Weight

[Jeanette-17]

Hi. I'm new to this site. I've had Raynaud's for about 20 years now.

Does anybody else have trouble with there digestive system or oesophagus?Also does anybody else have trouble gaining weight, for as long as I can remember I have been about a stone and a half underweight. I've been to dietitions but to no avail. Any tips would be welcome

[Mulhollandpoppy]

In the opposite find it so hard to loose weight and seem to gain so Easy I used to do 2/3 hours at the gym 6 days a week before work and was still 3 stone overnight now since loosing my father havnt been to the gym and have gained 3 stone in a year

[Hidden]

I would pursue the possibility you have scleroderma

[Keerti]

I also have raynauds it is one of the symptoms of scleroderma I have difficulty in swallowing also

[Lorna]

i have been prescribed nutritional drinks to have in addition to normal eating. I also have smoothies and do juicing.

[judyt]

I had Raynaud's for at least 20 years before I became aware of Oesophageal problems. Other internal effects were happening at the same time without me noticing. Get yourself referred to a Scleroderma Expert as soon as you can. My problem is living in NZ and nobody here is an expert although now most Rheumatologists do know about Sclero. In the UK and US there are plenty of experts for you to consult.

[Cath5]

Is your thyroid ok? Get it tested at the local GP surgery.

[sylvia67]

sylvia67

Get yourself checked for scleroderma I had exactly the same symptoms now I have other internal involvement its not a very nice condition and can hit you very quickly try and find yourself a good consultant good luck.

[Jeanette-17]

Thanks for the comments guys. I've been on the nutritional drinks, I may gain a couple of pounds then I loose them and more for no reason. I've had my thyroid checked its ok.

The problems I have with my oesophagus is if I eat or drink a little to quickly it doesn't stay down, so I end up eating really slowly, but its not a good situation when you only have a twenty minute break at work!

I will go to my G.P and see about being tested for scleroderma though. What tests will they do, is it blood tests and that?

Thanks again guys, hopefully I will get some answers and medical help!

[Hidden in reply to Jeanette-17]

It sounds like your digestive system is a bit slow (gastroparesis) something again related to scleroderma. Tests include nailfold capillaroscopy (looking at your finger tips under microscope) and blood test for ANAs, as well as your symptoms. You need to see a Rheumatologist who has an understanding of scleroderma (do some research online) if you're near Bath, UK, they have the country's specialist unit. The rheumatologist should refer you to a suitable gastroenterologist to help you. There are lots of options to help you so don't hang about good luck (centres for gastro specialists: London and Manchester in UK)

[graygirl1]

Hello Jeanette-17. I have the opposite situation. I have problems losing weight. I believe in my case it is a combination of family genes, Underactive Thyroid, limited mobility and a love for my own cooking and all things nice. Have you been tested for Overactive Thyroid? Folks with this tend to be quite slim. Just a thought! I wish you best of luck with everything.

Graygirl1

[Jeanette-17 in reply to graygirl1]

Ive had my thyroid tested and all sorts of blood tests but they have all come back normal. Thanks for support though!