What are Autoimmune Overlap Syndromes? A Rheumatologist explains

[@marcydobbs1653]

I am now diagnosed with osteoarthritis, fibromyalgia, and psoriatic arthritis. I went several years without the PsA diagnosis because I didn't have psoriasis. It isn't fun to not know what is going on inside you. It is very stressful for the patient as many PsA patients will attest, making flares more intense and frequent. Hope someone figures out a reliable test for it

[@srijoni1237]

Which joint pain you had and how you got diagnosis of psa?

[@ziaway1561]

I’m a Physician Assistant practicing psychiatry. After a bout of salmonella and hospitalization i began to experience a number of mixes features. Being seronegative I was told I was fine. I’m sure you’ve heard many similar. stories. I’m still on the journey and glad to have found your you tube channel. I have a few patients that could benefit from your dialogues. I’ll listen up, as I’ve just stumbled upon this. I don’t know if you’ve talked about the exhaustion depression, and brain fog yet. Thank You for stepping up and speaking out. Thank you, thank you! You’re helping so many people. Bless you!

[@sillygoose8524]

Mine started after being hospitalized for ecoli 🤔

[@miriammanolov9135]

I was diagnosed 3 months ago with PMR. 10 years ago, I survived DV and had multiple defense wounds from knife and hammer attack. Took me few years to recover. 5 years ago, I was rear ended while at a red light and had many other injuries. Prior to the MVA, I was doing 5k, boxing, swimming, pilates...etc. after the MVA, I developed migraines, vestibular neuritis, and general weakness. I was working as a PT and it slowed me down alot. A year ago, I took the "jab" and within 48 hours I developed weakness, hip pain, shoulder pain, and increased cervical, thoracic, and lumbar pain. My movement slowed down, and had balance issues. I've been in psychiatry for years and started to lose my mind. I ended up on Long Term disability. Saw multiple specialists and the last one told me it was "in my head!" I was mad !! I saw a Rheumatologist, did multiple blood tests, and finally got my diagnosis. Now, I'm middle eastern woman in my early 40s, with very fair skin and I consider myself fit (job requirements). My world was falling apart. I changed my diet leaning more into Mediterranean and Pescatarian diet, focusing on anti inflammatory food. I've been on low dosage steroids for 2 months now and unfortunately it interacted badly with my psychiatric meds. I noticed that temperature changes and stress triggers flare ups..and I had to switch into yoga and short walks for relief. I cannot tell if I have any underlying issues (no bone issues, heart issues, thyroid issues, gastrointestinal issues, or gynecological problems....all been cleared) mostly musculoskeletal problems.

[@KCWoltz]

I'm 40 years old and was completely healthy my entire life until last year when I suddenly started feeling generally unwell all the time along with a lot of different symptoms from skin rashes, weight loss, joint pain in multiple joints, high and low blood pressure, hair loss, nosebleeds to memory loss and brain fog to muscle cramps and more! But the only positive test I've had is my ANA and my RNP antibodies were positive once and negative once but other than that every test has come back negative and I've had every test done except an MRI which I'm waiting for the results from that to come back in a few days but I'm sure it'll be like everything else and not show anything. I've seen 3 different rheumatologists, a cardiologist, neurologist, dermatologist and endocrinologist. Most of them treated me like what I'm experiencing is no big deal and like there can't possibly be anything seriously wrong with me since all the tests have come back clear. I'm starting to feel like I'm crazy!!!

[@deborahk7134]

I’m in the same boat! Please be patient and kind to yourself. Don’t give up and keep going back to the doctor if you need to! They have to listen to us eventually! Autoimmune diseases take many years to get a diagnosis! I’ve learned to take care of this with diet and exercise!! No dairy, gluten, or sugar heating pads- hot baths or jacuzzi. Lots of prayers and good luck!

[@cf4773]

Thank You so Much! Im lost in autoimmune HELL . My MD thinks Lupus but not clear but here come the scary immune suppressing drugs!

