Hi, I have had Fibromyalgia since 2014. My pain levels have gone up over the last year and I keep getting this rash/flushing on my face and neck every few days. I have liver problems, underactive thyroid and high BP.
Could it be that I have Lupus ? What tests would I need to have ? Do the problems I already suffer with occur with Lupus ?
Hi Debra. Many people get diagnosed with fibromyalgia before acquiring a formal connective tissue disease diagnosis. The rash on your neck and face can be seen in lupus but also in many other connective tissue diseases. Lupus doesn’t typically effect the liver but there are plenty of us with thyroid issues, which seems to be an organ susceptible to the autoimmune gambit. High BP is nonspecific and can be associated with many things.
I’d ask your GP to send off an ANA to screen for any connective tissue diseases. If it comes back positive then more digging can be done. Lupus diagnosis is made based on both clinical and laboratory criteria.
lupusresearch.org/understan...
Hope this helps answer your question and you find relief soon. ❤️xx
Hi Debra,
I have facial flushing every morning usually after I drink coffee and it lasts until the afternoon. I have Lupus, symptoms of crest syndrome although not officially diagnosed and autoimmune liver issues so not sure which one it applies to.
Hi Debra, welcome to the forum. I am not clinically accredited but I do have lupus and was originally diagnosed with fibromyalgia. That’s quite common. Ideally you need a rheumatologist and dermatologist to confirm your thoughts.
On my experience in the UK most hospitals the two departments cross over and communicate very well. I hope you obtain the clarity you are looking for cos it’s not an easy path to follow and can be frustrating or costly if you feel the need to go private.
Best wishes.
Hi Debra24,
According to The Lupus Encyclopedia, a malar (butterfly) rash is usually a pink or reddish-coloured rash which mainly occurs on the cheeks and the bridge of the nose. It is important to remember that lupus presents different in everybody therefore, the rash can present differently on some people and also appear on the forehead, chin and chest.
A malar rash is generally not permanent; it often appears when disease activity is higher (during a flare) or when exposed to certain triggers such as sunlight/UV light perfumes, creams, and in some cases heat from hot water when taking a shower. Your doctor will be the only person to confirm if your rash is a lupus-related rash.
To find out how rashes can be treated, you can read our booklet on lupus and the skin here: lupusuk.org.uk/wp-content/u...
Around 20% of people with SLE will also have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia. It is common for fibromyalgia to be diagnosed during the early stages of lupus. To learn about the specific tests and criteria that need to be met to make a diagnosis of lupus, read our blog article at lupusuk.org.uk/getting-diag....
Best wishes,
Chanpreet
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