How did you discover you had Lupus

Hi all,

I do not know if I have Lupus. I have been researching all kinds of diseases trying to figure out what is going on with myself. From my research, it seems that lupus is very hard to diagnose. Would anyone mind sharing how they received their diagnoses and what the first signs were?

Your response is greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Stacie

[karajo]

I know with each person the dx process is different.  I know I knew and my GP knew before a dx was made.  For me it was a series of putting together little puzzle pieces.  Because the symptoms would come and go and were usually not at the same time, then I would have a day when I felt pretty good.  

But I had fatigue, joint pain (all over my body), malar rash when exposed by sun, swollen joints, diarrhea, headaches, oral ulcers, chest pain, shortness of breath, blood in urine, protein in urine, red and inflammed eyes, nausea, tachycardia, low grade fever, flank pain (don't know if this is lupus relatd), elevated ANA (1:2,560).  These are the ones that come to mind.  I've been on Palquinel since July '08. What a difference that has made!

[slangley77]

Thanks so much for your response. Wow.. you have been through a lot. I am so sorry. At least you got a diagnoses and know could get help. I am glad the Palquinel has helped you. As for me, my doctor of internal medicine just keeps shoving pills down my throat for every symptom so I am now taking things in my own hands and will get this all figured out one way or another.

Thanks again for the response,

Stacie

[karajo]

Hi Stacie,

So sorry for the delay.  Took kids to church camp...gone for a week, then got ready for company, etc.  Been too busy, to say the least.

What kind of symptoms are you having?