[@aanjumshaikh5818]

Hi Dr can you please work on the volume its low

[@cristychavez-ariza7880]

I agree, I thought it was my laptop

[@SewAlyssa]

OMG that’s why my rheumy said the label doesn’t matter. Thank you 🙏🏼

[@ZykaCharlie]

Thank you so much for this video! It is so helpful to me. I was diagnosed with Hashimotto’s disease in the mid 1990’s and then in the early 2000’s with Rheumatoid Arthritis. I don’t really know much about it and that is definitely my fault. I now have been told I have Sjogren’s Syndrome. It’s so frustrating. The biggest frustration is that every medication my Rheumatologist has put me on for the RA has caused my body to react. Humera caused medication induced Lupus. Other drugs (biological) have caused rashes, bladder infections, sinus infections and sinusitis, rash on my head and hair loss. I have learned so much by just watching this video and reading links, than I have learned in 10 years. I now have a lot of questions for my family doctor and my rheumatologist. I will be spending some quality time on your channel.! 🙏🙏🙏♥️

[@maybelle0101]

Thank you for your Rhupus comments. It is the first time I have watched a video that discussed this overlap condition.

[@jenniferculipher4058]

Thank you for shedding light on this. My rheumatologist says that I have Crest syndrome but I show symptoms of scleroderma but no skin involvement. But she seems to think the scleroderma caused my heart failure. She said she can’t give me certain medications for my RA because it will aggravate my Lupus. And none of the medications I’m on are working. It’s all very confusing and frustrating. Thank you for explaining this to where I’m able to understand

[@ladeek35]

Thank you for explaining the concept. …so easy to understand my Rheumy’s thought process. Thank you for making the Rheumy appt guide available to us.

[@brightbeacon]

I had never heard of overlap syndromes (not surprising as I’m not a Rheumatologist). I’ve relatively recently started out on my diagnosis journey and my labs indicated several possible conditions yet none conclusively. Add to that none of my symptoms are “classically” this or that condition. Still my rheumatologist has me on a medication that she feels is appropriate, but I hadn’t understood why I’d be prescribed something with having a definitive diagnosis (I had assumed that I would need that in order to start treatment). Now I can see that she is treating the symptoms I do have as we tease out what my flavor (or flavors) of autoimmune disease is. Thank you for your videos! These are incredibly helpful!

[@janierobinson3854]

Your videos have helped me so much! I'm still in the midst of diagnosis. I've had a second opinion and the 2nd Rheumatologist feels I have CREST and my main Rheumatologist feels its Psoriatic Arthritis. The tough part is who to follow with.

[@benberes2993]

Hi Doctor! thank you so much for making all this available to us lay folk. I have an idea for a video and , of course, it has to do with my case. I'm sure you get this all the time. But it is a subject I do not think you have covered. If I am wrong, my apologies. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease at age 9 and had a small bowel resection and was in remission until age 34. My parents died very close together and were very sick for a very long time and I was under a lot of stress and depression. My mom died of cancer and my dad of temporal arteritis. I then developed joint pains, peripheral and symmetric. It gradually got worse and wrose. I am now 49. For the last 5 years I have been treated by a senior Gastroenterologist, and a more junior Rheumatologist. Since the Gastro has been my main doctor he diagnosed me with enteropathic arthritis. My other symptoms are malaise, brain fog, depression, fatigue. My knees have begun erosion, and maybe one of m y fingers. Walking is extremely painful. I have failed 5 biologics so far. Anyway, I got another opinion from a very good rheumatologist, who said it is seronegative RA and was quite confident, my CRP and ESR are very high but no RF or anti-ccp. I should mention, the Crohns in my belly has never changed. It is very mild before and still is mild. He said if you go to a gastro it will be enteropathy, therefore, I should primarily see a rheumatologist. Can you please speak about Enteropathic arthritis? Also, when you should be listening to which specialist when you have multiple autoimmune disease and/or symptoms? Thank you so much Doctor. This channel is a life saver! Ben

[@dustinsegers4534]

Great video! I have PsA, and I may very well be one of these patients since I have ulcerative colitis *and* psoriasis.

