Replies to Absolutely and I know I was really lucky. In 1995, I had swollen hands and feet…

Discussion

Autoimmune Diseases | Last Active: Apr 30 10:33pm | Replies (189)

Comment receiving replies

@marye2

Absolutely and I know I was really lucky. In 1995, I had swollen hands and feet as well as extreme fatigue (like hitting the wall after surgery) . My young GP did a lab panel and sent me to a Rheumatologist. They gave me the diagnosis (MCTD) and a brochure. Back then, internet, self help groups weren't out there; I was single and had no idea about future work. I moved back home, found a great Rheumatologist who set me up with a cocktail of older meds and I prospered. The disease lurks, there is no cure but she gave me tools to live life well, continue with work until retirement. Over the years I've met people who have had years until diagnosis!

Jump to this post

Replies to "Absolutely and I know I was really lucky. In 1995, I had swollen hands and feet..."

dloos | @dloos | Mar 9 10:39am

It’s a shameful thing that the lab tests seem to be parceled out at a glacial pace.
I had a similar thing with B12 deficiency. I’d suffered for 8 months going to doctor appointments before a young Neurologist finally ordered the test! Extremely low B12! With supplementation I was back to myself in three months.
My regular GP acted flummoxed!
A simple test that most post menopausal women should routinely get took eight months and multiple doctors to prescribe.
Now, I always tell my friends to request the test. They are almost always too low, just like me.

Now, I’m dealing with post Covid(probably), and my ears and eyes are affected. I do have a doctor that is testing extensively to try to help me.

VIEW AND REPLY