Is lupus difficult to diagnose, I seem to have most of the symptoms?

[woodbon]

[Hidden]

Yes - is the answer to that, Woodbon. Lupus can mimic many other things, and you can have lupus-like symptoms without having lupus. Lots of people here have been ill for a long time without a formal diagnosis, and some (like me) were told they had a variety of other things before a lupus diagnosis. Have you have blood tests? What do your doctors say? Hopefully - you WILL get a diagnosis and it will turn out not to be lupus, but something curable. But if it does turn out to be lupus, there are places to turn for support, and this forum is not such a bad place to begin.

[Tigerlily4]

Yep, definitely, sometimes Woodbon. Ask to be referred to a rheumatologist would be my advice and take it from there. x

[jennyhe]

I am with the other 2 here Woodbon, it is difficult to diagnose and I relaly do hope you dont have it but you do need to be reffered to a rheumatolagist who can start the ball rolling keep us informedx

[Hidden]

St thomas's Louise Coote Lupus unit have info on the symptoms and LupusUk have fact shhets .Print some for your GP and ask to see a rheumatologist. Good luck.

[fredfar]

Yes it can. I went ill for ages. You need to get your doctor to refer you to a rheumatolagist, as mine didnt show up on blood test but did on a skin sample they took. Everyone is different, but learn to know your body, what works best for you, food/exercise/work etc, its the only way to adjust and cope well with it, like with any illness.