I recently heard back from my physician who ran a rheumatoid panel and found that I was positive for the rheumatoid factor and ANA. Again, I have never felt any joint stiffness or pain. I've never had any skin problems or unexplained rashes. The muscles weakness that I have been feeling seems to have gotten worse. In that, my muscles tire faster and don't seem to recuperate as quickly. Before, I was able to get up and get ready fairly easy in the mornings. During the course of the day my muscles would get more exhausted, but now, the weakness seems to start from the time I get up to the time I go to bed. Maybe it is Lupus, but I was curious what the possibilities are considering the positive RF and ANA.
My new primary care doctor has been wonderful and has really analyzed my medical history and lab work. A neurologist who I'd seen last year, against the advice of my ENT, did not check towards any of the muscular dystrophies or myasthenia gravis. He did some basic blood work and sent me away telling me to consult with my primary to see where they send me. He really hurt my feelings when he told me "To be honest, your endurance level *****"....I told him that is funny because I've been fairly athletic my whole life and am a full time student and work full time as well. However, since the muscle weakness began, it has made simple tasks very difficult. Thank you for your response, I appreciate it very much. :)
I am sorry to hear that you are facing so many problems. Muscle weakness can be true type as seen in muscular dystrophy, inflammatory myopathy, or neuro-muscular myopathy (myasthenia gravis). It can also be a perceived muscular weakness as seen in chronic fatigue syndrome. Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, lupus, and Lymes can also cause muscle weakness. Please discuss with your doctor. Take care!
The medical advice given should not be considered a substitute for medical care provided by a doctor who can examine you. The advice may not be completely correct for you as the doctor cannot examine you and does not know your complete medical history. Hence this reply to your post should only be considered as a guiding line and you must consult your doctor at the earliest for your medical problem.