Lupus or Something else?

See the doctor!!!!

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

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.

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!

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

Thanks,

KPB

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

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! )

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!

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

Practice, indeed!