@dani26

I have my SSC condition for the past 4 years now. I also have Hashimoto's with hypothyroidism for the past 15 years. Scleroderma started with mild joint swelling, some stiffness in the joints, getting tired easy, some fatigue, unexplained food allergies or GI discomfort (red meat, fish, spices, fried food). My primary care doc is familiar with SSC and he ordered SCL-70 antibody test along with a full panel for autoimmune and connective tissue disease. I tested positive for SCL-70. First year was relatively easy with mild changes. Then skin started developing discolorations and changes like in fasciitis. I was put on Methotrexate 25 mg/weekly (hard to tolerate) which worked on joints but not on skin. Then Actemra (worked but hard to tolerate due to GI cramps), then Humira (works a little), now back on Methotrexate 12.5 mg, which is working slowly, and switching to Rituximab soon. Joints swelling with synovitis and fasciitis are my main challenges to mobility.

Hope, Methotrexate works for you. It takes some time to make it work.