AboutAmelia Yaussy Expertise I can answer questions about systemic scleroderma and live and internet resources to help you cope with this disease. I have personal experince with scleroderma, osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and Sjogren's Syndrome.
Experience I am a systemic scleroderma patient (12 years) and have been active in support online for nearly the same amount of time. I proposed the Usenet newsgroup alt.support.scleroderma and own the website ihavescleroderma.com.
Organizations I am a board member and volunteer for the Scleroderma Foundation, Ohio Chapter.
Publications Arthritis Today, Sept 1997, "A guide to the internet"
Education/Credentials International Webmasters Association, Web Technologies Certification
Awards and Honors Volunteer of the Year, Scleroderma Foundation, 2004; Advocacy Appreciation Award, Scleroderma Foundation, 2005
Question I was diagnosed several years back with undifferentiated autoimmune dissease. A Rheumatoligist indicated that everything was going in the Sclerderma direction and stated that it would be interesting to see what would be the outcome years down the road. My family doctor told me about 6 mos. ago that I had RA. I did not agree with him as I didn't have the symptoms. He insisted that the bloodwork proved the diagnosis. Due to a crushed ankle I was out of work for about 7 mos. and have just returned to work and am having a hard time keeping up. I am now waking up in the middle of the night with both hands feeling like they are swollen to the size of chairs and hurting really bad and Im having an almost constant burning, drawing sensation under my right shoulder blade that is very painful and prevents me from straightening up. My new insurance will not kick in until December. Do you have any suggestions? Thank you very much for your time and assistance.
Answer You don't say anything about Raynaud's attacks. 98% of people with scleroderma have Raynaud's, and it's often the first symptom. If you don't have Raynaud's, the odds are better that you don't have scleroderma.
See your rheumatologist as soon as you can. Hopefully, whatever it is is very treatable.
