Hello
I would be rather surprised if you don't get a diagnosis of autoimmune connective tissue disease whatever it might be called, although the specialist might want to conduct further tests before formalising the diagnosis and starting treatment. That's especially if all the antibody tests haven't yet been done and often they prefer to re-run the lot anyway.
As you may know, CREST is simply the acronym given to a particular constellation of symptoms: calcinosis, Raynaud's esophagal dysfunction, sclerodactyly and telangiectasia. The term isn't used so much these days for some reason, perhaps because it is not viewed as a separate entity in any useful sense. Manhy cases of CTD are not typical and the symptoms don't fit neatly into the little boxes labelled 'diagnosis'
You apparently do have two of the 5 items, the 'R' and the' E'.
If the supposed rosacea hasn't responded to treatment, that suggests it isn't rosacea. It's not quite clear from the photos if the naso labial folds are affected. If not, that would support a STD link because those are areas relatively protected from the sun. Same with those folds running down either side of the mouth. A biopsy can be ordered if there is any doubt.
It would be some coincidence if you turn out to have a similar sort of disease to your mother-in-law! I hope you and your husband realise that each case is different with people being differently affected both as to symptoms and severity and disease not necessarily progressing. So much depends on getting speedy, effective treatment and pure luck. Ask about pain relief even if the doc wants to wait to prescribe disease modifying drugs. A short course of Prednisone can help through the initial period or longer until other meds start taking effect. Emphasise how your daily life is being affected by giving practical examples.
Bye for now and good luck !
Clare
