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I Am A 64 Year Old Women With A History
Question: I am a 64 year old women with a history of mixed connective diseases , dysautonomia and pulmonary fibrosis. In the last 6 weeks I have been running lowgrade fevers extreem fatigue and my back shoulders arms and feet have felt painfully locked up. I just finished a 5 day course of steroids and have little to know improvement
Brief Answer:
See your treating physician ( immunologist).
Detailed Answer:
Hi Parrnist,
I have red your query..and am sorry to know your sufferings.I would try to suggest few things I think of to help you out of the condition.
Mixed connective tissue disease is a combined effect of multiple autoimmune conditions ( Systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis & Polymyositis....) The treatment symptomatic.
Your current symptoms are due to polymyosytis.. causing damage to the muscles involved.
Steroids are treatment of choice in non responding cases.You don't have sufficient relief with the course given. Please try taking anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen 200mg three times a day after food. along with antacid like Ranitidine 150 mg three times a day .. this may give you relief till you see your treating physician.( preferably one dealing with autoimmune disorders-The Immunologist.)
* You should see your treating physician for reassessment of your health & change in dosage of the current drugs you are taking.
- Use of Corticisteroid sparing agents. ( to have enhanced effect of steroids in smaller dosage)
- Iv infusion of immunoglobulins help in managing sverity of disease process / symptoms.
Self care consists of rest, eating light nourishing food, mild physiotherapy after acute symptoms are gone.
Thus with a positive & determined approach, guidance of expert physician, continuing medicines as directed along with improved life style would help you.
I hope that helps. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
See your treating physician ( immunologist).
Detailed Answer:
Hi Parrnist,
I have red your query..and am sorry to know your sufferings.I would try to suggest few things I think of to help you out of the condition.
Mixed connective tissue disease is a combined effect of multiple autoimmune conditions ( Systemic lupus erythematosus, systemic sclerosis & Polymyositis....) The treatment symptomatic.
Your current symptoms are due to polymyosytis.. causing damage to the muscles involved.
Steroids are treatment of choice in non responding cases.You don't have sufficient relief with the course given. Please try taking anti inflammatory drug like Ibuprofen 200mg three times a day after food. along with antacid like Ranitidine 150 mg three times a day .. this may give you relief till you see your treating physician.( preferably one dealing with autoimmune disorders-The Immunologist.)
* You should see your treating physician for reassessment of your health & change in dosage of the current drugs you are taking.
- Use of Corticisteroid sparing agents. ( to have enhanced effect of steroids in smaller dosage)
- Iv infusion of immunoglobulins help in managing sverity of disease process / symptoms.
Self care consists of rest, eating light nourishing food, mild physiotherapy after acute symptoms are gone.
Thus with a positive & determined approach, guidance of expert physician, continuing medicines as directed along with improved life style would help you.
I hope that helps. Any follow up query is welcome.
Thanks.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Nagamani Ng
Answered by
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