So, the wonky spot on my hand is Morphea. A localized form of scleroderma. For now, I'm to use the meds he prescribed for the dishydrotic eczema on my feet. I follow up with my rheumy after finals next month.
My feet are starting to feel better, as far as the eczema goes. The cracks have healed.
I'd been fighting some kind of bug, but apparently am over it as of today. I woke up feeling wrecked, my joints hadn't really hurt in about 5 days. A small part of me was hoping that maybe my immunosuppressants were actually starting to work . . . . The only real symptom was feeling run down. Which is normal for me, but this was run down with minimal joint pain. .. . . .
Nope, my immune system just had something else to focus on besides attacking my body.
Now I just have to wait and see what the rheumy wants to do . . . .
Thursday, November 17, 2011
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Dermatology Appointment
I saw dermatology this week. They've performed a biopsy on the wonky patch of skin on my hand. It hasn't even bee there for a month, so it is hard to tell what is going on. Slight possibility it could be morphea, which is a form of limited scleroderma. I was also diagnoses with dishidrotic eczema on my feet. I am a walking conglomeration of autoimmune labels, BUT I am walking!!!!
As many autoimmune patients know, it is not uncommon for there to be an overlap of conditions. In fact, many of these conditions start with similar symptoms: diffuse joint pain, fatigue, etc.
I read an article yesterday. Should've saved the link. That discussed that managing an autoimmune condition is a team approach. Which is how my new rheumy is treating me. The author said, a rheumatologist may feel that the patient is doing well and may even be considered to be in "medically induced remission" (what we all strive for!). However, if that same patient is seen by their ophthamologist, the ophtho may notice changes (sclerosis of the cornea for example, but the list is nearly endless) that will indicate the complete opposite. In fact, the author even said, if the previously stated situation is noted, the patient needs to be treated more aggressively. If not, they may find that in 3 to 6 months their health mat decline significantly.
Now, while this is just one article, with just one author. If is not the first time that I have heard of the team approach, it is just the first time that I have heard it described in such distinct detail. It is definitely worth looking into.
Don't let yourself down. If you feel something needs to be evaluated further or that you need another opinion, get it. You may find that everything is okay, but at least you know for sure!!!
As many autoimmune patients know, it is not uncommon for there to be an overlap of conditions. In fact, many of these conditions start with similar symptoms: diffuse joint pain, fatigue, etc.
I read an article yesterday. Should've saved the link. That discussed that managing an autoimmune condition is a team approach. Which is how my new rheumy is treating me. The author said, a rheumatologist may feel that the patient is doing well and may even be considered to be in "medically induced remission" (what we all strive for!). However, if that same patient is seen by their ophthamologist, the ophtho may notice changes (sclerosis of the cornea for example, but the list is nearly endless) that will indicate the complete opposite. In fact, the author even said, if the previously stated situation is noted, the patient needs to be treated more aggressively. If not, they may find that in 3 to 6 months their health mat decline significantly.
Now, while this is just one article, with just one author. If is not the first time that I have heard of the team approach, it is just the first time that I have heard it described in such distinct detail. It is definitely worth looking into.
Don't let yourself down. If you feel something needs to be evaluated further or that you need another opinion, get it. You may find that everything is okay, but at least you know for sure!!!
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