[@baileysice2715]

Hi Dr is it possible to have negative ana and ena and still have rheumatoid arthritis? 2yrs ago weakly positive and diagnosed with fibromyalgia. Today many more symptoms, stomach issues, inflamed eyes, shoulders, hips, knees and finger pain, lots of joint cracking. Both big toes hurt (in particular side of nail, nothing ingrown etc) Ana and ena now negative but all the symptoms of RA?

[@curiouschic86]

I was diagnosed w/seronegative RA before it was upgraded to just RA once my bloodworm changed a I tested positive for ANA and RF test

[@ulricawestman6933]

I have 3 diseases Sjogrens mtcd and fibromyalgia And it’s a really hard struggle Been sick since 10 years and got my diagnosis in may -23 But got a good doctor now so hopefully I will coop soon Thx 🙏🏻 for your very helpful site ❤

[@captainhml3868]

I have Wegener’s Granulomatosis/GPA and Goodpasture’s Disease. I was diagnosed with GPA 3 months prior to developing Goodpasture’s.

[@ElainesAutoimmuneAdventure]

Thank you for this video! Although a complex subject, you put it into understandable terms. Thank you!

[@cautiouslyoptimistic1962]

Back in 2001 I had an ANA test because I had so much joint pain. It came back 'speckled' I was then put on treatment for RA. It turns out in 2012 I had Lupus SLE as well that went untreated and caused my heart problems and likely my 2 strokes.

[@edbradbury6591]

I have SLE also. Perhaps if you went on steroids that may be the culprit. High doses of steroids led to my Afib. Good luck fellow sufferer.

[@cautiouslyoptimistic1962]

@@edbradbury6591 No steroids. I was put on anti-inflammatory meds and also heavy pain meds. My treatment for the RA wasn't the best, I suppose the Doctor did what he thought was best. So I never took steroids.

[@srijoni1237]

Which joint pain ? What was your ena profile i mean the anti ds dna or something?

[@TheJamiewoodard26]

Hello, what does it mean to have low C4 Complement but normal c3?

[@jodigunn1082]

May 18th 2023 I have sclerderma and epilepsy trying to figure out the connection or what else is going on, also brain fog etc,

[@debbietuggies8237]

Thanks for your channel. The volume is low and cavernous. Maybe a clip on mic would help.

[@omaralexis6270]

What could cause an overlapping having SLE ?, Thank you

[@babybaby5893]

Thanks for this informative video. How to diagnose Lupus from SS? ANA lower tier and SSA high positive and speckled pattern. Lupus or SS? Thanks

[@Huma-d1u]

I have Endometriosis. Than came problems conceiving. Than Lupus. Scleroderma. Fibromyalgia. Osteoarthritis. Now they i have mixed connective tissue. I am tired because it feels like i am sick since i remember 8/9 always something wrong. Oh also have Methyl gene problem. So there are no treatment options. They just treat symptoms and if I get extremely sick i get bunch of steroids pumped up that’s it. Now in my 40’s feels like giving up everything and forget about medicine 😢

[@allieeverett9017]

Very helpful, thank you!

[@helenagrasso8953]

Sooo very helpful!

[@floeticlove1989]

Can you have a positive double strand dna with rheumatoid arthritis and not have lupus?

[@jerryfrankierobertson8937]

Can you have little bit of it all? IBS, RA, Scleroderma, and MS lesions.

[@misterpolytech]

Yes, you can. I have type 1 diabetes (it's now classified as an autoimmune disorder), Dermatomyositis/ now Polymyositis; w/ an overlap of RA & CIPD.

[@kellieg1970]

Yes. I have Polymyositis, multiple sclerosis….and now diagnosed with scleroderma

[@nancydoshier8417]

Volume is so low.

