It’s astounding that there are so many autoimmune diseases out there, most happen to middle age women, and many relate to each other. Plus, symptoms often are ignored or attributed to something else. I was diagnosed with Raynaud Syndrome and my primary said to “wear gloves.” Had she correlated it with other symptoms I had, including numb and stiff feet (“high arches”), severe itching/dry skin (use lotion), and anemia (“take more iron”) and sent me for blood analysis, the second autoimmune disease I have, Primary Biliary Cholangitis, could have been diagnosed. Instead, by the time PBC was diagnosed, it had caused Stage 3 liver cirrhosis.

A neurologist I recently saw thought my neuropathy is probably due to PBC or a related autoimmune disease. The lab analysis he ordered seems to indicate I have Sjogren’s as well; which can be secondary to PBC and does cause neuropathy and other issues.

I think it’s way pass time that comprehensive blood work become the norm when diagnoses do not lead to a solution for the symptoms presented. And, if you’re not satisfied with your primary...insist on seeing a specialist!