Lupus or Something else?

unknown99, BSN, RN · Aug 10, 2004

See the doctor!!!!

Sounds to me like a streptococcal infection of some kind, but, of course, I'm not the doctor.

jaimealmostRN · Aug 10, 2004

Hi, I'm just checking my lab book "laboratory tests and diagnostic proceedures" 3rd ed. and it says that, "if positive results are obtained, the anti-DNA test should be performed to aid differentaiation of SLE." There are also a lot of other reasons this test can be pos. besides lupus so definatly do a follow up with your doctor.

jaimealmostRN · Aug 10, 2004

Dermatopolymyositis

A subacute or chronic inflammatory disease of muscle and skin, marked by proximal muscle weakness and a characteristic skin rash. The illness occurs with approximately equal frequency in children and adults. The skin lesions usually take the form of a purplish rash (or less often an exfoliative dermatitis) involving the nose, cheeks, forehead, upper trunk, and arms. The disease is associated with a complement mediated intramuscular microangiopathy, leading to loss of capillaries, muscle ischemia, muscle-fiber necrosis, and perifascicular atrophy. The childhood form of this disease tends to evolve into a systemic vasculitis. Dermatomyositis may occur in association with malignant neoplasms. (From Adams et al., Principles of Neurology, 6th ed, pp1405-6)

Is was another possibility listed under pos ANA. Not trying to be scary I swear! But I just thought this was interesting!

NurseKelly03 · Aug 11, 2004

Thanks for the replies, ya'll. If anyone else has any info let me know.

Thanks,

KPB

zacarias, ASN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

So the ANA was drawn back in November? Did you start the 3-11 shift after this? If you're having fatigue and joint pain, I would go back to the doc and he might draw another ANA. If it's gone up, an anti-DNA/complement test might be in order like jaime mentioned. Lupus is a disorder that's hard to diagnose but the least you can do is go to the doc. Let us know what happens.

nursemary9, BSN, RN · Aug 11, 2004

Hi

I don't know much about Lupus,but with your symptoms, you really need to see a doctor!! There are many things it could be, but you won't know unless they do some tests!

Mary Ann

Farkinott, RN · Aug 11, 2004

Here's an interesting sit regarding lupus (sle). I reckon you are best off to get medical investigation though.

http://www.uklupus.co.uk/

madams73 · Aug 17, 2004

I too have had run ins with lupus-I recently have had some problems, but no rash. My ANA came back positive. Lupus is a weird one, it is hard to diagnose sometimes because of the varied symptoms. My doctors still don't know exactly what I have but say I do have Sjorgens. I get allot of pain in my joints, legs and arms. I have started walking everyday-and since then I have not had to take any pain mediation. I actually feel 100% better.

Help....
Back in November I had this butterfly looking rash over around my nose. I finally went to the doc and he drew an ANA. He told me it was borderline positive. He told me to use OTC cortisone cream. Now, I'm working a 3-11 shift and when I get home I'll stay up for an hour or two and then go to bed. But I'll sleep until it's time to get up and get ready for work. If I don't get that much sleep I feel horrible. Also having trouble with one of my hips hurting a lot this past week.
Ok so there's my story. I'm wondering if this something I need to see the doc about or not? I don't want to look stupid for going to the doc for being tired.
Also I have been having a lot of boils and little pimples all over my body.

Malon · Sep 12, 2007

Hi Nurse Kelly-

I have been on treatment for Lupus and erosive osteoarthritis in my fingers and toes for about 15 years. I take Plaquenil, Methotrexate and until recently, I took Prednisone. Recently I saw a new Rheumatologist who did extensive testing, and guess what? She told me there is no sign of Lupus in my blood at this time. She said I am in drug-induced remission! She took me off the Prednisone. She said as long as I keep taking my medicine, it may never come back. Of course, the Osteoarthritis is severe, so I still have to deal with it. I am only able to work part-time, and I had to get a less strenuous job. I was in management for many years, and the stress kept me sick. I just wanted to tell you that you may feel better someday. I certainly hope so. God Bless. :lol2:

nerdse, MSN · Sep 30, 2008

the docs said i had lupus, then no, RA when the ANA went to nl, then yes, lupus even w/o the positive ANA b/c not every1 has a pos ANA, then no, RA, b/c ANA is neg, then yes, possibly lupus d/t borderline ANA...now finally it's fibro, but i still get butterfly rashes when i don't feel good n sometimes, as weird and 'my teeth itch' as it sounds, when the irritable bowel acts up i can feel every inch of my gi tract. if i m out in the sun i hurt like @##$$@!! - even my skin hurts w/ touch, or clothing, or air currents (rules out nudity, b gr8ful 4 that! :lol2: )

i remember my GM saying they call it the practice of medicine b/c they haven't got it right yet, they're still practicing! :uhoh3:

n on the fibro board there is some1 who was misdx w/ fibro n has Chiari 1 malformation!

Practice, indeed!