Lupus

[Juju1971]

Hi everyoneFirst time posting so fingers crossed.

I was diagnosed with Fibro 3 years ago mostly coping OK, have had a few bad flare ups. But finding now that everytime I call the doctor for anything they just blame my fibro and brush me off!! So the question I'm throwing out to you more experienced sufferers is can you have fibro and lupus I know the symptoms can cross over to both? My blood work says I don't have lupus but I have read that negative blood screen is not a definitive diagnosis??

Sorry about long message.

Thank you fibro warriors x

[Dinkie]

Yes you can have both. However, despite a family history of lupus, a positive ANA test and the butterfly rash I was still diagnosed with fibro. The consultant said I would be far more ill if it were Lupus so many years later (first symptoms in the 80s) I think they are right and I have fibro and not Lupus. Having seen my aunt pass away and my cousin be housebound and very poorly with Lupus affecting most of her organs I'm counting my blessings.

Unfortunately many GPs and indeed those with fibro tend to blame every ailment on fibro. It is however important to make sure new symptoms are checked out. For example, shoulder pain for me was in fact calcific tendonitis and not fibro, likewise ankle pain was a detached ligament and tendon which required surgery.

If you need help with the fibro, perhaps worth asking for a referral to one of the fibro clinics. I attended the Guys and St Thomas' fibro clinic. One appointment only which takes all afternoon. I saw various "experts" rheumatologist, psychotherapist, occupational therapist etc. They put together a plan of action and sent it to my GP. Worth pushing for one if you think it will help.

[Cat00]

My friend has both.

[Yassytina FMA UK Volunteer]

Welcome too the forum x

[1whitestar]

I've wondered this to.

[Sarahvit]

Hi Julu, I have know people who had fibromyalgia later go into having lupus. I have had fibromyalgia for 30+yrs. This was in the 90’s and early 2000’s that some people in the fibromyalgia support groups that went into having lupus. Fibromyalgia likes to invite other health problems to join the party in your body (as I call it).

[caninecrazy]

Hello Julu,

i have both lupus & fibro ( and few other conditions) , Lupus affects my younger brother & sister too (twins) so it does seem to run in our generation. i was diagnosed with lupus first by lots of blood tests, skin biopsy, a lymph node removal for testing, and by my symptoms etc. so from my personal experience it is possible to have both x