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This question was answered on Mon 04, Aug 2008 08:37am by VanessaMD
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I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid arthritis 2 years ago, but I have a question about other autoimmune diseases and possible complications.



                                         
Asked by Unregistered (Female; 36; USA; rheumatoid arthritis, hysterctomy, gallbladder removed, gastric bypass sugery; Relevant drugs:Plaquanil-
hydroxycloroquine s )
on Mon 04, Aug 2008 01:53am :

I was diagnosed 2 years ago with Rheumatoid arthritis - it was the closest autoimmune disease that fit what was happening. But I do not have the nodules over my joints. But now I am having neurological symptoms- seizures, loss of coordination, can't think or concentrate... I'm also having skin problems, eruptions?, on my buttocks, thighs, pubic region, abdomen, breasts. I have a red rash with white flakes on my elbows. I'm losing weight since March, I've lost 26 lbs without trying. I have some numbness in the fingers of my left hand. I've suffered through some severe upper abdominal pain- 7 years ago I had an H. Pylori ulcer I'm wondering if that isn't the cause because the prevecid seems to be working -- but I do not and didn't have any heartburn with this abdominal pain. By means of an MRI I found out I have inflammation up in my thoracic spine and a bulging disc in the lumbar region. My mouth was getting drier and drier. I had very thick, gooey saliva then it got so dry that my tongue and bottom lip was burning. My tongue was bleeding for a while. I was treated for thrush. I get chills- with no fever. I get a burning sensation from the top of my nose down to my mouth.
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Answer by VanessaMD (doctor) on Mon 04, Aug 2008 08:37am:

Hi Rheumatoid arthritis is an autoimmune condition and autoimmune diseases are actually systemic diseases. By systemic, we mean that the condition would involve other tissues of the body such as the skin, lungs, joints and even the blood vessels. I would suggest that you have this further evaluated. Inflammation of blood vessels secondary to the autoimmune condition may lead to ulcers, leg pain, headaches and abdominal pain. This has to be assessed early on as vasculitis may require prompt intervention. The findings on your MRI may be expected as the spine consists of joints and these joints may be affected in the case of rheumatoid arthritis. Dryness of the mouth may be noted once the salivary glands are also involved as in the case of Sjogren's syndrome. Thus, it is highly likely that these symptoms you are experiencing are associated with your condition. Here is a url you may want to check for further information: http://www.medicinenet.com/rheumatoid_arthritis/page2.htm
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