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
Expert: Amelia Yaussy Date: 7/4/2006 Subject: head and neck pain
Question brief history of myself
now 65 yr old, since my teens sudden onset of kink in neck lasting several days, years could go by between episodes, in my 20's I developed left neck/shoulder pain radiating down my arm, almost debilitaing discomfort, I was treated with indocin, (my guess was like bursitis or osteoarthritis?) by my I.M. doc who I highly trusted and respected. last episode 3 yrs ago. It appears to me med's dont help, it just resolves on its own.
NOW TO THE PRESENT: 2 yrs ago, I developed left neck STIFFNESS which appears to refer pain up that muscle up back of head around the ear to the eye. Back scull tightness, general overall mental wellbeing is affected. the pain was not debilitating the mental wellbeing was definitely! I felt that my scull had many connecting joints. after several months, dr treated me for migraine, i was not convinced, but accepted treatment, nothing helped, it came and went for several months. Feb. 1995 it presented continuous, dr. cont. to treat for migraine In July, it just disappeared. during this time, because I had what I thought was face pain, i investigated possible teeth cause. One month ago, it returned continuous, no let up, other than from less to more severe to less. I know I have osteoarthritis in my hands and fingers. I see no relationship between the pain. Should I expect that the discomfort in my neck and head, if, in fact, osteoarthritis, be the same type of discomfort as my fingers? I feel I am not being diagnoised. What are your thoughts?
Answer I'm sorry you're in so much pain. I agree you're not being diagnosed and, as a result, undertreated. As much as you respect and like your doctor, it may be time to see someone else. At the very least, I'd make an appointment with the current doctor and tell him your continuing problems and your feelings about a diagnosis. Be firm, but patient. You may have to endure some wild goose chases to "rule out" problems - there are some conditions that can best be diagnosed by ruling out others.
