Waiting to see a rheumatologist.

[Soddygurl]

I have arthritis in my back hands & shoulder....My right hand is getting difficult to use.

Numbness & tingling in my arms & for the last year in my legs below the knee.

Swelling in my hands, legs & face.

I have had 2 severe rash (all over) break outs in the last 6 months. (Itching & burning).

I have had a butterfly rash come & go for the last 6 months.

Fatigued most of the time.

Severe intestinal issues (my gi states my intestines are lazy) along with acid reflux, abdominal swelling.

My Father was diagnosed with scleroderma just before he passed away at 56 of lung cancer....I also have a first cousin on my moms side with lupus.

These are similar to his symptoms and I am currently waiting for a referral to a rheumatologist.

Any suggestions to discuss with the Dr. or tests would greatly help.

[MEW53]

Sounds like you need to see a rheumatologist ASAP.

Make sure you mention the family history and keep a diary of events, mention as much as you can, the sooner you get diagnosed the better.

Unfortunately, Scleroderma is so rare that doctors don’t recognise it.

Good luck, keep us updated here.

Take care

[Soddygurl in reply to MEW53]

Thank you, I’m still waiting on the referral to see the rheumatologist.

[LucyJean]

Hi there, you sound like you have a lupus pattern of symptoms to me. Write down all the symptoms you are experiencing. Take pictures of your rashes if they are not always present. Mention the family history of autoimmune disease. The GP ideally needs to do blood tests to look at your inflammatory markers (ESR, CRP), a Full blood count (FBC), Liver and kidney function tests, and to see what your immune system is doing which involves an Anti-nuclear Antibody Test (ANAs), he could also look at Complement levels (C3, C4). This should pick up if you have an autoimmune disease.

Not all GPs will be on board or understand how to read all these tests so they should refer you to a Rheumatologist who can interpret results and combine these with a physical assessment of what is going on for you.

Good luck!

Lucy x

[Soddygurl in reply to LucyJean]

Thank you very much!