Though I was asked to submit a detailed questionnaire, the diagnosis was reached by my pitted fingernails. The primary is Psoriatic Arthritis, and though I do not have psoriasis, I do have the classic pitted fingernails.
Besides my Rheumatologist, I had an allergist who always looked at my fingernails too. If a patient came in with artificial nails on, they were told to completely remove them and any glue before the next appointment.
No, my md never looks at my nails but I have brought them up as part of my visit and she just shrugs. My nails get these lines down the center and they split and break all the time. I have begun to assume that it is a nutrition thing but now I will ask more specific questions.
Thanks.
I can't believe that I've actually been seeing my Rheumatologist for over 2 years for Fibro. I can NOT understand how didn't know that I had SS!! I was diagnosed immediately by a Rheumatologisprimary physician that seen me and was able to tell right away. Now, I have to start all over again!!! I was told about another Rheumy. He's a Harvard Grad. I hope that he's good. I'm just scared of what I'll be told by this doctor?
Hi confused, I understand your concerns completely! Lets hope he's on the ball and can finally give you the correct, complete diagnosis and the proper treatment. I know we get to the point of frustration, as we have to continue to go in circles, but this is a very elusive disease, as many of the autoimmune diseases are, and so many are so much alike.
My Rheum told me that I DID have fibro, most likely CAUSED by the chronic pain of Psoriatic Arthritis, but surely the Sjogrens and even the Raynauds cause pain of their own. He told me that as bad as Fibro can be, it was the least of my problems! As much as I didn't want to hear that, I appreciate them just laying it all out to me!
My Rheum did a year of his internship at Harvard, and is an Asst Professor of clinical studies at the Univ of WV, so he also teaches in the research end of autoimmune.
Hang in there girlfriend, and realize that I was tested for Sjogren's many times before it showed up. Then a 'false positive' showed up, my GP told me that meant it would show up positive in the future, and it did, next time my blood work showed Sjogren's was so high, the reading was literally 'off the charts'.
I have to see an eye specialist to get cleared to take Plaquenil, and I absolutely dread it. I prefer to stick to the Doctors I have, but I know this is necessary on so many other levels.
I've never had a doctor look at my nails. I do have splitting.
I will tell you I was a nail technician for ten years. We are trained to detect specific nail issues. I frequently told my clients to talk to their docs about certain things I noticed. A professionally trained cosmetologist can tell you a lot about your hair, skin, and nails.
Are you on Methotrexate? My rheumy noticed my nails were splitting and immediately took my of methotrexate. He said it was a symptom of toxcity. Since I switched to Lefludemide, my nails are back to normal. Hope this helps.
Take care,
Bels
Cassi440 said:
No, my md never looks at my nails but I have brought them up as part of my visit and she just shrugs. My nails get these lines down the center and they split and break all the time. I have begun to assume that it is a nutrition thing but now I will ask more specific questions. Thanks.
My "EX-Rheumy" did not check anything except my pressure points for Fibromyalgia. By the Grace of God and a lot of prayers, he was all of a sudden no longer part of medical staff. Now, I have an appointment on 7/1/14 with a new Rhuemy. He's a Harvard grad. also. I've heard so mant great things about him.
There you go! My Doc did a year as a resident at Harvard! I think that you will be lot less 'confused' once this Doctor takes over your care! Things are looking up, girlfriend! Be sure to keep us in the loop!
In the event that your past Rheum did not document well, you may want to take this time to make a running list of symptoms/complaints, meds, to submit to him and let him do his work!