Lama
Thanks for the information. I will try to get in to see a rheumatologist as soon as possibe.
Also - not sure if important - but initially in 2008 - extremely stiff and sore neck - so tipped head to left andchin up to right and pushed. The neck popped like when you go to a chiro. Next day is when I noticed symptoms.
Two weeks ago - I stood up and stretched arms back - neck cracked and I had immediate intense pain on both sides of neck with limited ROM expecially to the left. Unable to swallow without pain in vertbrae for approx 5 days. On bed rest This is why I started Naproxen again and stopped all other meds (hurt too much to swallow them).
For further info - I have posted a complete history in the autoimmune community and the neurology community. Sorry this is so long but I am not sure what is relevant and what is not.
Thanks so much.
Sorry - I had all above symptoms for over a year - above I indicated they were gone - I meant the sensations were gone. I was unable to sweat, feel hunger, feel aches or muscles pains, numb etc.
Thanks for using the forum. I am happy to address your questions, and my answer will be based on the information you provided here. Please make sure you recognize that this forum is for educational purposes only, and it does not substitute for a formal office visit with a doctor.
Without the ability to examine and obtain a history, I can not tell you what the exact cause of the symptoms is. However I will try to provide you with some useful information.
It sounds like you have many symptoms that would be difficult to tie into one diagnosis; there is a word limit for posts on the physician's forum so that a summary can be provided so that answers can be more focused to a specific question. That would optimize our ability to answer your questions.
The findings of mildly decreased metabolism on SPECT are of unclear significance, and would be unlikely to be related to drug-induced lupus. Some causes of decreased symmetric metabolism on SPECT in the distribution described include medication effects, early dementia, and just a product of the test and its interpretation.
Some of the symptoms you experienced when you stopped all your medications may have been withdrawal symptoms (stopping zoloft suddenly can lead to withdrawal) and this is recommended against.
Neuropathy can affect the peripheral nerves and lead to muscle aches, autonomic symptoms such as sweating abnormalities, and urinary symptoms. Neuropathy is evaluated for based on thorough examination and history, with ancillary testing as appropriate. Crestor can also lead to muscle aches, and this would be supported by an elevated creatine kinase on blood testing.
Drug-induced lupus is diagnosed based on specific laboratory critera; a positive ANA alone is not diagnostic of DILE. But if the diagnosis has been confirmed, DILE can lead to a variety of symptoms as you know, and many of your symptoms do not sound neurologic in origin. Discussion with your rheumatologist is recommended, with followup with a neurologist as indicated.
Thank you for this opportunity to answer your questions, I hope you find the information I have provided useful, good luck.