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I don't even know if this is an autoimmune disorder.  I have alopecia areata, a positive ana test, fibromyalgia, bipolar, chronic headaches, restless leg syndrome,weight gain, anxiety, fatigue, TMJ, IBS, Insomnia, edema, epilepsy, memory problems and the only thing in my family's history that I can think of is hypothyroidism, heart problems, and diabetes also Chronic Fatigue Disorder. What could be the cause of all this? Especially the alopecia areata, positive ana test, weight gain and edema.  My doc hasn't figured it out yet.  The alopecia is a new one.  Going to appt. tomorrow.
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1567353 tn?1358876855
I know. I've had so many tests as well, still waiting to find out if there's anything wrong with me.
I'm sorry. :(
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Avatar universal
have you ever considered being tested for celiac disease?  i have 3 children with celiac and 5 other children, my husband, and myself all test positive for one of teh major celiac genes---which means anyone of us could get it at any time.  i don't know why the disease activated in just 3 of my children---but i know it can cause a huge range of symptoms and that alot of people have been diagnosed with numerous other things before they finally figurea out they had celiac.  all 3 of my girls had different symptoms----one of them didn't even have any obvious symptoms except that she looked like an ethiopian child.   but you don't have to be thin to have CD like they used to think.  the only celiac i knew before my kids were diagnosed was overweight.
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Avatar universal
I also was thinking lupus.  Was the doctor you saw a rheumatologist?  If not, you may want to consider going to one - they are much more knowledgeable about all auto immune disorders and would be more likely to be able to determine if this is all related to auto immune or not.

While you've already had a positive ana, I would also suggest that if you're able to get into see a rheumy, be sure to spend some time in the sun prior to your appointment (the day before AND right before appt time) - quite often, being in the sun will cause the lupus levels to rise and therefore, if the doc does another blood test, your levels may show up higher (and therefore they may take a more serious look at them).

Best of luck and please keep us posted on how you're doing.  Oh, I also suggest taking a look at your meds and maybe asking your pharmacist if any of them (or the combination of them) could possibly be causing some of your symptoms.
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Avatar universal
Thanks for the advice.  He said the alopecia areata was due to stress and anxiety.  But I don't think he even considered the ana positive test.  I don't know.  It's so frustrating.  He did bloodwork for anemia and thyroid problems.  I haven't gotten back results yet.  
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1567353 tn?1358876855
Talk to your doctor about lupus, it's possible that it could be that. But the problem with lupus is that it could take SEVERAL tests to diagnose. Sometimes it shows up, other times it doesn't.
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