Just trying to get though the day

[missyluis]

hi I'm Melissa wanting to know more about lupus might have it.

[Saralupuslife]

Ask for blood work asap

[missyluis]

I did I go tomorrow morning to see wat else if any thing it could be

[Tiras]

Hi Melissa; I too am from the U.S.

What are your symptoms?

Do you have any rashes, anywhere from head to toe?

Do you have joint pain?

I agree with saralupuslife, blood work is the first step, then go from there. However I have been told that lupus will only show up in test if it is active, or during a flare up?

I have SLE, COPD, & Malignant Hypertension.

If you go to my home page there are a few photos of some rashes/blisters. I have had a place on my right foot for 2 years, there is another photo of a rash on my upper left thigh where my leg joins my body in the crease of the skin.

Hope you find answers soon.

Tiras

"The Barefoot Gardener"

[missyluis]

Well no rashes yet but a Lil on my face don't know what it is

[Tiras in reply to missyluis]

actually at this point not knowing, it could be anything.

A dermatologist is who finally discovered my Lupus. I had issues for 3+ years but, with me being a guy none of my doctors look for or tested me for lupus. I did not fall into any of the categories to have Lupus.

I would suggest that you take photos of any and all rashes (regardless of the locatin, even in intimate areas) also keep records of joint pain. Swelling, hair loss etc. So that when you do see a doctor you leave out none of your issues and or symptoms.

My wife and I keep a file or folder and she takes photos of all new rashes from head to toe, also note date that they started and how long they lasted. We also keep up with dates on joint pain, feet and hands swelling etc.

I know this may sound extreme but, it lets doctors know what is going on and when.

FYI Coco who is in this community (she will be very helpful also) gave me the name "The Barefoot Gardner" because, I have had rash/lupus place on my right foot for 2 years and I can not wear shoes. So I have been barefoot for 2 years, I have to go everywhere and do everything barefoot. Yes, I have a garden and posted some photos of me barefoot in the garden. Hence Coco (Barnclown) gave me the name.

Wishing You Luck

Tiras

"The Barefoot Gardener"

[milkwoman]

Welcome Melissa!

I'm also in the US. Do you know what blood tests you are having?

Who ordered the blood work? Your GP or a rheumatologist? I'm just trying to determine where you are in this process. It took me about 2 1/2 years to get diagnosed - I have lupus (SLE) and Sjogrens.

The community here is excellent and highly knowledgeable. So ask as many questions as you'd like!

[missyluis in reply to milkwoman]

I went to my regular dr. First about 3 months ago. She did blood work first. I tested positive for something called ana. Then went to neurologist and he diagnosed me with fibromyalgia and carpal tunnel syndrome.now the Remmy is doing the blood work for lupus an other stuff I find out more tomorrow

[milkwoman in reply to missyluis]

You are definitely on the right track. The rheumy should have ordered a complete blood work up and also, a urinalysis. It typically takes about 10 days to 2 weeks to get results back. You will want physical copies of all your test results.

Do you know the result of your ANA? It is usually reported with a titre and a pattern. You can read about this test here: labtestsonline.org/understa...

This may all seem overwhelming. Take a deep breath. You are on your way to finding out why you haven't been well.

Take care.

[RhondaB]

Hello Melissa. A good place to start is to go on the Lupus foundation website. It goes over a lot and different types of Lupus. Also this is a great site. Everyone tries to help. There's also a very good website on face book called Lighthouse for Lupus .. I like the different groups because we all have something in common and been there done that and can tell you what to expect,home treatments, the best cuss words on bad days lol. Seriously I hope you find the answer's your looking for. I will keep you in my Prayers. Blessings.

[Barnclown]

GRRRRREAT photo missy 👍👍👍👍👏👏👏👏

You've got some excellent advice in these wonderful relies...nothing for me to add...except to say that lupus knows no borders...I use UsA lupus websites & UK lupus websites: they all help...and we all need all the help we can get 😉

Am so glad you found our wonderful forum 🌟🌟🌟🌟👭👭👭👭

Looking forward to updates from you

🍀🍀🍀🍀 coco

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi missyluis,

Good luck with your test results. I hope they find an explanation for your symptoms so that you can get them treated.

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