Could all of the problems I have been taking pain meds for be caused from Lupus?

[EmpressofQ]

Hi,  I have had surgery on both knees, carpal tunnel in hands, gallbladder (15 gallstones), a heart ablation for SVT heart rate of 215 for an hour 2 times, neck surgery (with fusion and cadaever bone placement) and back surgery herniated disks and internal spinal chord stimulator placement.  I have DDD (degenerative Disk Disease) OA grade 4 (osteoarthritis no cartilage left on kneecaps), permanent nerve damage in hands from neck herniated disks, herniated disks up and down spine, fibromyalgia (bad), hypothyroidism, liver and kidney damage, nodules (not cysts) all over my thyroid to point of choking me, fibroid cysts all over my breasts, tumor removed in breast, colon polyps removed 3 times, plantar fibromas on both feet, high blood pressure, depression, anxiety, agoraphobia, IBS, Mitral valve prolapse, hiatal hernia, acid reflux, and this week I just got results back from a ct and ultrasound I have a kidney stone (2nd one) and an ovarian cyst. AHHHHHH!!!  All in last 5 years! Surgeries in last 2 1/2.  I'm not sure what was or wasn't caused from lupus.  When I was having all of my surgeries and getting most of these other diagnosies, I had not been dx'ed with Lupus yet. Just dx'ed this last month.  Blood tests and urinalysis tests show liver and kidney problems.  Inflammation, protein in urine, liver enzymes high, high bun/creatine ratio, ALP, and calcium in blood.  Nothing showed up on liver, in scans.   I am asking you because I didn't find a Dr. forum for lupus and my pain management Drs. (my insurance changed the first of the year so I can't see them anymore)  were the ones who suggested it first to my primary care Doctor and my Rheumatologist is 200 miles away.   Can lupus cause most of these problems?  "  Any ideas??  Thanks,

Cindy

[EmpressofQ]

Hi, and thanks for the quick response.  The Drs. did rule out Lupus before because my ANA was within normal limits.  I have just recently been diagnosed with a positive ANA, current symptoms and last 5 years of history.  I had to drive 250 miles to go to a Rheumatologist on my insurance, but it was worth it.  I have been on Plaquenil for about 6 weeks and can just now tell my muscles aren't hurting as much or aching in joints as much.  I was also just recently (about 7 weeks) dx'ed with hypothyroidism, but there again tests were always within normal limits, until I was choking and they found multiple nodules all over the thyroid during an ultrasound.  I can't tell which meds, Plaquenil or Synthroid is helping me on my pain.  I was just wondering if all my extreme problems in the last 3 years was do to the fact my ANA just finally went positive.

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Lupus can indeed manifest with symptoms suggestive of a multitude of diseases.

I am not aware of colon polyps, breast masses, hiatal hernias, kidne stones, ovarian cysts and reflux being associated with lupus.  

Before undergoing the procedures, your physicians should have excluded systemic diseases like lupus before proceeding.

I would discuss your symptoms and history with a rheumatologist.  Going to one at an academic medical center is recommended.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patients education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
www.kevinmd.com