Hello
@belize44.....I'm very sorry to hear about Crest Disease. No, I haven't personally heard of it, but I think you're handling the diagnosis properly.
Read what you can and make plenty of notes. When you go to the Rheumatologist do ask him/her the 5 most important questions you have concerning this. If you're taking vitamins or anything else, please ask about them and how they'll affect the illness.
From the time I spent reading about the illness, it seems that there is quite a range in how bad it is. Many of us live with autoimmune diseases and while it may take time to adjust, we learn what to expect and what to be alarmed about.
Will surgery help with the Raynaud's problem(s)? Will getting your feet wet less help? What does the specialist recommend as the best way to handle this? It's a good thing that you went to the podiatrist...you've done a good job of doing the right things thus far.
It's scary when someone gives us a diagnosis of something like that. I understand both the relief and fear that you must have experienced.
I think that many of us have symptoms of Raynaud's. Personally I wear fingerless gloves during the winter, even inside the house. Actually it's often colder in here than outside. As long as I can remember I've had cold hands and feet....how many people suffer this and don't consider it abnormal? Things of that nature would be good to think about. I often wear shawls, sweaters or bathrobes. On the other hand, I can't tolerate too much heat. (And I live in Dallas, TX.) My husband loves the heat.
You may need to take some days to yourself before you can deal with this. Me, I jump on things, and can then let them go (at least thus far). I can see from my reading where you must be quite alarmed, but there is some positive news in there also.
Until you've seen the rheumatologist, I don't think you can set your mind on how bad this situation will be. It seems that meds can keep it at bay for a time. Hopefully, the specialist will also recommend vitamins and hand and feet exercises (mild ones). I'm sure that all of us will be on the look out for information concerning this illness.
I have found that doctors tend to give you news as bad as possible. Why? Probably lawsuits, one of the banes of our world. I hope the medicine will help. Best wishes. Yours, Lenora
