Hi Everyone
So for the past couple of years I've been suffering from quite a large variety of symptoms which have been gradually getting worse as time goes on.
I've been to my gp for most of my symptoms separately but today I I presented a full list of symptoms, details, hospital visits and photos of my butterfly and chest rash to one of the locums at my surgery and he immediately sent me for initial blood work.
He said they would check my bloods for anything anormal using routine checks and the next stage would be to check for autoimmune markers pointing to something serious in a next round of blood work.
I've to go on Thursday for the results of the generic tests.
Can anyone give me any advice on what sort of questions I should be asking, what I should ensure is being looked at and if this is the right route to be going down for a lupus diagnosis or any other type of autoimmune disorder?
Thanks guys
Symptoms
Constantly aching bones, muscles and neck: I suffer from pain in my lower back, left leg, left buttock, across my shoulders, left knee and my feet. Every day some degree of pain is present though I suffer flare ups in my feet which is debilitating and leaves me hardly able to walk from the burning pain. In the past few weeks the back pain has been constant and debilitating.
- Constant Mouth Ulcers/Receeding Gums: Since January I have had ulcers on my tongue and my mouth every two weeks. Receeding gums for four years.
- Dry eyes and parched mouth: I have been suffering from constantly dry eyes that feel like sandpaper and my mouth is so dry. I drink litres of water every day due to the parched feeling.
- Pleurisy and Shortness of breath: I have had three bouts of Viral Pleurisy in less than a year. GP told me I had repetitive strain injury and refused to listen to my chest. Discovered after trips to A&E. I suffer shortness of breath even just walking up the stairs.
- Constant Fatigue: Debilitating tiredness and sheer exhaustion in my body no matter how much sleep or rest I get. Mentioned to my GP and told to quit my job!
- Butterfly like rash on face and rash on chest: I have had a red rash on my cheeks for a long time but put it down to the change in the weather after moving back to the uk. I also get flare ups of a non itchy rash on my chest.
- Gastrointestinal Issues: Treated for a bleeding Duodenal Ulcer in '08 at the age of 17 following three years of misdiagnosis due to my young age, Hiatus Hernia diagnosed in Oct'15 after an emergency Endoscopy following Oesphagitus and Grade B acid burns to the Oesophagus (vomiting blood, acid reflux and black stools) the gp who referred me told me she suspectes IBS due to stomach cramps, constipation and diarrhea on a long term basis. No further investigation offered. Put on Lansoprazol 30mg.
- Chest pain: Bouts of severe chest pain in March' 16, June'16, August'16. Hospitalisation in August. Clear ECG, bloods and Xray. Inflammation to chest muscle and bone was reason given. Prescribed Cocodamol as can't take antiflammatories due to hernia and ulcer. Oct'16 Another x ray showed continued inflammation of the chest muscle and bone.
- Psoriasis: Cronic psoriasis affecting scalp. Also have patches on elbows, knee, sole of feet, arms and hand. Severe pitting of fingernails, toenails and loss of two toenails. Prescribed Betnovate cream and scalp solution.
-Thining hair: Losing alarming amount of hair after brushing. Also have hair loss after washing and on pillow. Hair is thin and brittle.
-UTI: Three urinary tract infections in less than a year.
-Weight Gain: Have gained 3 stone in 23 months. Lead a much more sedentary life style but adjusting diet hasn't helped.
- Constant headaches/ Migraines/Jaw ache: I have a headache at some point every day. Suffered first Migraine in July'14 and have had four since then. One migraine lasted for a week in June'16. I wake up every day with jaw ache.
-Balance issues and dizziness upon standing: Random episodes of loss of balance resulting in falling or lurching. Blackening of vision when standing. Especially when standing from sitting.
- Sun rash/Night sweats: Itchy red rash after even 5 min exposure to sun. Waking up bathed in sweat and clammy at night.
- Endometriosis