Could I have Lupus?

[Biff2019]

Hi, I'm new to this site but I could do with a bit of advice. I've been looking into the possibility of having Lupus and I seem to have a lot of the symptoms, but I'm not sure how I would approach a GP about this or whether or not I should.

I've had a list of various health problems on and off since I was 16, which has slowly been increasing/getting worse. I've got a diagnosis for some of these but there are so many that I feel like they might all be related, which is how I found about about Lupus. Here they are:

Raynaud’s, which also causes the skin on my knuckles to crack

Rashes on my arms and neck

Dry and Sensitive skin around my eyes

Dry and irritated scalp

I had a hemithyroidectomy in 2014 due to a goitre that was suspected to be cancerous (and thankfully was not). I’m not on any medication for this.

Swollen glands on my neck for no apparent reason

Mild aching and stiff joints in my hands (mainly when my hands are cold)

High eosinophil count after have a blood test for a full blood cell count

Tiredness, headaches and poor spatial awareness. Sometimes I'll get days where I just feel weak

Previous cases of anxiety, which caused me to go to cbt

Recurring cystitis since October 2018, which is currently being looked into. There is no sign of irritation following a cystoscopy and no sign of infection from urine tests, however I am still in pain almost every day.

I commonly get tonsil stones

Most of these issues come and go but they do seem to occur around the same time, and usually during the colder months, between October and March. I've had a wide variety of blood tests (blood cell count, thyroid function, rheumatoid…) and all that showed up was the high eosinophil count.

If anyone can give me their opinion or advice, that would be great! Everything is really getting me down at the moment.

Thank you

[KayHimm]

You certainly have a lot of non-specific symptoms that are concerning. The two that stand out as in the “rheumatologic” category possibly are your Raynaud’s and swollen glands. The rashes may be significant. Could you see a dermatologist when they are apparent? You definitely should see a doctor. Take your temperature when you are not feeling well. Keep records and photos. And good luck. K

[Biff2019 in reply to KayHimm]

Thanks so much for the advice! I'll try to focus on recording as much as possible and maybe start with dermatology. Sorry I didn't reply sooner, and thanks again!

[Chanpreet_Walia LUPUS UK]

Hi Biff2019,

Welcome to the LUPUS UK HealthUnlocked community. We offer a free information pack which you can download or request at lupusuk.org.uk/request-info.... The pack contains factsheets and guides discussing the common symptoms associated with lupus and how lupus can be diagnosed. You may find it helpful to take this pack with you to your GP when asking to be tested for lupus.

To learn about the specific criteria and tests needed in order to make a diagnosis of lupus, click here lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...

We published a booklet on lupus and the skin which you may find helpful to read - lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u... Around 60%-70% of people with lupus experience some sort of skin involvement.

The Lupus Encyclopedia provides helpful tips and information on how to treat dry/itchy skin which is listed below:

•Take shorter baths and showers

•Do not use soap on most body surfaces, except underarms and private areas

•After bathing or showering, pat the skin dry; do not rub (rubbing removes moisturising oils)

•Avoid using fabric softeners. They irritate dry skin.

•Use baby shampoo to wash hair/scalp

We published a blog article on coping with itchy rashes which you can read here: lupusuk.org.uk/coping-with-...

It is important to remember that lupus presents differently in everybody, therefore, no two people will share the exact same experience. People with lupus can experience periods of remission where their sign and symptoms are reduced due to lower disease activity within the body. Periods of remission vary from person to person.

If you would like to chat with someone over the telephone, please email me at [e-mail] and I can put you in touch with one of our trained LUPUS UK Contacts (our Contacts are all volunteers who mostly have lupus themselves).

Please let us know how you get on, wishing you all the best.

[Biff2019 in reply to Chanpreet_Walia]

Hi,

Thank you for all the info! I'll have a good read through it all and try to go from their, and I'll get in touch if/when I need some more in depth advice and opinions. Thanks again!