I think this is MS and not lupus

[Lauri8967]

Hi, I am a 41 yr old female, mom of two with SLE.  I have been sick for the past 10 years, beginning after a near fatal virus that happened when I was 8 months pregnant with my son.  I was in respitory failure and had ARDS until they finally tried an experimental anti-viral that worked.  After about 9 months, I began having severe fatigue and pain.  Over the next few years, I began having new symptoms, and the others intensified.  I had peripheral neuropathy, swollen and painful joints, seizures, vision problems, debilitating fatigue, etc.  Docs went back and forth between lupus and MS for quite a while, though my ANA was always negative (for lupus) and my spinal tap was neg as well (MS).  My blood work did, however, show highly elevated CRP and sed rate (inflammation indicators), and some other abnormalities non-specific.  My last brain mRI was 5 years ago, which had multiple enhanced lesions in white matter (not HIGHLY suggestive of demylating disease).
Anyway, I stopped seeing my neuro, as all he did was prescribe me more and more pain meds, and actually gave up on docs for a while.  This past winter I becamre really sick again, and was Dxd with lupus by a GP and a rhuemie this May.  My question is this:  My neuro symptms are worse than ever: balance problems, drop foot, neuropathy, patches of numbness on different parts of legs, vertigo, dizziness, etc.  I know lupus can affect the CNS, but it is somewhat rare and very dangerous.  I truly believe that this is MS and NOT lupus.  What is your opinion?  Also, I was put on a daily dose of prednisone, which helped symptoms right away, but seems now to be not as effective.  Should I ask doctor for new brain MRI?  Its been 5 years...
Thanks for any input you may have...
Lauri8967

[Lauri8967]

Thank you Julie - I will do that...
Lauri

[Sarahsmom46]

I would suggest that you consider posting your question to the MS Forum.  The neurology forum vary rarely answers questions about MS or MS-related health issues.  This is from my own experience of trying to get a response.  The MS forum has many caring and helpful members.  This is just a suggestion.  Take care.

Julie