this from Versus Arhritis

[Brychni]

How is systemic sclerosis likely to affect me?

Systemic sclerosis affects everyone differently, so it’s hard to say how it might affect you.

This is a long-term condition, however the serious problems it can cause are rare.

About one in five people with systemic sclerosis will also have symptoms of another condition, such as lupus, Sjogren’s syndrome or inflammatory arthritis. These conditions will also need treatment.

[helixhelix]

You really don’t want this! A friend has it (as did Paul Klee) and it’s not nice at all! Stick to your fingers being Raynauds, with inflammation causing some deviations.

One of the trademarks of all these diseases is that there can be a lot of overlap, and they can take time to really show their true colours. So please don’t drive yourself nuts trying to double guess things from one symptom or another. Especially as the first line treatments for many of them are pretty similar. And unfortunately for just about all of them you have to go through a process of trial and error to find what’s right for you.

[Brychni in reply to helixhelix]

I think you're right, helix. I am driving myself nuts with it and late last night I did more research (sorry) and am coming to the same conclusion. Since diagnosis I have known that there is an overlap with other AI illnesses but I didn't fully appreciate just how much. Also , thinking about it and after reading Versus ARthritis article it seems that my consultant is obviously aware of all this and has treated me for all eventualities without articulating it. All the parts of the jigsaw apparently do not add up to one neat picture, more a haphazard mosaic!

[madme1]

Have to ask, what is Sjogrens syndrome please, I've seen it mentioned many times but don't know what it is.