Sarcoidosis

[livingwith]

I had a cough for the past few years, but the cough really seemed to get worse evertime I was pregnant. After my third son was born my cough never went away and the mucus became a lot worse. My doctor sent me to get a x-ray, which came back showing abnormalalities in my lungs.
I then was sent to get an ct-scan and have a bioscopy done, which confrimed the dioagnoses. I still giong through nurmous testing. I feel like crap all the time, depressed,angry, I get these rashes on my face, cramps in m...Read the full article

[andrice]

Hi Mataya
I have read your post. I am sorry that you are experiencing this at such a young age! I have been having some similiar symptoms. All since the birth of my third son. I had evidence of granulomas on a recent CT scan and I am awaiting an appointment with a rheumatologist. I too am a Black woman. I am 30 soon to be 31. I too often feel HORRIBLE and fearful of the prospect of a chronic disease. I am not sure that I have Sarcoidosis. I am, however, very concerned that there is something serious going on. I often have the same fears that you have discussed, I question whether I will make it but never mind me...I don't have a formal diagnosis yet.

I wanted to share some info with you. There are options for treatment with this disease. Steroids are frequently used..sparingly though. Also, symptoms often resolve to improve within three years. The disease can become chronic, but it sounds like to this point you have only had lung and skin involvement. Hopefully that will be it, and soon improve. Think positively, please, for you and your family. Antiinflammatory medicine like Ibuprofen may help with the intensity of the muscle and joint pain. Look up as much info regarding this disease as possible. If you can't find alot look to large research centers that are located in large URBAN areas like Detroit, New Orlean, New York. I am a Medical Practitioner in Michigan. I trained in Detroit. About five years ago Karmanos Cancer Institute (in Detroit)was starting some studies with Sarcoidosis. Some studies regarding affected patients and their siblings. Wayne State University is in Detroit, Meharry Medical school is in Tennesee, Howard University Medical School is in Washington DC as is John Hopkins University..these are large hubs where studies and progressive treatment options ESPECIALLY FOR FOLKS LIKE US MAY BE AVAILABLE! Get a good internist and good rheumatologist to follow with you locally, but don't give up! I know that Bernie Mack has this disease and has had it for OVER 20 years! It is my understanding that only recently has it recurred and been more severe. He's obviously accomplished alot in his life and has even seen his daughter become a physician in the time since his diagnosis. Good Luck in the future..I'll pray for you. Please pray for me too!