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Possible Lupus/Fibro

My younger sister has MS, my son has diabetes type (1) my mom died 2000 complications from Myasthenia Gravis and one cousin died last year, she had MS for 14 years. I've been to (1) neurologist and (2) RU's. After $6,000 of blood tests, an MRI and EMG I've been told its Fibromyalgia— My ANA's have tested postive three times, but negative once. Back in 1995 I tested positive for exposure to Hepatitis B antigen.  It hasn't shown on any new blood work since.

I recently lost my apartment and moved into a cousin's house which is one of the worst dust bowls I've ever seen. I just secured a great job and will be able to get a new place in the next few weeks. Since I moved in with my cousin my face is flush red— burning, itching with blotches. I've used a hydrocortisone cream prescribed over a year ago along with Neutrogena face cream without alcohol, and a Disney product to assist with the severe flaking on the sides of my mouth and corners of my eyes. I can't describe how bad the flaking has gotten, but now with the burning skin that is severely dried out it really hurts. I have loss of skin pigmentation— Vitaligo which started 7 years ago and got bad the past couple of years. This along with joint pain throughout my body. I just bought Zyrtec today with Vitamin B complex to add to my two a day GNC mega men to help with te flaking and red rash. Any suggestions . . .  Thank you!


This discussion is related to Redness and flaking of skin.
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Avatar universal
I've had Fibro for many years now.  The key diagnostic points are: Tenderness in at least 10 of 18 very specific points that your doctor can identify, significant sleep disturbance, aches and pains (not necessarily in the joints), fatigue, confusion and what we call "Fibro Fog".  Ninety+ percent of all cases are in women.  No two cases are the same. Most Fibro patients have other auto immune conditions (arthritis, lupus, Sjogrens, etc.) and other pesky, but not fatal disorders (IBS - irritable bowel syndrome, GERD - gastro esophogeal reflux disorder, TMJD - temporal mandibular joint disorder).  No one really knows what causes Fibro - but most of us notice getting it after a major illness or accident.  There is no blood test, xray or neurological test for it today.  But so much has been learned about the disease in 10 years.  When I was diagnosed, it was a woman's disease referred to psychiatrists.  Today, it's a recognized neurological disorder with medication specifically designed for it!!  Research on Substance P and its link to chronic pain may lead doctors to a cure not only for Fibro patients but other chronic pain people also.  Stick with a Rheumatologist or Neurologist.  With all of the other auto immune conditions in your bloodlines you'll want to make sure you're watch carefully.  Best of luck to you.
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469901 tn?1276563623
I am sorry you are going through this.  The diagnosis process can take a long time and be awfully expensive, too.  I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia but it just did not feel right to me.  I saw a few different docs and finally got to my current rheumy.  I have a long list of things wrong with me but not one of them is fibro.  Sometimes you have to change docs a few times before you can get to one who can diagnose you.  Considering your current symptoms and family history, my suggestion is that you continue to pursue a diagnosis.  Change rheumys as often as you need to until you find one who is interested in your case, will listen to you and pursues this doggedly.
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