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I have been seeing a rheumatologist since 2006 and was diagnosed as early RA, fibromyalgia, inflamatory arthritis, raynauds, "lupus like" symptoms. The only marker I have is positive RF. ANA, Anti CCP, all others negative. Treatment has been palquenil, celebrex, norvasc,prednisone, methotrexate (2 fails due to side effects), Arava, (2 fails due to side effects) and will be attempting third methotrexate. I've had several foot surgeries to correct deformities and cortisone twice for my shoulder. I still have no firm diagnosis.
Hello. I am sorry for all of the heartache and pain you have endured. I was diagnosed with systemic sclerosis (scleroderma) in January, and have been on prednisone and methotrexate since then. I take folic acid with the MTX to help with trouble that comes with it, and so far, it has worked. Do you take folic acid with the MTX?
Yes, they gave me leucovoran (sp?)(a folic acid based whatever). Meth seemed to be toxic to my system, but I am willing to try it again. Interesting. My one Rheumatologist suggested at once I might have scleroderma, too. But I really don't have the sympoms other than raynauds and the cappilary dilation in fingernails and gastrointestinal. Thanks for your replay. Sorry just frustrated with trials and errors.
I can understand and hope you find your diagnosis and/or treatment soon. Shuffling around from one specialist to another is frustrating and it is understandable why you feel this way.
My rheumy knew what was wrong with me just by seeing my feet and joint contractures, etc. My blood levels were normal, and I don't have the gastro or pulmonary effects of the disease, just the Raynaud's (I've had for 25 years), some heart hypertension, and the skin tightening. That's enough!
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