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I've Noticed Many People Say They Have A Rumatologist As Well As Pulmonary And Cardiologists. Is This Due To A Secondary Disease ?

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Denisonn, Tx
May 16, 2024
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Answer Summary

Members explained that many people with pulmonary arterial hypertension see rheumatologists because autoimmune conditions like scleroderma,... Read more

Members explained that many people with pulmonary arterial hypertension see rheumatologists because autoimmune conditions like scleroderma, CREST syndrome, Sjögren's, and rheumatoid arthritis can cause or contribute to PAH, making coordinated care across specialties essential. Several members shared their personal experiences with Raynaud's phenomenon (fingers turning white and numb in cold weather) as an early warning sign of autoimmune disease, and discussed medications like CellCept and Hydroxychloroquine for managing scleroderma, with careful monitoring required for potential eye complications. A recurring theme was gratitude for attentive rheumatologists who catch PAH early through routine testing, and the value of learning from each other's experiences to recognize symptoms and navigate complex, overlapping conditions.

A myPHteam Member

Good answer Al. Unfortunately, some primary diseases can make one prone to the other. Like rheumatoid disease can lead to PAH. My feeling is that having RA is enough of a challenge, let alone adding PH or PAH. Remember, research is ongoing. I hope that someday, we can cure with genetic engineering. They make major strides daily. We just have to be patient!

May 16, 2024
myPHteam

Yes, having a rheumatologist as part of the care team for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is often due to the presence of a secondary disease, specifically a connective tissue disease (CTD). PAH can be associated with various CTDs such as scleroderma or lupus. These diseases can affect the connective tissues of the Show Full Answer

Yes, having a rheumatologist as part of the care team for pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is often due to the presence of a secondary disease, specifically a connective tissue disease (CTD). PAH can be associated with various CTDs such as scleroderma or lupus. These diseases can affect the connective tissues of the body, which include the joints, muscles, and skin, and they can complicate the management of PAH. Rheumatologists specialize in treating these types of conditions, making them a crucial part of the multidisciplinary care team for patients whose PAH is linked to rheumatic diseases.

May 16, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Watch your eyes on Hydroxychloquine. I developed Plaquenil eye disease so can't take it anymore. It really made a difference

May 19, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Cindy613 thank you for the explanation.

May 19, 2024
A myPHteam Member

Hi Ann, the symptoms of scleroderma are well my first one was Raynauds. Then I started breaking out with red spots all over my face, neck and my back and found out that is called telangiectasia and my lower legs were getting really tight and hard so my PCP sent me to rheumatologist and found out it was Scleroderma and that is what caused my PAH and Scleroderma can effect all your organs. And you get a lot of joint and muscle pain.

May 19, 2024

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