Connective Tissue Disease??

[JoJo's Mom]

My family Dr. did some bloodwork and labs and is recommending that I see a specialist. I know nothing about this disorder/disease. I did some research on-line, but I am still confused. Has anyone else been diagnosed with this?

I do not know that I have this for sure....this is what my family Dr. is leaning towards.

 

[kimis]

My mom was diagnosed with this a few years ago. From what we were told it meant she had an autoimmune disease of some kind. The thing about autoimmune diseases is that you can have them for years and not know it. It is also possible to have to have the blood work redone over again to see what shows up. I would diffently see a specialist like a neurologist to see what is going on. I was told recently that I had MS only to find out that all of my symptoms were due to two disc that had pushed my spinal cord out from where it belonged.
It is your body so it is worth checking on.

 

[JoJo's Mom]

My family Dr. told me to see a Rheumatologist. She also mentioned arthritis too, but the lab worked seemed to rule that out??

So frustrating. I have enough problems and now to add this. I will go soon, right now I am already up to my ears in other medical bills. I HATE the way insurance companies work. That is a whole nother subject!!!!

 

[kimis]

I understand totally! Between the dr appts and insurance hassles we are lucky we aren't extremely sick. LOL It would be nice in this day and age that a dr should be able to tell us instantly what is wrong but that isn't going to happen. We just have to be our own advocates and keep going on until we get the right answers. It will be us stronger in the long run. LOL

 

[disney kid at heart]

It is difficult sometimes to diagnose connective tissue diseases because there are so many. It is an autoimmune disease and can affect different parts of your body. I have mixed connective tissue and the fibrosis in my my lungs they are trying to find out if that is sarcoidosis. Get a really good rheumatologist. And don't get discouraged if they have problems getting it right because not all labs come out as surely connective tissue. My Dr said after the tests that didn't show but he knew if it looks like a duck and walks like a duck then it is a duck. Good luck and I'll be praying for you.

 

[JoJo's Mom]

Thanks so much!!!!!!

I actually have my first appt. with a rheumatologist on the 20th.

It's in my right hand. The middle, ring and pinky fingers. At first they were thinking arthritis, but I guess the bloodwork and xray ruled that out? Some other tests they did came up with off #'s. So, I guess I will have to wait and see. I've done some reading on-line and I find it all a little confusing. I decided not to get all frustrated and get myself worked up until after my appt.

And...of course I am right handed. I orig. thought it had something to do with using the mouse all the time at work. Put your hand on your mouse and see where your last 3 finger land. That is why I was convinced it was that. The family Dr. didn't seem to think so.

I just hope to have a few more answers next week.