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 Hi,
I had a blood test with abnormal ANA levels and had to go to an arthritis specialist. He said I might have that scleroderma and arthritis and I have a bunch of new blood work to do.
My only complaint is that I get achey all over sometimes and can't sleep.
But lately my hands ache very badly like a tooth ache all the time.
The doctor gave me a prescription of Feldine but it doesn't do anything (and the warnings on the bottle scare me).
Would you know what causes my hands to ache so and what OTC medicines seem to help so I can try.
I don't think the doctor cares a hoot and I don't care to go to him but I wonder if this disease gets worse or do I just have to put up with the aches in hands and occasionally back?
Answer Don, if you don't feel this rheumatologist is helping you, go to another. No single test can diagnose scleroderma - it takes working with your doctor to put together test results, history, and signs and symptoms. Once diagnosed, with whatever it is, it can take many years of working together to find the right medications to improve how you feel as well as to fight complications. You can see that this becomes an important relationship - don't settle for someone you can't talk to.
Your doc also will know best what meds to try since s/he'll know your history and other meds you may be taking already.
