Constant infections

[Michelle4267]

Hello, I'm relatively new to this forum and am in the process of waiting for an appointment to see the rheumatologist, my ana was positive and ena was positive for ro, the eye dr I saw said it was weakly positive so not sure what that is going to mean, anyhow for quite a few months I've had infection after infection, constant pain and swelling of joints, my mouth is constantly dry and my eye flares up for scleritis quite a bit. My face has a rash over the cheeks and nose but comes and goes, my immune system is up the creek for certain I do have under active thyroid. Does anyone have these symptoms, my dr has suggested an autoimmune condition but not sure what till I see the rheumatologist. 

[trueman]

Hi I'm not sure about medical side of things but I'm sure you are heading in the right direction with rheumatologist referral. I'm waiting for my first consultation too after years of issues and referrals elsewhere. So good luck! 

Yes. Your symptoms sound a bit like you are going through it all. I get the constant dry throat. I have to go everywhere with water and drink loads but still struggle feeling thirsty and dry mouth. I also feel like my nose is dry a lot. Eyes too. Aches and pains, sharp spasmodic type pain upper back, collar bone/neck, stiffness, extreme tender points.. It goes on and on.. Infections - seems to be my throat with me. Caves in every cold. Sore gums. 

I hope you feel reassured your GP has taken control here and got you moving in the right direction from what I can gather.. 

I'm no expert though so maybe someone else might advise here. 

Take it easy if you can!

[Tiras]

You have the classic symptoms of lupus but, everyone is different, with different issues. You are working in the right direction. 

[EOLHPC]

I agree with these other replies 👍🌟👏👏👏

Will just add: complex persistent pattern infections of all sorts had been my lot all my life when my lupus was finally recognised .5-6 years ago.  Last year, the chief of my rheumatology lupus clinic referred me to immunology due to bad bone marrow function (low blood results re immunoglobulins & lymphocytes).  Immunology have now got to the point where they are diagnosing me with a form of immunodeficiency which is not due to my lupus immunosuppression meds.  So, between rheumatology & immunology both my version of lupus autoimmune trouble & my version of immunodeficiency are being managed much more effectively

Am wishing you success with your medics

Hope you'll let us know how you get on

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Michelle4267,

I'm glad to hear that you've been given a referral to a rheumatologist. I hope that your appointment goes well.

If you need more information about lupus and how it is diagnosed, we have a free pack which you can request or download from our website at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info...

[Michelle4267]

Thank you for your reply everyone, I received a letter today that they will send an appt soon depending on my notes as to how the consultant will view my file as to how important, hmmmm me thinks it could either be months or weeks, as I said earlier I was only weakly positive in my ana and ena apparently. My Dr thought it warranted a trip to see a rheumatologist due to how my  immune system is behaving. This being the second time my tests have come back positive, but saying that it was the second time that I had the test. Do you think that with it being positive both times there is something, I know you cannot diagnose it's just good to be informed. Thanks again for your replies