Lupus or rheumatoid arthritis?

[Mimi_m98]

Hello everyone! My name is Mimi I'm 19 years old and for the past couple of months I've been experiencing symptoms of both lupus and rheumatoid arthritis. It started off with a burning sensation in my hands and feet. The burn is so severe that I can't walk or touch anything without it hurting. The burn is accompanied by a rash as well as a discoloration in my hands and feet but it doesn't itch. Sometimes, my fingers would swell up and feel really stiff at the joints but there's no pain. Recently I got a blood test done and the results show that my ANA is negative but my dsDNA is slightly elevated at 36. I haven't been diagnosed yet so does anyone have any idea of what this could be?

Thanks!

[ava97]

if your ana is negative then dnt wry

[Silvergilt]

Difficult to say, but I have to disagree with you being in the clear if the ANA is negative. You can be seronegative but still have raised CRP levels. Still it’s hard to say what’s going on - no one here can diagnose from a few symptoms. Your best bet is to keep a log of the symptoms you’re having and be sure to get a supportive GP who is willing to get some answers and not merely fob you off. Don’t try to hunt Dr Google just yet, but don’t let anyone tell you what you’re experiencing isn’t worth paying attention to.

Good luck!

[Mimi_m98 in reply to Silvergilt]

Thank you! I'm really hoping that I don't end up having lupus.

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Mimi_m98 ,

I'm afraid that we are not in a position to say what may be causing your symptoms. Have you had a referral to a rheumatologist for further investigations?

We have a blog article about getting a diagnosis of lupus which has some helpful information and advice - lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...

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

Please keep us updated with how you are getting on.

[Mimi_m98 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi Paul,

Yes I have been referred to a rheumatologist and got an x-ray done a blood test and a urine test. Everything was normal except my dsDNA which is elevated and my white blood cell count is quite low. My case is still under investigation. Thank you for providing these links I will have a look!

[dugthe]

hi mimi i have struggled and waiting on results back from bloods done by rhuematoligist ,, i struggle every day and am on 2 x 5mg prednisolone a day but most days i need more which only take more 3/4 at most ,,i suffer 2/3 flares a wk at times and have been ill an sore for 5 yrs ,,i now have excruciating headaches like head goin to burst with pain ,, i have had 3 in last 8 days and then all sore after headache ,,all joints get sore an maler rash on face and sores in mouth and up nose and discs on neck wrists and ankles i also get very sore and red hot feet ,, i am going to ask doc for solu medrol iv,, because i read this is ment to stop constant flares ,,i am in scotland and dont know anyone who has it in east of edinburgh,,all the best mimi

[Mimi_m98 in reply to dugthe]

Hi there! I am really sorry to hear that u have been struggling, I am familiar with that feeling too I know it's hard. Hope it gets better and thank u.