Should I have this checked out?

[Lauri8967]

Hi.  I am 41 yr old female who is being treated for SLE (lupus).  I am currently on 15mg prednisone daily (down from 20mg) and inbetween this time I began to feel really lousy - no appetite, horrible, drenching night sweats (particularly my head would be soaked), crazy itching on my legs and feet - really deep, like cannot get at the itch, low grade fevers.  Because my doc thought I was in a flare, she put me on a 40mg taper.  I still felt sick and then noticed that my lymph nodes were really swollen in my groing.  They did not hurt.  I am now back on 15 mg., but am still suffering the symptoms (I forgot to mention CRAZY fatigue, and really really weak - for weeks now).  Today I noticed a swelling in my right armpit, the same side as the groin swelling.
The only other symptoms IVe had that Im not sure is even related is a really full-feeling belly, that has really bad pain that comes in waves.  I have no digestive problems.  Oh yeah, one more symptom - really bad swelling in eyes and ankles/legs/feet.
Now, I know some of this could be caused by lupus or prednisone - but this doesnt feel like my normal lupus.  I just feel like something else is going on...
Should I see the doctor about it?  I know my lupus doc (rheumie) wont even pay attention.  If its not clearly related to my lupus, then he shuts off.  I am supposed to be starting Imuran soon as well (immunosuppressnat) and that scares me - especially if my immune system (or lack thereof) is not working well already.
Dont knowif it matters, but my last blood work  (last week) showed elevated white count (has been for 6 months), low RBC, low HGB, low HCT, high sed rate and high CRP.  Dont know if this matters , but i thougt Id put it in anyway.

I woudl be so grateful for any advice you could give me.  I have to see the doc this week anyhow, and I jsut want to know if I should bother even mentioning it.
Thanks for any help ou can give me!
Lauri

[Teezie]

Hello Lauri, how are you feeling? Had my surgery last week and am busy ringing my bell and keeping all on their toes, LOL !!! I am very, very sore and trying to keep emotionally calm while i wait for my results, the wait is the hardest. As i was coming out of the anesthetic, the nurse at the side of my bed was flicking through my surgical notes and i noticed that some abnormal bloods had been noted, tho i cant remember the values ( i was dopey!! ) it commented that my RBC was low, my MCH was low and that my MCV was high. I can only assume that it indicates anemia?? I have been feeling very tired, dizzy and lots of headaches and i think that those symptoms fit, tho no-one has confirmed or mentioned the possibility of anemia to me. I am assuming that you have had your app wth the GP, what was the outcome? I think that your rheumie is being a little irresponsible by not listening or investigating your new symptoms. My lupus specialist is a dermatologist who has particular knowledge and expertise in auto immune diseases and to be honest, i thank God for leading me to him, i trust him completely. I think that when you have a chronic illness like we peas have, that relationship is priceless. Please keep updating your progress, i will be thinking about you and take care

Teresa x

[Lauri8967]

OMG - Thank you so much!!  Wow - we do have a lot on common!!  The groin nodule is really swollen and hard as well (has never been like that before) and my armpit on the right side is really swollen, but not hard.  There are hard nodes under the swelling though.  I called my GP yesterday and she's out until Wed.  My rheumie doenst really pay attn to anything that doesnt have to do with joints (kind of indifferent, you know?)
Well, today is Tuesday, so you are having surgery today...Good luck, and when you feel up to it, please let me know how you make out...I will kee yo uin my prayers
Lauri

[Teezie]

Hello, 2 peas in a pod we are! I also have SLE and am currently on a 10mg maintenance course of steroids ( prednisolone ). I saw surgeons on friday due to a 3cm by 3cm swollen lymph node in my groin, i am scheduled for surgery tuesday. I also have multiple swellings in nearly all the areas you can get them, but these are  not big enough for biopsy. Things are being rushed through because my groin node is growing, it is quite hard and i have been advised by my hematologist that SLE and the medication i am on, does put you at a higher risk of developing certain other things. I have similar symptoms to you but SLE symptoms can mimic other illnesses. As you have developed new symptoms i would strongly advise you to see the doctor, write everything down and good luck x