Does this look like a malar rash? Would it be seen as one by a doctor, do you think?

[Fluffymella]

I have had joint pain and tiredness for the last six years. This last year it has got significantly worse and although I am overweight, the pain is felt in my fingers and elbows sometimes. My heel and ankle are also badly affected.

The fatigue is debilitating. I have also developed digestive issues and other weird symptoms, including upper abdomen bloating and blurred vision and cognitive problems.

I have a diagnosis of fibromyalgia, but I've challenged this. Recent blood tests showed a mildly elevated CR-P and positive ANA but non e of the ENA were positive, nor were the double stranded DNA.

It is difficult to know what this is, I guess menopause is also a factor, but I feel like I'm not believed when I say I have joint pain, with doctors saying it is muscular pain -without examination I might add. I can barely get out of bed in the morning, can barely walk and my knee and hip and ankle joints get locked if I'm sat for more than about 15 minutes.

I have noticed a lot of redness on my face recently -im usually very fair, with really pale even toned skin. The 'rash' doesn't hurt, but sometimes feels warm to touch.

I guess it could be many things -but I wondered if any of you guys who are diagnosed recognise this as a malar rash?

I'm feeling so unwell these days that I'm struggling to get through every day and work has become such a challenge. It's so depressing.

Many thanks in advance for any given advice!

[Maycontainnuts]

h Fluffymella, sounds as though you’ve got a lot going on there and a much decreased quality of life, it’s so demoralising isn’t it? Many of us know that struggle and can empathise. You didn’t say who diagnosed fibro - GP or Rheumatologist and if the latter whether you are under periodic review because it’s a rheumatologist you need to see. They’ve seen 1000s of facial rashes and know the characteristics of a lupus rash. There are variations, eg mine is not ‘standard’ as it only affects one side of my face. If you are still under review personally I’d be pushing to expedite your next follow-up appointment. If GP, I’d be taking a list of my concerns to the practice manager (including the feeling of not being believed) and asking for a double appointment slot so you can discuss what’s been going on with you & ask for a referral to rheumatology. Even if each symptom in isolation seems minor, when seen as part of a bigger picture, plus the impact on your quality of life and ability to work, you deserve to be taken seriously. We have to be assertive, it doesn’t come easy to everyone and I’ve certainly had to learn Unfortunately menopause can be a spanner in the works The other thing to be aware of is that blood test results aren’t the be all and end all and need to be interpreted along with clinical signs + symptoms. Sending love, hope you find listening and supportive healthcare x

[Championbaker]

Hello. I have the same problem with my joints. I lost weight and it made no difference. Knees lock. Pain from ankles up. It feels like my hips are fused despite doing yoga every day. Lower back aches because of the constant rocking and rolling that accompanies any walking. The only thing that has helped were massive dietary changes. No sugar, caffeine, little red meat and no dairy or gluten. I understand the depression associated with constant pain and how it is underestimated my medical professionals. Hang in there and keep asking for help.