a quick question Lupus?

Is anyone here familiar with anyone on tx developing LUPUS? I am curious.thanks :)shelly

[DoubleDose]

It can happen, and a certain number of those treating either develop Lupus during tx, or shortly after.  Many treaters develop an 'autoimmune' syndrome similar to Lupus, but not exactly Lupus.   Rheumatologists are becoming familiar with this post-tx entity.  I have it to a pretty major extent.  To me it feels like Lupus, and has many of the classic signs...just maybe a little milder.  I have become sun-sensitive, I get a malar rash when stressed, or very tired, or physically overworked, or in the sun for too long, etc.  I have the joint problems on a cyclical basis, strange neuritis-like symptoms, rashes, and frequently a profound physical form of deep fatigue.  My lungs are often inflamed, and seem to burn, blood pressure has risen, and I do not rebound well at all from any over-exertion.  All this, and over three years SVR.  I also get frequent costochondritis, rib pains that are often associated with autoimmune disease.  Did I mention the Sjogren's Syndrome-like symproms?  Oh yes, that too.....dry eyes, enlarged parotid glands, mucous membrane irritations, dry skin...and on and on.  

Well, at least I am SVR.  Now, with a quarter I can get a cup of coffee.  Make that three dollars!

DoubleDose

PS  Why do you ask?  Are you having sx?  Are you finished tx?  SVR?  Your profile?

DD

[stangshelly]

I have been having alot of the skin irritations and a newer symptom of joint pain ,really painful, in both index fingers,feels like rhuematiod arthritis swollen etc. I had a friend who suffered from lupus. I do get the rashes worse upon exertion, stress. I am starting week 50/72 and hanging in. Cleared at week 24 with a significant drop at week 12. INITIALLY vl 6.6 million copies geno 1a, grade 2 stage 2 with a small mass in llower lobe. I suffered from extreme fatigue in beginning,then found that my thyroid was way hypo 74 tsh. I am now down to 7 tsh and get another lab on monday. I do have upper respitory infection currently and have been really tired again.
Does this go away after tx is finished? I am going to mention this new side to my spec on monday. I want him to see my rash esp on my face as it is really bad. esp around the eyes,cheeks,chin...as well as legs,back,arms,and almost everywhere. I hope its due to riba and not underlying autoimmune. I guess majoring in nursing makes me kind of hypochondriac, and I should know better since I minored in psychiatry..lol...thanks :)shelly