ANA+SCL70+ twice then Rituxan?

[AMDG37]

Diagnosed with scleroderma, telangiectasia , sclerodactyly, Raynaud's, constantly puffy fingers, arthritis, arthralgia, excessive weight and muscle mass loss, fatigue, GI issues etc.

 

Had positive ANA, then Positive SCL-70 twice. After 6 infusions of 4 hours each with Rituxan over 12 months, all blood work negative, skin softer, all else the same.

 

Can Rituxan do that?

 

 

[Joelf]

Hi AMDG,

 

Welcome to these forums!

 

I'm sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with scleroderma and other unpleasant associated diseases.

 

Blood test results can be tricky at the best of times and can fluctuate from test to test; even the results being taken from different laboratories can cause them to be positive, negative and back to positive again. Please see our sticky thread on the subject of blood test results.

 

Of course, it's possible that the use of Rituxan could have improved things for you; the best person to advise you about this is your listed scleroderma expert (or failing that, a very good rheumatologist.)

 

Kind regards,

[Lois Rezler]

Rituxan made me worse.

Lois

[alexa223]

On 6/14/2019 at 4:05 PM, Joelf said:

Hi AMDG,

 

Welcome to these forums!

 

I'm sorry to hear that you've been diagnosed with scleroderma and other unpleasant associated diseases.

 

Blood test results can be tricky at the best of times and can fluctuate from test to test; even the results being taken from different laboratories can cause them to be positive, negative and back to positive again. Please see our sticky thread on the subject of blood test results.

 

Of course, it's possible that the use of Rituxan could have improved things for you; the best person to advise you about this is your listed scleroderma expert (or failing that, a very good rheumatologist.)

 

Kind regards,

 

Hi, I'm also new here, I have had linear scleroderma since I was 6 and now am 42. Just had my second child and have begun having increasing pain in fingertips, swallowing and motility issues, went for a blood test and ANA with strong positive, no SCL-70. However, my linear morphea is no longer linear, it is patches all over the body.

 

My issue is what other tests should I be checking up on? Because this is definitely not morphea or just skin involvement, there is a lot more going on here. I am almost completely disabled, stiffness in the morning for over 4 hours and so many issues.

 

Thanks.

[Joelf]

Hi Alexa,

 

Welcome to these forums!

 

I'm sorry to hear that you've been having worrying issues and unpleasant symptoms.

 

I've included a links to our medical pages on Common Medical Tests for Scleroderma and Preparing for Doctor Appointments, which I hope you'll find helpful and informative.

 

We do recommend that our members, if possible, consult a listed scleroderma expert, to ensure that this complicated disease is treated correctly, by someone with the correct knowledge and expertise.

 

Kind regards,