Quote:
Originally Posted by mskari85
I am hoping somebody can explain HOW an autoimmune disease causes peripheral neuropathy?
I was recently diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis by a positive rheumatoid factor and a positive anti-ccp. My ANA was negative and all other autoimmune tests were negative.
I have scoured the internet and this forum and I still do not understand how the two are connected? Is my immune system literally attacking my nerves? Is the inflammation causing the PN? What can I do about it or is there nothing that can be done? I am now taking methotrexate. Will treating the RA help the PN?
I feel so lost because I just don't understand what is happening to me and now my hands, in addition to my feet, are experiencing progressing PN. I don't understand my disease or what my future holds for me. I feel so hopeless.
Can somebody please explain?
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Hi there,
So sorry you have had to join us as a result of your health problems. There are a few of us on here in the same situation. I have ankylosing spondylitis - an autoimmune rheumatic disease and more recently developed full body ( non length dependant) neuropathy. After so many appointments, it's still not entirely clear how this is happening and what the connection is. The inflammation from the RA could indeed be responsible but it may be a separate disease in its own right via a separate autoimmune mechanism. It's all so complicated. Controlling the RA may help but there's chance it won't. Often times a process is underway which may not be linked to the original autoimmune. I've spent two years trying to get a definitive answer on it but no neurologist or rheumatologist has been able to give me this.
Have you had the nerve tests? Emg, nerve conduction? Skin biopsy?
Have you tried steroids since this started?