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Medical Forum / Diseases and Disorders / Arthritis / April 2005UCTD
Was anyone here first diagnosed with this then have your diagnosis later changed to RA or something related? I would like to hear your experience. Thanks T. >Was anyone here first diagnosed with this then have your diagnosis >later changed to RA or something related? >I would like to hear your experience. I was diagnosed with UCTD after about 3 years it was changed to RA. It is not uncommon for Rheumatic diseases to be difficult to diagnose in the early stages. In my case they were watching for Lupus, Sclerodema, and RA the arthritis symptoms continued to progress until it was clearly RA. I had extremely high ANA; I remember my Dr commented that my ANA was higher than those with Lupus. I wound up with severe RA. If that is your diagnosis they will continue to monitor you until the symptoms differentiate. It can be frustrating but it is better than taking powerful drugs that will not work for your condition. -- MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com But isn't it better to start on the medications early to avoid joint destruction? Last time I saw the RD he said he saw "changes" in the joints in my hands. Do you remember what your ANA was (i.e. the number)? > But isn't it better to start on the medications early to avoid joint > destruction? Last time I saw the RD he said he saw "changes" in the > joints in my hands. > Do you remember what your ANA was (i.e. the number)? Hi, Welcome to ASA. Those changes tell the loudest story,,, the most important story of your condition. Slowing down those changes is all important because there are other changes that can not be seen on an X ray that are being slowed at the same time. I think you and your RD are on the right road and you are asking the same questions that most of us have asked. It is part of the process and talking about it all here,,,, helps and you are so far ahead of people that have not accepted what is taking place. Harv >But isn't it better to start on the medications early to avoid joint >destruction? Yes but Scleroderma and Lupus might not be as destructive to the joints. Your Dr has to sort this out for you but I would guess it is unlikely that you would receive Enbrel, mtx or the other biologics without a more definitive diagnosis of RA, Plaquinel might be another story, because they give that to Lupus patients as well. -- MZ Visit my website: http://www.mzuschlag.com |
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