Not sure I have lupus, but........

[Imps]

Hi guys,

I wonder if you can help, I was diagnosed with Fibro in Dec 2012, been backwards and forwards to the GP, consultants etc. Have also had gastric problems and been told I have esopigial dismobility.

Just lately I have a suspicion that I have lupus, but each time I see the doctors everything gets put down to Fibro, but my GP did run blood tests which revealed I am deficient in folate. I've been put on tablets once a day for 4 months with blood tests each month.

What took me to the GP in the first place was the fact my hair is falling out by the bucket load, I've have feet swell up, from no sleep to sleeping 12/14 hours, 6 weeks before Xmas I had tonsillitis, got rid of it for a week and then got laragitus, had a weeks break on Xmas day I started coughing and had laragitus again with conjunctivtus which has left a pain in my chest every time I cough I woke this morning and have a cold!

I told my GP I think my immune system is going crazy, she told me it was fine and the folate is why I've been feeling blah, her words.

I also have pains in my joints not for weeks but months, first it was my ankles which were stiff in the mornings and took 10 mins before I could walk properly. Then my left hip if I walk the next day it hurt so much. My wrist ached, I hadn't knocked or fell on it. I had to splint it for 3 months. My thighs also go numb if I stand too long, I have mentioned this to each GP I've visited for years and not one of them have done or suggested any investigation. Oh I nearly forgot my memory has really gone, I booked in for blood test and turned up a week early, then arrived a day late, I also forgot last night to feedcmy cats which I've had for 12 yeSorry ive rambled but am thinking i might go privatly to the lupus centre in London, do i have to be referred by my gp? Im not sure how to approach my gp to tell her what i suspect!

[LUPUSadmin]

Hi Imps,

Welcome to the community! If you'd like to receive a free information pack about lupus then you can request or download one from here: lupusuk.org.uk/contact-us.

You are entitled to a second opinion on the NHS. I know you said that you've been back and forth to different consultants but maybe you could get referred to one of the Rheumatologists in London? The rheumatology department in University College London Hospital specialises in lupus so that might be worth a try. Just talk to your GP and say that you'd like a second opinion from UCLH.

It would be worth ringing the private clinic if that's where you want to go as I'm fairly sure they do self referrals. My colleague assures me that they take international patients so those wouldn't all be referred. Let us know how you get on.

George

[Imps in reply to LUPUSadmin]

Thanks George, I'll read through the information pack online, have been doing some research re the London clinic and think I will give them a call.

Having looked at the symptoms for Lupus and Fibromyalgia, I have more in the Lupus camp!

I'll keep in touch and let you know the outcome.