New symptoms/lupus?

[zenobia]

I am a 30y-old woman, and I have been having strange symptoms for 4 years, starting with a tingling, itching sensation all over the right side of my body.  An itch, which increases when pressure is applied, runs straight from the base of my skull to my hip, just right of my spinal column.  I also have decreased/altered sensation, again on the right side, including scalp, face, arm, neck, lower back, leg, breast and genitals.  The left side is normal.  MS/brain tumors have been effectively ruled out with MRIs and EPTs (vis/aud), as have Lyme's, stroke, and all blood tests have been normal (although I don't know what was tested for).  I have been doing quite well with these symptoms, but have begun to get worried again.  Last week, I felt a strong pressure in the right side of my head, like fluid moving behind (not in) my right nasal cavity, and an itcy sensation running in a line from my nose to a point on the right side of the back of my skull.  This lasted off and on for about 4 days.  Also, I have just developed rosacea and have occassional random red patches on my face that are flaky the day after they appear (separate from the rosacea). Today, they are symmetrical, with small (quarter-sized) patches high on my cheek bones and the sides of my nose and chin.  Because of the redness, I want to talk to my doctor about the possibility of lupus, but I don't have any of the most commonly known symptoms.  Is it possible that the ones I have are related to lupus?  Should I bring this with him? I would appreciate any comments.  Thanks.

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

Glad your neuro workup has been normal thus far. As you are a young woman with an odd rash,a form of lupus could certainly be a possibility. Joint pain, muscle ache, and general fatigue usually accompany the typical case, but there are some manifestations that are limited to skin. Other possibilities include herpetic infections like shingles that stop right at the midline of the body and face. Talk to your doc about these concerns. Lupus can be evaluated with blood tests and clinical exam. Best of luck.

[ILyankee]

Another possiblity could be anti-cardiolipid antibodies (or your blood is too thick). I have been diagnosed with this for 10 years (after a stroke at age 31). These antibodies are often seen in Lupus patients but you can have it and not have Lupus. I've tested neg for Lupus twice. Coumadin therapy helped me.

[keystone531]

my son  has so many of the symptoms all of you had, R/O everything from lupus to MS, MRI's done and several days of the last few years admitted to the hospital.
I suggested Lyme to our doctor and he said NO" you dont live in the area! we were campers in Northern Michigan 10 years.
He still insisted the answer was no.
Upon my son's 5 hospital say in 3 years and never any answeres only sorrys were dont know were given. His lab work was always increased when shouldnt be or decreased in an area that shouldnt be. Weight loss, CNS problems, fatigue, Pain, presure in head, small TIA's on and on.
I took him to a lyme specialist without the referal!!!!
After a DIAGNOSIS of LYME and 6 months of antibiotcs my son is getting better, hasent been in the hospital since, many symptoms are going away and he is starting to recover.
Lyme will most likley be ever present but not taking over his life as it one did.
Dont let anyone tell  you just because the testing may not come back postitive you dont have this. It is also is diagnosed by symptoms and history.
Lyme can be treated and dormat for a period with treatment, it can also reapear after years of no symptoms.
You DO NOT have to have the rash to have contracted Lyme.
If your told this find another doctor because this one  is not experienced with lyme as he might like to think.
If a doctor tells you never you should find another anyway.
If you feel  you have unelplained symptoms and want to be tested Please see a lyme specialist.
Look to the Lyme net.com for a Real Referal.

Good luck.