Dr. Nicolson,
Hoping for a little guidance as I wait to see a dermatologist and internist. I am a 34 year old female, and I take advil almost daily to manage aching in my shoulders and legs (and general ill-ease) and have been doing this for many years now. Twice over the last 7 years, for a period of months, I have had joint stiffness (mostly in the morning or after sitting for a period of time), fatigue and tingling extremities. Currently I do not have the fatigue (at least not as bad as it has been in the past), stiffness or tingling, though I now have 'splotches' on the back of my right hand, on the side of my left wrist, and on both ankles and the tops of my feet. I have pictures of these on my profile. I have had these for almost a year, and have treated them with prescription fungal and cortizone creams, but neither worked. It now is starting to appear on my arms, legs and stomach, only much smaller. They do not itch, but the larger ones are more tender than usual when stepped on, banged against something, etc.. I have been tested for M.S. (negative), and blood tests came back negative for the RA factor and ANA antibodies. I have an elevated SED rate, and red blood count is on the low end. I am waiting (6+ months now) to see a dermatologist, and just recently was also referred to an internist.
I am also prone to several respiratory infections per year. I have anxiety, but have learned how to manage this over the years. I have recently lost 50+ lbs, though am still a bit overweight. There is a history of diabetes in my family.
I have been searching and searching and searching on the internet, and my doctor has (very gently) stated that this is a 'mystery' (as we wait for diagnosis..I think she is just hesitant to diagnose Lupus without first involving the Dermatologist and Internist...makes sense), but I am open to any viable possibilities here...even if it gives me something to research as I wait.