Possible Lupus

[Compulibrarian]

Hi  I'm a 43 year old female and I've been sick off and on for about a year.   It started with SEVERE joint pain on both sides this lasted for about a week.   They tested me for arthritis and lupus and MS ( bloodwork only) THey decided that I had a viral infection.  About a month after that I developed numbness and weakness on my left side. I was referred to a neurologist because my Brain MRI presented with two T2 hyperintensities in the parietal lobe.  Also a venous angioma and some spinal fluid and scar tissue. I had an LP and a ton of bloodwork which the ANA  Sed rate came back elevated but not elevated enough for a definite diagnosis. My BUN rate also came back abnormal but again not abnormal enough for concern.   I was referred to an opthamologist and told I had Trigeminal Neurolgia. I also had to have my gall bladder removed and developed an H Pylori infection.
Here's my question.   I know tanning booths are bad but when I and I have stopped them but the last few times I entered them I ended up with hives. Also I have developed Adult Acne which I have never had a problem before. I was diagnosed with possible MS, or complicated migraines, also BFS because of muscle spasms.  My question is could this   possibly be Lupus?  I often have stroke like symptoms which include bad headaches and numbness and do you think I should seek the help of a rhemuatologist.  My neurologist said I definietly have something its not bad enough for him to figure out what it is.   Do you think a second opinion or a rheumotologist is in order could this be Lupus Thank you for your help

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Lupus has a variety of symptoms, and may be possible if the diagnosis continues to be inconclusive.

Normally, several of the following symptoms are present:
    * Unexplained nonspecific symptoms such as fever, fatigue, weight loss, or anemia.
    * Photosensitive rash
    * Arthralgia or arthritis
    * Raynaud phenomenon
    * Serositis (pleuritis, pericarditis, peritonitis)
    * Nephritis or nephrotic syndrome
    * Neurologic symptoms such as seizures or psychosis
    * Alopecia
    * Phlebitis
    * Recurrent abortion

Further ANA testing, including antiphospholipid antibodies, antibodies to double stranded DNA and anti Smith (Sm) antibodies can also be done as well if lupus continues to be suspected.  

I agree with a rheumatology evaluation.  These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[kaydiane]

My mum has Lupus SLE and her early syptoms (symptoms)(before she knew she had it were - sensitivity to sun(a rash) A huge reaction to mosquito bites, red patches on her face. This developed into severe pain in joints, feet etc plus many many more symptoms. I hope you get a diagnosis.

[Elayna]

A related discussion, Possible Lupus. was started.