[@sola2351]

I have rhupus, it’s so hard for me to explain my health condition. I actually just avoid telling people and suffer in silence 😔

[@michellem7942]

Love watching you. I was diagnosed with MCTD 8yrs via labs but recently my symptoms has clinically manifested and my rheumy is is calling it overlap syndrome dermamyotitis, scleromderma, etc. Does that mean I don't fit the MCTD mold anymore since I do not have reynaulds? It's so confusing.

[@somehappenings246]

This helps, thx.

[@Asnina1980]

I have coeliac disease, psoriasis (only on scalp and generally active when it’s very cold or I’m overtly stressed), now looks like I have some form of autoimmune arthritis, had a major flare two weeks ago where I could not move, and swollen painful joints (rheumatologist is looking for psoriatic arthritis or as), I feel like I’m collecting autoimmune conditions like Pokémon cards! Oh also thinks I may have fibromyalgia.

[@anilamulla1803]

Hello, do you treat autoimmune with antibiotic protocol?

[@Huma-d1u]

No, Autoimmune conditions can’t be treated. They treat symptoms.

[@mzobeid77]

Hi I was resentley diagnosed with osteoporosis, B27 related to polyarthritis I am on medication but it’s not helping. My dr is going to change my medication to injections but she need to see a X-ray for my chest and do more blood test before she dose anything. I have noticed iv been very itchy and dry skin and eyes. Is B27 related to polyarthritis is a diagnosis?.

[@jacintawilley2849]

Hi Dr, I am not sure on wherei would sit with the things I am dealing with. I am 48 yr old and have seronegative arthritis, RA, OA, Fibromyalgia, Sjorgrens disease and have the lupus rash but no other poof of lupus. Where would I sit in this area

[@cautiouslyoptimistic1962]

[@anitaboddie63]

I have 6 autoimmune diseases/disorders. I don't know if any are overlap ones.

[@SweetiePieTweety]

And the only diagnoses you seem to be able to get definitively or mental because all of your other conditions don’t quite meet the criteria yet there’s overlap over overlap over overlap over overlap and if you like maybe put all of the people in your family together into one person while you would most definitely meet a criteria but well you can’t do that. Yeah the first thing you will be asked by a doctor if you suggest a condition that you don’t quite meet the criteria for like you’re missing one or two a disability platform and you say no I don’t have the official diagnosis as well or you just don’t really get very far after that. We all just want to have a diagnosis. Yes. It seems the doctors discomfort with administering a diagnosis always trumps the patient’s discomfort… period. And yes rheumatologist are very comfortable along with other doctors living in the world of a lack of diagnosis it is a very comfortable zone for them yet it doesn’t help the patient at all to not have a fi diagnosis If and when they are working with doctors other than the one that is perfectly willing to treat it as a diagnosis yet won’t give it a diagnosis yeah that’s where the problems come in when you don’t see a diagnosis on the chart and you show up in the emergency room or in another doctors office or in a disability office it just doesn’t work. Just saying. 🤷‍♀️ But meanwhile the patient has spent so much time energy and money all of which they usually have very little resources for trying to get that diagnosis to not have that difficulty in getting treatment and yet they’re just denied access. Listening to an understanding all of the stated reasons of why doesn’t help it doesn’t help at all the patient without a diagnosis. “ it really doesn’t matter what we call a condition”. Yes it does. Because if you’re walking around with all of the symptoms without a diagnosis people start to call you crazy and mental and a hypochondriac in every emergency room and every other room out there it matters

[@claudiarosser8339]

I have been diagnosed with several conditions. I have Epstein Barr, Fibromyalgia, Hypothyroidism. Iritis, osteoarthritis, dry mouth with salvage gland infection that put me in the hospital last January. I am having caps put on do to cavities. My dr. Did a Sjogrens test but came back negative. I am in so much pain. I need to know what to do. I am 64. I n the past I have seen 2 Rhemo. Agree something is there but can't find it. But, after my thyroid is when everything happen. Please help

[@rofiori995]

