Loth,
Thanks for that. As soon as my dr mentioned rheumatic activity and connective tissue disorder, I did my research. I'm 99% sure I've looked into all of the various conditions in those categories. The one you posted is found almost exclusively in people over 70 and involves solely the muscles, while I have a lot of joint issues.
I know what I *think* I have based on my research, symptoms, progression, etc., but I'll have to wait to see what the doctor says. I think I have Ankylosing Spondylitis...I think I spelled that right. It fits me almost to a T. But, we'll have to wait for all the tests and go from there.
I mean...I am occasionally wrong. :wink: :rofl:
The good news (I think) is that my cardiologist agrees with my doctor that a connective tissue disorder could have lead to my heart disease. He said it would be unusual; normally they see heart valve issues or inflammation of the sac surrounding the heart with those conditions. However, he said it's unusual for someone my age to have advanced atherosclerosis (sp?) without any real risk factors so he definitely thinks it's a possibility. IOW, it can happen. It's just not the normal way. Hell, I never do anything the normal way. Why should this be any different? :smile: