Struggling with a diagnosis

[Ryane96]

Hello,

I have been suffering with what I believe are all symptoms of an unknown autoimmune disease, apart from a face rash and organ damage, for around 4 years.

My blood results showed positive for HLAB27 & ANA ELISA with a low titre rheumatoid factor.

I also suffer with psoriasis, hair loss, extreme debilitating fatigue, hair, swelling, joint pain and stiffness, dry eyes ect.

I’m having difficulty (as is the rheumatologist) as both my x-rays and my spinal MRI has come back clear. He says it is extremely difficult to diagnose anything because of this but has recommended naproxen.

Can anybody recommend a way to increase chances of a clear diagnosis, I am missing so much work I’m afraid I may lose my job, it has taken over my life for weeks and months at a time.

[bunny64]

Hi, sorry to hear you're having such a miserable time with it all, I have all the same symptoms and was diagnosed with psoriatic Arthropathy, which I've had for 39 years, Have you thought about getting a second opinion?

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Hi there, sorry to read you have a lot going on with your health and must be very frustrating for you, I agree with bunny64 I would seek out another GP and get a 2nd opinion until you feel satisfied , perhaps take a close relation with you for some support as well. We have every right to seek the help we need in order to try and live life as comfortable as we can , and as you say it’s affecting work now. Xx

[flashyman in reply to Yassytina]

Hi, sorry to hear about your health issues. I too have been prescribed. Naproxen to pain for my flat feet and anxiety. Most of the time I think the doctors are just trying something else. I had an ultra sound on my elbows the other week. He said he could see some problems in my nerves waiting for results of my MRI scan on my spine. See what that brings. My doctor passed me onto neurologist. The expert I hope. While they find nerve damage or trapped nerve they don't want to give a diagnosis. Till they are sure. I've had gabapentin proscribed they did work but I was totally zombified and just wanted to sleep. Now I'm on pregablin and it doesn't seem to be doing anything for my paid/tingling. Shell probably try me on something else. Its just trial and error till they find something that works well