Should I be tested for lupus?

Could I have lupus? I have had extreme (and I mean EXTREME) fatigue, muscle & joint pain, difficulty concentrating, a sensitivity to cold for the last five months, and a recurring itchy bumpy rash on my inner arms and chest area...had pluresy w/chest pains about a yr ago. I have been diagnosed with iron deficiency anemia, but have been given iron dextran injections for 5 weeks that have brought all my "numbers" back to normal...but still with the pain and fatigue...  

[oona]

Really hope you're feeling better soon!

Yes, your symptoms could be autoimmune related, but they don't have to be (try not to worry because it can make you feel worse).

Ask your doctor for an ANA test: http://www.labtestsonline.org/understanding/analytes/ana/test.html

When it comes to AI diseases,Lupus or otherwise, they can take some time to diagnose and it's not a death sentence, but best to insist that you check it as an option if you feel like you're not getting the answers you need or the proper treatment.

I really hope you're able to get some answers about what's happening soon. Maybe you'll find that it just takes you a little longer to heal from the process you're going through now, but what not check the ANA while you're not feeling so hot.

All best!