I have rheumatoid and sjogrens and am also diagnosed with a primary immune deficience specifically: SAD or specific antibody deficiency failing for immunology the pneumonia vaccine challenges and failed subclasses. DMARDS and biologics cause more pneumonias as does every ra drug. Im stuck with svig or ivig plasma monthly. I'm old and I can say with certainty that the rheumatologists don't know a lot about what the immunologist do and the immunologists don't know a lot about what the rheumatologists do. Having to go to both of these specialists is a pain. Integrate of a holistic approach isn't going do anything for bringing up my I g g sub classes. I spent years getting sicker infection wise because of the dmards and biologics and steroids. But I could walk better. Now I have settled for less infections and crappier movement. It does matter what they call an immunological condition

[@pattyschrider1681]

I recently found you and I’m trying to take everything in. I was recently dx. With sjogrens. I’m still looking for a rheumatologist in central Florida. If you can recommend a good rheumatologist please lmk. Next, I’m a bit confused. My optometrist is who actually had me tested and my test came back with 4high positives (I hope I say this correctly) on specific proteins. Now my confusion is I’ve always thought autoimmune diseases were only things like RA, sjogrens, etc. However, I read and hear a lot about IBS, fibromyalgia, lupus, etc. It is rather confusing for me. At this early stage of my dx. It seems like every illness is an autoimmune disease in some ways. Can you or anyone out there who is more knowledgeable than myself please explain to me. At this point, I’m affected in my eyes, mouth, skin (especially my lips), they stay dry no matter what I use and exfoliate. I suspect gut needs attention. I have random purple color spots just appear on places such as inside little finger (3x’s), butt several times, recently right elbow. No idea what it is. Doesn’t hurt. Just shows up. Recently Ion several occasions I have woken up and left side upper back pain. I think I slept wrong but now I’m starting to wonder. Long story short, I’m confused. Will you and can you explain or guide me to a resource where I can read and learn until I find a good and knowledgeable rheumatologist in central Florida. Another one I thought of is rosacea and ocular rosacea. I’m really confused. Residing in my area is a hard place to find the right doctor then when you do you have to wait 3 plus months to get in. I need help. I’m thankful to have found you. You are so good and you explain so well. I also appreciate anyone reading this, if anyone has answers or suggestions lmk. Maybe someone might have some things they do for certain areas. Please!!!! Thank you!❤

[@ladeek35]

Hi Friend, Just a note of encouragement. FYI I’ve been actively seeking treatment for 7 years and for the first time this Fall I finally have a 5 specialty treatment team that I trust. I’ve seen 20+ specialists. My longest wait was 20 months for a Neuro appt. I’m actively going blind, having seizures, and wheelchair bound-last few years have messed me up badly. Friend, please know whatever symptoms or pain you experience and however long you must endure until you find the right treatment team…you can do this friend. Your body may hurt , but your mind is stronger than you may realize. You can get through this uncomfortable and painful time of seeking help. For me I’ve learned to meditate through the pain (since I went so long untreated and NO pain meds ). I imagine “fighting back” every single auto-antibody. Also, I try to sing whenever I am capable (just often too sick). Go within my friend, find your intuition, your strength, your power, until further help arrives. You can do this, I believe you can make it through. You are definitely not alone, many people out here share your experiences.. Wishing you peace.

[@jennifertombaugh1744]

I would love for you to be my doctor.

[@AmazingJellyfish]

That mic was clearly not connected

[@rebmedina2835]

I have all the symptons of MS plus Raynauds and sjogrens yet neuro says it's rheumatoid related yet rheumatologist said it's neuro related. Very fustrating

[@MrBmxer41]

my Drs say its all in my head but my blood says its in my body

[@AndrejIzAwesome]

How is rhupus an overlap with a little bit if this and a little bit of that when it literally has everything from rheumatoid arthritis lol

[@dprince5271]

I highly recommend Dr. Osaka on KZbin channel, who helped me in getting rid of my Sle Lupus disease, It Amazing seeing myself free from the deadly diseases with the help of Dr. Osaka, I'm forever grateful Doctor.