Could I have lupus?

[Bernadette2074]

Hi, I'm 45. I have been going to doctors to tell them I am very tired for about 9-10 years but after basic blood tests it's put down to hormonal changes. In the last 12-18months, my feet have started to hurt, my knees are sore and sometimes burn with heat (X-rays show normal wear and tear), my wrists and fingers are weaker than they used to be - I've always been very strong for a woman, I keep getting mouth ulcers and have had sores in my nose occasionally for 10 years. I am exhausted and don't have the energy I did even a few years ago, I some times just feel under the weather like I'm coming down with a bug but it never materialises. I suffer with TMJ pain. In the last couple of months I have noticed a rash over my nose and part way over my cheeks, which stops dead in a defined line. The rash is now permanent but the other things are there all the time, at times to a greater or lesser degree. I am taking NSAIDS (naproxen) and when I do I just seem to have more physical energy as my body doesn't feel like it's holding me back. Could all of this point to lupus?

[Hidden]

Bernadette, it definitely sounds like it could be lupus. Can you push for another appt? Take pictures of your face when it’s rashed up and keep

A log on your phone to show the doctors. Also, write your symptoms down as you encounter them, since things change so quickly, that will help

You not to over look any when you are in at your appt.

Keep us posted, and I wish you the best🙏.

[Bernadette2074 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks Brooksidecourt. I made a list of symptoms a few weeks ago and have rewritten it to take to the doctors. I'm going to insist on proper investigation.

[Oshgosh]

Basic bloods don’t diagnose lupusin my experience.

I’d had symptoms for many years.

They were always treated symptom by symptom,eventually,had an emergency admission. Diagnosed with NSIP a lung condition.

After 4 months and loads of blood tests - empty arm syndrome or what!!

All these tests resulted in a diagnosis of lupus.

I hope you get some thing sorted out

[Bernadette2074 in reply to Oshgosh]

Thanks Oshgosh

[Oshgosh in reply to Bernadette2074]

I just hope you don’t have to wait as long as I did. for a diagnosis.

When I saw the rheumatologist when I was an inpatient, I couldn’t believe how much he knew about my day to day symptoms without me telling him.

Hope you get somewhere with this,it must be really hard for you if your GP is reluctant to refer you.

Take care

[Aria_1008]

Hi I wouldn’t take too much notice of the ‘it’s hormonal changes’ statement. That’s what my sister was told for over a decade by a consultant. Her hormones are normal now and she still has a condition classified as an auto immune disease at 45. She has had since 21 where all her hair fell out as a result. Also I’m 43 and have the Malar rash and swollen joints etc and have been diagnosed with connective tissue disease. Just because your bloods are not showing specifics don’t let anyone fob you off as your symptoms are real. Keep a record and photos of everything you suffer and keep going until you get the right support.

[Bernadette2074 in reply to Aria_1008]

Thanks Aria_1008. I have wondered in the last couple of years if it's all in my head but it's really not. I struggle so bad sometimes. I've got my list of symptoms, 11 in all, and will push for a diagnosis of what is really wrong. Appreciate all your responses.