lisasue525 said...
I do not have the dryness that comes with sjogren or skin issues that go with scleraderma. If my MRI was clear how can I have lupus? Anyone know anything about lupoid sclerosis?
Sjogren's can present with dry internal tissues that you may not notice as easily as someone presenting with dry eyes or dry mouth.
A clear MRI generally means you don't seem to have MS -- it has no precise meaning, either positive or negative, with regard to Lupus. If it isn't clear, they generally look closer at MS tests; if it's clear, they generally look closer at auto-immune tests/symptoms.
The term Lupoid Sclerosis means an overlap of Lupus and MS...it isn't really a separate disease on it's own. Since these diseases have overlapping symptoms, sometimes it takes years to decide which to diagnose. Meanwhile, focus on symptom management.
Lupus can produce muscle weakness, and it and other auto-immune diseases can contribute to the cognitive issues you are reporting.
It sounds as though you have some questions for the rheumy! They are the experts in identifying and treating auto-immune illnesses, so you are headed in the right direction.
Best wishes,