Finally diagnosed with RA and Inflammatory Fasciitis instead of possible Scleroderma

[TeriLynn26]

After lots of tests and a visit to the Royal Free at London to check whether I had some form of scleroderma I now have a diagnosis of Inflammatory Fasciitis instead (which I know is good news for me - my rheumatologist says 'it is in fact similar but different'). The dermatologist did a small biopsy on some skin from my neck and also saw my elbows which have had rough skin for many years and said that I have psoriasis along with my rheumatoid arthritis. I have been treated with methotrexate (now in injection form), hydroxychloroquine which has been reduced from 2 tablets down to one, folic acid and rabeprazole. My throat had been given me a lot of discomfort but with the methotrexate injection and hydroxy tablets being reduced it now seems a lot better. I had tried doubling the rabeprazole a few times but that hadn't worked.

I started with various problems from January last year and the first time I saw the rheumatologist was August last year, I attended the Royal Free in April this year and am due to go again in a few weeks. The skin on my forearms was rock hard when I saw the rheumatologist and until she mentioned it I hadn't noticed the hairs had disappeared. They are now a lot softer and the hairs are growing back. My psoriasis on my neck is a lot better after Eumovate cream and the skin under the arch on my left foot. I still have a little stiffness in my hands and ankles but I can cope with that unlike when everything was at its worse and I struggled to open a bottle or move about easily. My only real pain at the moment is my knee after it made a cracking sound on crossing the road and I couldn't stand on my foot. My knee keeps swelling up but I'll survive and hopefully over a few months it will get better.

Just thought I would write something to give some people hope as it is difficult when you first start suffering and look up any advice on internet to help make yourself feel better.

[Kathyborkovec]

I’m happy you don’t have scleroderma I have that and rhemetoid it’s difficult but I think you will do just fine sounds like they’re using the right meds for you good luck with everything 😃