Tonsillitis, and a question about rashes.

[stacieann1989]

Hey guys. Ugh. So, if you saw my last post, you'll know I've not been having such a great time of late. It's been months now and I've not received a clear diagnosis, only for APS syndrome have I been given a definite positive, and "inactive lupus" seen as though my antibody screen came back with a few positives but I wasn't getting any symptoms. The last two days I've spent in bed, just feeling so lethargic and fatigued, with real bad bodily aches, especially in my calves and knees. I had tonsillitis about 6 weeks ago, which I received anti-biotics for, but since then my glands have been constantly swollen and I've been feeling very tired and generally unwell. About four weeks ago I noticed more white bits on my throat, then a few hours later they disappeared so I thought nothing of it. Glands have still stayed swollen, just checked before and the White bits are back. In my last post I also mentioned a strange rash I've been getting on my arms. My question about lupus and bodily rashes is, for anyone who gets them, how long do they take to develop? Is it something that happens over night or does it manifest slowly? And also, I guess; anyone else suffer with continuous bouts of tonsillitis? This will be the fourth time in two years that I've had it. Anyway, I just needed a rant, too. Still cooped up in bed, body is killing me, I'm so tired even though I've slept a lot, and also my eyes feel dry as hell and itchy! Ugh....Going to be a long night!

Hope everyone is well xx

[butch54]

Hi Stacieann

I too have no defined diagnosis just that I have a connective tissue disease with some scleroderma and lupus tendencies. Yes I suffer with tonsillitis a lot and each time it wipes me out. My last bout a couple of weeks ago was slightly different in that I couldn't see the white spots as I normally do, instead the GP saw ulcers down my throat on on the uvula so another batch of antibiotics. The gp puts it down to the state of my immune system. I find the trick is as soon as I feel a change I am straight to the GP as the quicker I get the antibiotics the less it affects me. It is possible to get reactive arthritis after tonsillitis which gives lingering joint pain and fatigue. I would suggest getting back to the doctor for another check up and hope you feel better soon. Gary

[stacieann1989 in reply to butch54]

Thanks Gary. I've got an appointment with my GP tonight. Today I'm bed bound I'm not feeling unwell due to the tonsillitis. Last time I had a raging temp and could barely swallow. I was struggling with joint pain last night, woken up this morning I can barely walk, my knees are so bad It's interesting to hear about the ulcers, because my glands have been swollen for weeks, but I have been getting mouth ulcers, I never really thought about them going into my throat, but glad to know I'm not the only one who suffers these bouts.

Thanks again for the reply,

Take care

Stacey

[Nurseladybird]

Hi Stacieann,

I started getting tonsillitis at 14 and it continued to occur five or six times a year until I was 21. I then had what I thought was a severe bout of sunstroke, which made me feel very unwell for about a year - looking back, that was probably my first lupus flare, but no one I knew had ever heard of it.

I then got more recurrent bouts of tonsillitis in my late 20's and eventually had them taken out at 32. I felt absolutely brilliant for about 5 years, but then started developing gynae issues instead! I had a hysterectomy 2 years ago, felt great for a year, then gradually developed aches and pains in my hands, wrists, elbows, feet, ankles and knees. I assumed it was rheumatoid arthritis (as it runs in my family) so went to the GP, but I tested negative for rheumatoid arthritis and my ANA was positive, so I was referred to the local rheumatology department and after many tests, diagnosed with lupus. My rheumetologist thinks I've had lupus since I was at least 21, but possibly since I was 14 and first stared getting the tonsillitis, and she thinks my dad may actually have had it too (he had lots of symptoms, but was never tested and sadly is no longer with us). Autoimmune diseases are rife in our family and one of my cousin's adult children is currently being tested for lupus too.

Not really an answer to your question! It's so frustrating, not knowing what is connected to what, or whether things are completely unrelated. I just hope you start feeling better soon x

[stacieann1989 in reply to Nurseladybird]

Thanks for the reply you've certainly been through the mill! and I understand with the gyne issues - I've had surgery and diagnosed with endometriosis and PCOS ... And now all this ... Very frustrating and debilitating.

Take care x

[LUPUSadmin]

Hi Stacieann1989,

Sorry to hear that you're still having troubles. I hope that your tonsillitis clears up soon. The NHS have a page that explains recurrent tonsillitis and how it might be treated. You can view it here: nhs.uk/conditions/Tonsillit...

Additionally, if you're being treated with immunosuppressants then you are more vulnerable to infection. It would be worth talking to your GP about your recurring bouts of tonsillitis when you visit them tonight.

Timings can vary from a few hours to a few weeks when it comes to rashes as there are different types. We've got a booklet that explains the different kinds of lupus rashes called 'Lupus and the Skin'. If you're interested, you can find it here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...

George

[stacieann1989 in reply to LUPUSadmin]

Thanks ever so much. I'll take a look at the booklet !

Stacey