What are the Symptoms of DISH Disease?

While everyone’s journey with DISH is different, many share at least some of the same symptoms.

The following is a list of common symptoms, but is not exclusive.  Obviously depending on where bone growth rears it’s ugly head you can have symptoms in many places.  Interestingly enough, it has been found that DISH affects many predominately on the right side of the body.

DO NOT PANIC!  Take a deep breath, focus on what IS happening NOW, not on what could.  So why even tell you about this?  Because we do need to be educated so when we experience various symptoms we can alert our physicians.  This is critical to getting the care we need!

The list below may not happen to you, and worrying about the possibility just stresses you out and causes DISH to progress.

neck pain from DISH disease

Neck, Lower Back, Ribs

Most DISHies experience calcification in one or all of these areas which limits mobility and causes pain. Pain can vary from mild to extreme.  Calcification around the ribs can restrict your chest movement.  My pulmonary doctor told me that as long as my lungs are strong and clear the restriction of my chest movement should not cause me to be more concerned about pneumonia, covid-19, etc.

joint pain from DISH disease

Joints

Since with DISH calcification tends to happen at insertion points, it is common to have bone spurs in these places. My right hip is especially affected by DISH.  This causes, aching, limited mobility, and sometimes pretty extreme pain.

hand pain from DISH disease

Feet / Hands

Many DISHies have bone spurs growing on their hands, knuckle area, and toes. The achilles tendon particularly seems to be affected, with large bone spurs on the back of the heels.

jaw pain from DISH disease

Jaw / Mouth

Bone growth in the jaw and mouth can happen,
affecting your teeth as well.

organ pain from DISH disease

Organs

While it seems to be less common, people can experience calcifications in their heart, lungs, pancreas and other organs. This is not always quickly or easily identified, but if you have DISH and unexplainable issues, such as with your pancreas, it is worth mentioning to your doctor.

Many DISHies also experience immune disorders, skin rashes, headaches, spasms, nerve “shocks”, etc.  Discuss these symptoms with your doctor to see if you can find relief!

Many DISHies also experience immune disorders, skin rashes, headaches, spasms, nerve “shocks”, etc.  Discuss these symptoms with your doctor to see if you can find relief!

Relieving Symptoms

  • Warm compresses
  • Hot tub
  • Mobility/Stretching exercises – DAILY!  It hurts, but doing this helps you keep the mobility you have!
  • See Pain Relief/Life Aids page