Question 1

will systemic sclerosis kill me?

Accepted Answer

It can: Systemic sclerosis is a progressive disease. It can be fatal by causing heart failure, respiratory failure, and any number of other complications.

Question 2

will systemic sclerosis kill me if i don't get treatment? is it just a slow disease?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Systemic sclerosis is a slow progressive but relentless disease. Current treatments are of limited efficacy. Having said that, you should follow closely with a rheumatologist.

Question 3

what were your initial symptoms of systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Raynaud's : Raynaud's 1st but other systems can be involved - skin tightening, each person is different and on occasion the skin can be normal.

Question 4

what is the definition or description of: systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Systemic sclerosis: This is based on several criteria and includes skin thickening; Raynaud's phenomenon; abnormal lab studies (anti-Scl 70); abnormal nail capillaries; and in some case lung disease. For more detail, be sure to consult a rheumatologist.

Question 5

do people with systemic sclerosis have a lot of pain?

Accepted Answer

Usually not: The problem with scleroderma is more related to complications.  If pain is from the raynaud's phenomenon, vasodilation therapy might solve it.

Question 6

what are the initial symptoms of scleroderma/systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Raynaud's: Tight skin is characteristic but there can be a variety of other symptoms such as raynaud's whihc is usually the first  symptom, shortness of breath, chest pain, trouble swallowing, other GI symptoms, etc. Each person with scleroderma has a different set of symptoms and different type of scleroderma involvement.

Question 7

can somebody tell, just by looking, if you have facial symptoms of systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Sometimes: The skin around the face can be tight in patients with systemic sclerosis. The hands, face, and fingers are typically involved early and can be observed by someone with experience in patients with systemic sclerosis.

Question 8

what is systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Systemic sclerosis: An autoimmune disease characterized by thickening and loss of elasticity of the skin.  It may have systemic manifestations as well such as trouble swallowing and acid reflux.

Question 9

what are the tests for systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Biopsy, blood: In advanced stages, no test is required. It if the diagnosis is suspected early, a skin biopsy will usually prove the diagnosis. In the blood, the scl-70 and the anti-centromere antibody tests are the most helpful. Other tests may be positive. The above two blood tests often help differentiate the disease from other conditions. Other tests are used to evaluate but not diagnose the condition.

Question 10

does anyone know about systemic sclerosis?

Accepted Answer

Much research,but: D-penicillamine might work, and there a number of studies suggesting this, but no long term double blind studies exist. A recent report suugest that a drug CellCept (mycophenolate mofetil) might be of value, and there are those that use mtx or tetracyclines.The major advances are ability to control BP and treat pulmonary hypertension. We can deal with esophgeal spasm and reflux. Nothing great at present for underlying dx.

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Doctor answers about:

Will systemic sclerosis kill me

A member asked:

Will systemic sclerosis kill me?

A member asked:

Will systemic sclerosis kill me if i don't get treatment? is it just a slow disease?

A member asked:

What were your initial symptoms of systemic sclerosis?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: systemic sclerosis?

A member asked:

Do people with systemic sclerosis have a lot of pain?

A member asked:

What are the initial symptoms of scleroderma/systemic sclerosis?

A member asked:

Can somebody tell, just by looking, if you have facial symptoms of systemic sclerosis?

A member asked:

What is systemic sclerosis?

A member asked:

What are the tests for systemic sclerosis?

A member asked:

Does anyone know about systemic sclerosis?

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