Johns Hopkins Arthritis Center

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Is memory loss associated with scleroderma?

I believe my scleroderma is diffuse, but the question is the same for either form…….is memory loss associated with scleroderma?  I’m having an increasingly difficult time with memory – both short-term and long-term.

Symptoms of Lyme Disease?

My question is concerning Lyme disease. about 3 weeks ago I developed an itch on my neck. it felt as though I must have gotten bitten. however i could detect no site where it looked as if i had been bitten. this area itched and hurt at the same time much like a spider bite i’d had. however I could seen nothing. inside my throat area almost seems affected as well. it comes and goes now and if heat is applied to the area I can see a red circular area. Does this sound like lyme tick bite? I have no insurance and don’t know if it is something I should have looked at. I sure hope you are able to give me some insight on this.

Are DMARDs Safe?

I am 35 years old now and was diagnosed with Reiter’s syndrome in 2003, hospiatlized with severe right sacroiliac pain. Presently I am on NSAIDs and short courses of prednisone to treat the flares. These worked until recently when my right sacroiliac joint and the surronding areas are stiff and hurt a lot. I want to go on long term treatment with one of the DMARDs, but am hesitant due to the side effects these might produce. How safe are these DMARDs in treating the disease and duration of use? Will I be able to go on them for 15 or 20 years without critically damaging my system? Are biologics better? I have read that biologocs can cause lymphoma and trigger other serious infections? Your response is greatly appreciated.

Lyme disease treatment concerns?

My cousin is battling Lyme disease and sought help through the Mayo Clinic in the Midwest…discovering that Mayo does NOT accept Lyme disease as a real illness….why is this as Hopkins does address this disease?