Possible mis-diagnosis

[thiggy]

First let me say I have complete faith in my neurologist.I am a 51 yr old female dx with MS almost 1 yr ago. Symptoms have always been "tingly" in nature, involving L'hermittes and strength loss in rt. hand. I have a single lesion on the corpus callasum a lesion at c5/6. Flunked with spinal tap with 3 (rings ...whatever that is!) Take betaseron at his recommendation and I am told I have "mild ms."People would NEVER know I have a disease as I am normally very active. However,  I have recently noticed that my joint aching is increasing, have sores on the roof of my mouth, a red nose/face that make up won't help and am generally exhausted. I live in a small community and my doc is an hour away. Haven't presented to him with these new things. Could I have lupus instead of MS? Is it possible to have both?

[LauraJeaner]

hi i am almost 30 and have had MS for about 8 years. I am currently Secondary - Progressive, getting worse, so i hope my non-acreditted education can help someone!
my question to you is... do you take steroids for helping with the MS symptoms?
I know myself, when I have had to use steroids for a long time, or in large doses, I have some of the other symptoms you are discribing as well.
I was told my mouth sores were a type of yeast infection, common with the steroids.
And joint pain can also be a cause of steroid use, I have already had knee surgery, and now possibly a hip replacement.
Just an idea, and hope you haven't needed steroids that much!!
good luck, and harass your doctor.Not being diagnosed with MS until it was 4 years after I first said anything, now it's too late to keep myself well enough - I have learned to push a little more than expected.

[CCF-Neuro-M.D.-CS]

Lupus and MS can look exactly the same during the initial presentation in some patients. I agree with you that your new symptoms would suggest more of a systemic process such as lupus. The MRI and CSF findings can be seen in lupus. It is unlikely that you have both disorders since one could explain all of your symptoms. I would recommend you informing your neurologist about the new symptoms, and have this all re-evaluated. Then if you are not satisfied with that seek a second opinion at an academic center. Good luck.