Pain and Heat..oh my

I have been diagnosed with SLE about 15 years ago. I have an elevated ana of 600plus. to 1. my doc at that time went over all my problems: pain, pins and needles in my legs and arms, severe shoulder pain at times, severe weakness and fatigue, inability to be in the heat or sun.  About 4 years ago I started having seizures, esp. at night. and now my body feels like it's burning up at times. I sleep at night with a fan blowing and no heat in my roon..it's 30 degrees outside. I also had lumbar fusion about 1 year ago of the L5,L4,S1. still having pain. went to my neurologist and he says " oh your addicted to pain meds leave" .  I try my best to not take anything, but the pain is too great. I was asking him to help me with a diagnosis which might go with my symptoms. In the things I have read my symptoms all sound like I have Multiple sclerosis, but this man said " I would need to do many tests on you to prove that and.," well you see I lost my health insurance, which I had the last time I had seen him. So, all that would cost money, which I don't have.  I am falling apart and while waiting on my Medicare disability.. my question is " is there anyone out there with MS who went through this ? these symptoms?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Well, it would be difficult to comment on the situation without a detailed clinical evaluation. Arthritis could occur as one of the symptom of SLE which could be responsible for joint pains; though other possibilities may need to be considered as well. With your description most of your symptoms sound related to auto-immune conditions and associated hormonal/ endocrinal abnormalities such as easy fatigability, heat intolerance and do not typically sound like MS; except seizures that may need further evaluation. I would suggest seeing an internist or a rheumatologist for a detailed evaluation regarding the possibilities mentioned and appropriate management.
Hope this is helpful.

Take care!