she answered the questions that I had. She also said that I should do research about Lupus too.

I’ve had the armpits pain when I’m flaring close to my period. But the left upper arm pain is kind of a daily thing for me. Pain is just worst whenever we try to attempt lowering down prednisone