My question is about the best way of getting a diagnosis of scleroderma or of discounting it?

[strongmouse]

I was diagnosed recently with Raynaud's disease which can get quite painful, but is manageable. I have GORD and a small hiatus hernia. However I do get abdominal pain and have asthma exacerbated by allergies. I have just had a CT scan and was told the pain is probably musco-skeletal, plus I have an atrophied Pancreas. I am thinking of asking my GP for a blood test for autoimmune disease. Any one's experience or ideas most welcome.

Thanks

[OldTed60]

No idea about sarcoidosis as it’s extremely rare to have this and scleroderma - do you have lung issues as well as asthma? I guess GI, late onset Raynauds and the pancreas point equally if not more to scleroderma so you should get full ANA & ENA panel run and ask to get the Sarcoidosis antibody checked too although don’t know much about it tbh xx

[strongmouse in reply to OldTed60]

Thanks Old Ted. Must have had a bit of a brain storm - I meant scleroderma! 😆

(Its my husband has symtoms similar to sarcoidosis).

I'm seeing my GP next week and it helps to know what I'm asking for. Will make a note to take with me.

[OldTed60 in reply to strongmouse]

Hi Strongmouse. You need to edit the title to scleroderma rather than sarcoidosis to get more replies. Just go to the more option under and find the edit button. If you have symptoms of scleroderma or other rheumatic diseases then you need to ask your Gp for blood tests for ANA, rheumatoid factor, inflammation etc. If these come back negative then it’s less likely to be secondary to a rheumatic autoimmune disease but if you have other signs or blood work they hopefully they will refer you straight to rheumatology. Remember though that scleroderma is rare and done GPs will know very little about it compared to RA or even Lupus. Good luck x

[strongmouse in reply to OldTed60]

Thanks Old Ted60, I've edited as you suggested. My GP didn't know much about scleroderma as he had never come across it, but he took the time to look through the GP online information while I was there. He listened to me and agreed to the ANA and other immune markers blood test plus a routine blood check up. So will wait and see if they show anything.

[Clangerscat]

Hi strongmouse, I hope you get some answers from your blood tests. It took me nearly two years to get diagnosed with scleroderma and it was just good luck that I had an appointment with a gastroenterologist consultant whose husband specialised in scleroderma and recognised my symptoms, tight skin , drawn mouth, and clawed hands. I know it was a very specific blood test she did for me so if you don’t get the answers you need perhaps it would be worth asking to be referred to a rheumatologist. Take care.