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Posted 10/18/2007 6:39 PM (GMT 0)
Good afternoon everyone.
First, I wanted to thank everyone for being so sweet and supportive!!

I talked to my doctor yesterday and he gave me a brief overview of the test results so far.
He was rushed so I didn't have time to get too much specific info. We talk again on Friday.

He is going to diagnose me as having, connective tissue diseases (Undifferentiated). For right now.

Can anyone give me more info about this? And what kind of treatment this entails?

Thanks!
Posted 10/19/2007 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Emerson, I received a diagnosis of Lupus, SCLE (subacute cutaneous lupus) and then an undiagnosis and new dx of UCTD. It is, however, (for me) treated just like Lupus. I do not have some of the more serious issues (like organ involvment) so I haven't used prednisone. But I am on plaquenil and anti-inflams and I have taken MTX for about a year at a time. Undifferentiated can be used until more specific results come in. It is also a better dx to have in your file for insurance purposes. For me, he said I could still have scleroderma or a couple other AI disorders. But he treats the symptoms as though it were Lupus. Does that help?? What is your course of treatment?? Or will he give you a game plan on Friday?? Keep us posted! Blessings!
Posted 10/19/2007 1:34 AM (GMT 0)
He is going to go over meds and treatment with me soon. I am supposed to call him tomorrow but he always seems so rushed on the phone
I am thinking of scheduling an appointment to get all of my questions answered.
Posted 10/19/2007 2:08 AM (GMT 0)
Yes . . good idea. But it is really good that he'll call you like this to update you. Most docs make you wait for the next appointment. This way you'll get treatment faster. Blessings!
Posted 10/19/2007 9:02 PM (GMT 0)
He called this morning and he is starting me on Plaquenil. My fiance is picking it up on his way home. He wants to see me again in a few weeks.
He doesn't believe it is RA but probably SLE but it diagnosing me as having UCTD.

I hope this medicine helps!
Posted 10/19/2007 11:14 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Emerson:

I just wanted to pass on a welcome to the forum. It's great that your rheumy has prescribed Plaquenil for you. This medication can take up to 4 months before you see some results. It also can cause some stomach upset. You might want to take it with food. I take my plaq in the morning with some crackers and juice. I hope you get speedy results from it and that you begin to feel better soon.

Take care,
Barbara
Posted 10/20/2007 2:09 AM (GMT 0)
Emerson . . . I don't remember what your symptoms were, but if it included muscle or joint pain, you may want to find out if you can take some type of NSAID with the plaq while you wait for it to work. I take ibuprofen and it helps a lot. Some take other OTC meds, but you and your doc can pick one. You should have to wait till the plaquenil starts helping. I hope you get good results from the plaq. Did he refer you for an eye exam first??? Blessings!
Posted 10/20/2007 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
He said I would need to see my eye doc soon. Which is fine because I needed to anyway. I will call her Monday.

I have been taking ibuprofen and it doesn't do much. I have to be careful how much I take because I am on Lithium and NSAIDS can greatly increase the amount of Lithium in the blood and cause toxicity.

I am so happy to have started treatment!
Posted 10/20/2007 3:54 AM (GMT 0)
Emerson . . . good that you are making the appointment right away. They want a "before plaquenil" look at your eyes so they can compare later. Yeah!! I know you have waited a long time for some relief. Hang in there . . . hopefully this will do the trick. Blessings!
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