Cutaneous scleroderma ?with Lupus overlap?

[DebatDG9]

Recently saw Rheumatologist for 1st time confident that I’d get Sjogren’s diagnosis but came away with more than I’d bargained for with Cutaneous scleroderma possibly with Lupus overlap to add to my ever growing list of autoimmune conditions.

[gwillistexas]

I have limited schleroderma that usually affects the skin. But as a precaution he does periodic scans to check my heart and lungs because schleroderma can affect them both. So far, no problems.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to gwillistexas]

Sounds like you are being well taken care of. Are you being cared for by a rheumatologist? My best friend who lives in Munich has schleroderma. It certainly does affect the heart and lungs. Getting regular checkup can make a difference in early diagnosis of a problem. Hope all goes well for you.

[gwillistexas in reply to DonnaBoll]

Yes, my rheumatologist takes care of my other autoimmune conditions outside of the PBC.

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to gwillistexas]

I bet it can be difficult to know what autoimmune disease is causing what problem.

[gwillistexas in reply to DonnaBoll]

Yes. I have Raynauds also which so far hasn’t gone extreme. Mostly a cool/ cold weather problem for me.

[Flid]

I think the worst thing about having several different conditions is that it makes it really hard to work out which one is causing a specific symptom. That means you end up with trial and error to see which solution will actually give you relief. I am grateful for the other patients posting online for the weird and wonderful suggestions of what has worked for them. Sometimes just having something else to try is uplifting!

I hope you can quickly land on whatever works for you with your new challenges. Good luck!

[DonnaBoll Administrator in reply to Flid]

You are so right about not being able to know 'what is causing what'. We just do the best we can. It is important, though, not to dismiss a new symptom thinking it's just from the PBC. We all need to make sure our primary is aware of any new developments. Sharing what works and doesn't from others can be helpful for sure. We all learn from each other in so many ways.