Cartilage inflammation

[Lou-876]

Hi I would just like a little advice please... I was diagnosed with discoid Lupus 2 years ago . I’ve had cartilage inflammation in my chest wall since I was 18 ( now 43) which they said could be tietze syndrome. Could this be related to Lupus at all ... I’ve had other symptoms like Raynauds, joint pain, hair loss, fatigue, for many years now but only just had the Lupus diagnosis for 2 years when I developed scarring alopecia & I was taking hydroxychloriquine for a while . The inflammation in my chest has flared up over the last few days & is really painful. I would really appreciate your advice 🙂

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK]

Hi Lou-876 ,

Costochondritis (inflammation where your ribs join your breastbone) is quite a common symptom of lupus.

Have you found anything that helps to ease the pain? Have you been investigated for systemic lupus (SLE)?

[Lou-876 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Hi.... I apply heat & take ibuprofen which helps a little. I’ve had this for over 25 years now & I get this most days so I learn to live with it but some days it’s so painful.

My dermatologist I’ve had my bloods taken on numerous occasion but he says there’s no sign of inflammation in my bloods so keeps ruling SLE out . But I have so many other things like the Raynauds , rashes, I get fever , I have swollen glands on my left side of my neck all the time, hair loss , fatigue.

The tietze’s is the 1 that gives me the pain at the moment it’s so painful... do you think I just be investigated more ( or maybe when things calm down in regards to to the pandemic etc) ! Many thanks for your reply 🙂

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Lou-876]

Inflammation levels in the blood tend not to be used as diagnostic criteria in lupus because they're not always reliable and don't always link with disease activity. It would be best to have tests for the lupus antibodies such as antinuclear antibody (ANA) and anti-DNA antibodies. They should also check complement levels.

You can read more about getting a lupus diagnosis at lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag...

[Lou-876 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you so much for this information... sometimes I feel like I’m hitting a brick wall & made to feel I’m making these symptoms up. Do you think I should ask my gp about having these tests done.

I really do appreciate your advice thanks again🙂

[Paul_Howard Partner LUPUS UK in reply to Lou-876]

I think it would be a good idea to talk to your GP about having those tests. It would be best if they could refer you to a rheumatologist for further investigations.

[Lou-876 in reply to Paul_Howard]

Thank you so much for your advice... I really love this forum as it gives me chance to see how others are coping with this!

Have a wonderful day & many thanks again 🙂