Could it be lupus, or MS and lupus?

Hi, I've mostly been on the MS forum during my many months of searching for a diagnosis.  I've had a weakly positive ANA (1:40) three different times, pattern speckled and homogenous.  Most recent testing included ENA, which was all negative.  I think the pattern of the essentialy negative ANA is now just homogenous.  I've had an LP, many blood tests, an EEG, complete neuro-ophthalmological workup, etc.

I recently had 3T MRIs of my brain, C and T spine.  My brain lesions are impressive.  The neuro-radiologist's report mentions linear multi-segment lesions in the C spine, and at least one linear lesion in the T spine, same as  in prior reports.  They weren't noted my my previous 1.5 MRI.  The radiologist that read the brain portion said in her IMPRESSION:

"The differential is unchanged and includes demelination and small vessel ischemia.  The distribution is somewhat atypical for multiple sclerosis but could include lupus and other autoimmune phenomena."

Anyway, my question is really about the rash I've been getting on my forearm; I had an occurence in December of '08, and again in the first part of June this year.  It's a raised rash, burns slightly, no itch.  I tried cortisone lotion on it, and that burned.  It resolved on its own after a few days, first calming to a flat but red area, then disappearing.  There seems to be a difference of the skin in that area, almost like a scar.

I posted a picture of my rash in December on my home page; it's on page 4 of my pictures (I post lots of fun stuff, too!)

If someone has the time to take a look or just give an opinion on what I've written, I'd really appreciate it.  I'm experiencing fatigue so my lupus research has been limited, especially since my ANA was so low.  I've found that a low ANA doesn't always mean you don't have something!

Any comments would be much appreciated!

Kathy

[luppygirl]

I am not a doctor but I do know you can have many autoimmune diseases at the same time.  So don't rule anything out

[Fluffysmom]

Thanks for your response.

I see my rheumatologist on July 6 to go over my mostly negative test results.  My CRP and sed rate were elevated.  I cancelled the appt., since I didn't want to pay to hear the test results that I had already received.  I got a call from his office saying that I had abnormal test results and that I needed to be seen, and should be seen by my neurologist and neuro-opthlamologist, too.

My neurologist (MS specialist) discharged me as a patient, mainly because I started to question her.  She was sure I had small vessel ischemic disease, and nothing would change her mind; not a note from my cardiologist letting her know her theory was wrong, not the new MRIs that show lesions that aren't typical for SVID, not the symptoms that she ignored, didn't record when they were flared up, ignored my letter questioning why her chart notes didn't reflect my symptoms during the flare.

I did get an appt. with a new MS specialist that is known to diagnose people with atypical presentations.  Between him and the rheumatologist, I'm hoping that we can figure out what all is causing my issues.  

My life has gotten more difficult since February of '08, and a proper diagnosis or two would be helpful in treating the symptoms and trying to prevent further damage.

With an odd rash like I've gotten, would people recommmend trying to see a doctor to have it evaluated?  My PCP is great, and would gladly culture it or whatever it takes, since it's more difficult to get in to see a neuro or rheumy on short notice.

Thanks again for reading my post and responding!

Ktahy

[wadeheather]

Hi.  I've seen you on the MS forum as well, as I am looking for answers too. I recently developed a rash on my face.  It is not raised except for a few spots on my hairline. Mostly it looks like a classic malar rash or like I have a sunburn that never goes away.  The dermatologist told me it is rosacea, but with all my neurological symptoms I question it.  But what do I know, I'm just a patient.  Anyway, I would recommend seeing a dermatologist. It may help with the rash anyway.
Heather

[Fluffysmom]

My rash was short lived both times that it appeared, it was gone within a few days.  Definitely too quickly to get in to see a dermatologist, especially since I don't have a regular one.

I think I'll print out the picture of my rash and take it to my rheumy appt., just in case he has any ideas about it.  It's not the best picture; I took it with my cell phone camera.

I do seem to be getting more rashes; even my left ear gets kind of scaly.  I suppose that if we can have more than one autoimmune disease , we can still have dermatalogical problems, or allergy problems (I've been giving myself shots for three years; I better not be getting more allergies!), orthopedic problems, etc.

A single diagnosis would be too easy, lol!  :o)

Kathy

[wadeheather]

And boring!

Well, if you find anything out let me know. I'm in limbo land like many others and quite frankly tired of feeling like ****!

[TrudieC]

I've been very itchy on my arms and across my shoulders and largely because of the overabundance of freckles I have I never really looked but especially since I have scratched the little bumps there I do have a rash that looks much like your picture.  My doctor feels I have Lupus &/or RA.

[Fluffysmom]

wadeheather, TrudieC, I thought I had this on my watch list, but just wandered over and found your replies without having any notification.

I'll definitely post if I get any answers!

Trudie, thanks for taking the time to look at my picture.  I've got freckles, too, and some little old scars from playing in campfires when I was young, so I don't notice anything until it really stands out.

I'm so tired today, I don't even know why I'm on the computer.  later....

[steph_x0x]

I took a second to go look at these rashes you were talking about.. I have an almost identical looking one on my left thigh. Mine has been there for a few months though.. I can understand and relate to your frustration.. I myself am trying to look for a diagnosis as well. I hope you get some answers quickly!

I will post a picture of my rash as well on my page, they look almost identical.

[wadeheather]

I have freckles too...In fact when I was younger I was convinced someday they would all grow together.  No luck yet..You?

[Fluffysmom]

They do look a lot alike.  I used a lotion on mine that had clotrimazole and mellaleuca oil in it, and it seemed to calm down and go away faster.  Clotrimazole is an anti-fungal medicine.

I don't know if it really helped, of if my rash was just done for that period of time.  It might be worth a try if you have some around, or can find some inexpensive stuff.

Good luck with your answers, too.

Kathy

[Fluffysmom]

One of my best friend's mom told me when I was young that she didn't have a tan; that her freckles had all grown together.  I waited for it to happen with mine; no luck here, either.  :o)

Kathy

[TrudieC]

Nope, no perma tan here - pale as a baby's butt - plus freckles...