fibromyalgia or lupus

[Pricey110]

hi has anyone else been diagnosed with fibromyalgia but you think it’s more likely to be Lupus. I am constantly tired and just don’t have any energy, hate direct sunlight and have constant pain in my joints. How do I get my GP to actually come to a conclusion it’s so frustrating not knowing.

[Lizard28]

Hi, You need to get your GP to refer you to a Rheumatologist, they are the ones who will diagnose you and do the correct tests. I would start taking pictures and logging all the symptoms that are going on. It can take years to diagnose lupus especially if blood tests keep coming up negative. It took years for me to get diagnosed with MCTD then in the last few years skin lupus. My Rheumy is a stickler for blood tests and wouldn’t just look at the symptoms, it’s very frustrating but keep logging everything down.

[Mctd in reply to Lizard28]

Yes like Lizard says, you need a referral to a rheumatologist. I'm 7 years in my journey. I went private eventually as I was getting nowhere with my GP. He diagnosed Undifferentiated connective tissue disease, secondary Fybromyalgia and Raynaurds. I had so many symptoms initially chronic fatigue and joint pain, headaches, neuropathy, sore mouth and then developed dry eyes, mouth, nose and plagued with what I was told was sinus infection. After mentioning this to the rheumatologist he then diagnosed Sjogren's. However, since seeing a Sjogren's consultant he said it isn't... now seeing gastroenterology and ENT. Its a minefield, but you need to start some sort of treatment. My blood tests constantly come back negative like Lizard's, it is so frustrating. Its a battle. Hope you get sorted. X

[DogHospiceMom]

I have been diagnosed with multiple autoimmune diseases and I believe they all cause chronic fatigue. It constantly affects your energy when your body is attacking itself

[Love2fish2]

I was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 19 years ago. Half way through my blood ANA bloodwork came up positive. It’s a tough journey, the symptoms mimic each other. You have to be blood tested for a Lupus diagnosis.

Good luck and find a good Rheumatologist. They’re as hard to find as a diagnosis ❤️