Limited Scleroderma or CREST Syndrome: What helps?

Posted by paulinechavez1 @paulinechavez1, Jun 8 3:51pm

Hello, I have several autoimmune diseases and I go see a RA specialist in Alb NM. My Doctor gives me medicine for my RA and I was wondering if that medicine is also for my CREST syndrome. I asked him but no direct answer. I am very miserable with pain and swollen feet and hands even with my meds. I have 3 out of the 5 and RA

@paulinechavez1 Welcome to Connect, a group of people who help each other through their medical journeys. We’re not medical professionals so we can’t diagnose or prescribe medications, but we try to help. How long have you had RA and CREST syndrome? Do you have any idea why the doctor doesn’t respond to your complaints of pain? Are there any non-prescription medications that help with the pain?
If the doctor continues to be unhelpful, maybe it’s time to find a new doctor. No one should have their pain ignored!
This article may give you some more information.


I have MCTD with Scleraderma overlap. Have been on the journey over 20 years. Some of the drugs are great for both conditions. Plaquenil, Etodolac (buffered NSAID) and a biologic like Methatrexate work well. For most everything else, Dr and I treat the symptoms. For generalized pain, a walk, yoga/pilates/water exercise make a difference. For specific joint ailments, strengthening core and flexibility, a manual PT is just the thing.

Please sign in or register to post a reply.