New to all of this

[Bam22]

so I’m new to all of this. I came back positive for scl-70 antibody at a level 1.0 (anything less than 1.0 being negative)

I have oval-like splotches on the inside of my elbows but everyone has just told me that it’s eczema. They’re terribly itchy but go away and come back depending on what I’m eating. I’ve also had acid reflux lately but I thought that was because I started a plant-based diet. Please help me understand what the common symptoms are. I don’t know if my scl-70 was a false positive and searching SS on the internet makes me so anxious. I can’t get into the rheumatologist until next month.

If anyone has red patches, what do they look like?

[Poppy221]

There is a lot of information on the Scleroderma UK website.

As to common symptoms - that isn't so easy. There is a wide range of symptoms and people have some of them but very rarely all of them. I have acid reflux but I don't have skin blotches. I have tightened skin on my hands, top of my feet and face and I have the serious, and uncommon, complication of pulmonary arterial hypertension. However I don't have lesions on my fingers, or calcinosis which many people do. Some symptoms seem more common than others, but not having them doesn't rule out Scleroderma.

[MissusTee]

It doesn’t mean that you have it, it’s only an equivocal reading. I would suggest another blood test in a few months.

[LucyJean]

Hi there, I would stop reading stuff on the internet and upsetting yourself and wait until you see the Rheumatologist. Without seeing you it is hard for anyone on this site to make much comment but rashes are not usually a sign of scleroderma. An itchy red rash is usually eczema. Apart from the acid reflux, which many of the general public experience, especially if they have made significant changes to their diet, you do not describe any scleroderma symptoms at present. I understand that being in this limbo situation is stressful, but there is no point worrying until you have a Consultant diagnosis and treatment plan.

Blood tests alone are of little use and some are more reliable than others.

Hold on in there

All my best

Lucy

[Bec9680]

Roadback.org

Explains antibiotic protocol that is helping me and so many others. Go online and get the book called. Scleroderma the proven therapy that can save your life. By Henry Scammell. All info is in it.